BILL WALTON TRIBUTE TO HONOR BASKETBALL GREAT AT HELIX HIGH ON JANUARY 3
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Tickets on sale now at https://www.gofan.co/event/2594824?schoolId=CA22796
By Ben Perez
December 23, 2024 (La Mesa) --Always saying he was honored to be from East County, "Billy from La Mesa" is how Bill Walton wanted people to know him and greet him.
So it's only fitting that his high school alma mater in La Mesa is honoring him with a special event in January.
At nearly seven feet tall, with an almost literally larger-than-life persona and an endearing, charismatic personality-- a basketball star at Helix High School, the University of California at Los Angeles and professionally -- a beloved, knowledgeable sports announcer and broadcaster, music aficionado, father, husband and friend, passed away in May of 2024.
To pay honor to his memory, Helix has organized a tribute basketball game for fans of Walton. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m., January 3, 2025, during the Highlanders game against University City High School.
The event offers the community, friends and basketball fans an opportunity to honor Walton's enduring impact on the sport and his deep ties to San Diego County.
Walton was a 1970 graduate of Helix, a standout player who led the Highlanders to two CIF championships. His leadership and exceptional high school performances on the court paved the way for a legendary career at UCLA and in the NBA. Walton passed away on May 27, 2024, at the age of 71, after a battle with cancer.
The tribute game will feature special ceremonies to celebrate Walton's legacy and his contributions to the sport.
Walton was one of the most celebrated basketball players in history, known for his exceptional skills and versatility.
Oncourt, he was known for his exceptional passing, defense and rebounding skills and played with incredible passion and intensity.
Off the court, he had a nearly perfect memory and was a passionate advocate for health, wellness and community causes.
Photo, right: Bill, the late Ernie Erwin and Kristine Alessio. Photo courtesy Karen PearlmanWalton was also passionate about social justice and environmental causes. He appeared at several East County Magazine events.
Unconventional and a free thinker, he also had deep devotion to The Grateful Dead, reportedly attending his first Dead concert at age 15, in 1967.
Walton is estimated to have attended more than 850 Dead shows and became close friends with Jerry Garcia and other members of the eclectic band.
He likened basketball to Grateful Dead, saying that both were about improvisation, teamwork and creating something magical in the moment.
He once said, "The Grateful Dead are the soundtrack to my life. They help me navigate the highways and byways, the ups and downs, and the ever-changing currents of life."
Walton was born Nov. 5, 1952 in La Mesa.
He led Helix to two San Diego CIF championships and established himself as a dominant force.
At UCLA, playing for famed coach John Wooden, Walton led UCLA to two NCAA Championships (1972 and 1973), and was part of UCLA's 88-game winning streak.
Walton was a three-time NCAA Player of the Year (1972-74). One of his most remarkable performances came in the 1973 NCAA championship game, when he scored 44 points -' making 21 of 22 shots.
Walton was the No. 1 overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1974 NBA Draft. He played for thw Trail Blazers from 1974-79), then was a member of the San Diego Clippers/Los Angeles Clippers (1979-85) before finishing his NBA playing career with the Boston Celtics (1985-87).
With Portland, Walton led the team to their first and only NBA Championship in 1977. He was named NBA Finals MVP in 1977 and was the NBA MVP in 1978
With the Celtics, Walton played a vital role as a "sixth man" during the Celtics' 1986 championship run. He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1986.
Walton was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1993 and in 1996 was honored as l one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
He later became a popular broadcaster, known for a unique commentary style and love for the game.
In the months following his passing, other tribute events have been held to honor his legacy:
Before Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 6, 2024 between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks, the Celtics honored Walton, a key player in their 1986 championship team.
The team held a moment of silence, and players wore black shooting shirts with "Walton" emblazoned on them and a tie-dye background, reflecting his love for his favorite band, The Grateful Dead. Members of Walton's family were in attendance during a heartfelt tribute.
At UCLA, where Walton had a storied college career leading the Bruins to multiple NCAA championships, the Bruins have announced plans to honor him during a men's basketball home game against Ohio State on Feb. 23, 2025.
Fans attending the UCLA game will receive commemorative posters and tie-dyed T-shirts, celebrating Walton's contributions to UCLA.
His legacy also lives on at the Bill Walton Gymnasium, located within the Brady Family Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County. The 10,000-square-foot facility is part of the larger 26,000-square-foot clubhouse situated at 7600 Junior High Drive, near Helix High.
The gymnasium was officially dedicated on October 4, 2018, marking the first time a gym bore Walton's name.
During the ceremony, Walton expressed his deep connection to the community
"My life has always been about the dream of being part of something special," he said. "Nothing has been more special than to see this dream come true."
Photo left courtesy Karen PearlmanThe establishment of the Brady Family Clubhouse, including the Bill Walton Gymnasium, was made possible through significant community support. Philanthropists Ron and Mary Alice Brady contributed $3 million towards the nearly $10 million project, which also included an endowment to fund the clubhouse's operations.
The City of La Mesa facilitated the development by offering the land on a 50-year lease at a nominal rate, emphasizing the community's commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for local youth.
Walton was involved in the fundraising efforts for the gym, his dedication to the project underscoring his commitment to give back to the community that played a pivotal role in his early life and career.
For more information on the special Walton/Helix basketvall game and events set at Helix in January, check gofan.co or contact helixalumnihoops@gmail.com.