Kansas basketball fans had fun with Bill Walton on Sunday. The legendary former player turned broadcaster enjoyed his first trip to Allen Fieldhouse.
Love him or not, ESPN sent Bill Walton to cover Sunday’s Kansas basketball game. Some fans would prefer not to listen to his color commentary. As a matter of fact, many fans can’t get enough of his crazy antics. Walton seemed to have fun on a day Jayhawk fans would like to forget.
During the game, Walton did what fans expected. He talked about anything, everything and a little basketball. It’s perfect for the late-night coverage of the Pac 12 games. On the other hand, it’s not ideal for a Sunday afternoon.
Before the game, Kennetra Pulliams on Spectrum Sports Jayhawks Gameday Live interviewed Walton. The former UCLA and NBA great was on a roll well before the Jayhawks Sunday tipoff. It was probably one of the easiest interviews Pulliams will ever do. Walton loves hear himself talk and is always enthusiastic.
As Pulliams attempted to introduce the legend to viewers, Walton made sure she knew
"I’m Bill and there is nothing legendary about me. This (referring to Allen Fieldhouse) is where the legends are."
Walton told Pulliams how warm, kind generous and welcoming the people in Lawrence were to him. Walton commented on the history, talent and the standard of excellence at KU. He admitted he is guilty of a lot of things in life but none more egregious than “not having been here before.”
Viewers could tell Walton certainly did his homework on Hall of Fame Basketball coach Bill Self’s program. He said he looked forward to meeting Andrea Hudy, the University of Kansas Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance. Kansas fans know how important she is to the Jayhawks.
Lewis and Clark and college basketball
After all of that, Walton drifted onto thoughts of crossing the Missouri River on the way to Lawrence from the airport. He said he had to consider the days of Lewis and Clark. Walton compared the challenges and uncertainly and doubt of their 1800s expedition to college basketball players coming to the game. “You never know what’s going to happen.” With Walton, you never know what he’s going to say.
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In the midst of that thought on Lewis and Clark, Walton transitioned into Wilt Chamberlin, Phog Allen, James Naismith, Roy Williams and Larry Brown. Walton admitted he had, made it to the promised land. That’s a dramatic statement from a player who won two NCAA championships and 2 more titles the NBA. I just hope the Jayhawks play better then next time Walton in in Lawrence.