One of the most prolific players to ever play the game of basketball will be speaking at this year?s basketball banquet. “A Distinctly Unique Evening with Bill Walton” will be held in the University Union Ballroom Thursday, Dec. 13.

Walton?s achievements are many, from enjoying success on the hardwood to excelling at the broadcasting booth.

“I?m the luckiest guy alive,” Walton said. “I have played for many great coaches. The experiences I have had are unbelievable. I am truly the most fortunate person on earth.”

Most recently, Walton joined the Lead “NBA on NBC” Broadcasting Team. He joins Marv Albert and Steve “Snapper” Jones. Walton thinks this has been more of an accomplishment than any accolade from his playing days. He started his broadcasting career in 1990, and was involved with CBS and NCAA coverage in the early 90s. He is currently working for NBC, MSNBC, Turner Sports and KCAL, covering the Los Angeles Clippers.

“(Broadcasting) by far is the greatest accomplishment of my life. Basketball was easy,” Walton said. “This is the ultimate dream come true. To be a sportscaster with the speech impediment that I have is unbelievable.”

The banquet?s topics will range from basketball to education, as well as Walton?s experiences throughout life. Walton will discuss how athletics and education give the ability to create a life. He will talk about the importance of the community, the importance of the team and how these two units are considered your families. The friendships you make and the lessons learned are just as important as the game itself.

“We are in tough times now,” Walton said. “When things are tough, there is a time to rededicate yourself to the team.”

Every level of competition has been a success for the big man, most notably at UCLA, where the legendary John Wooden coached. Wooden was last year?s guest speaker at the banquet.

While in college at UCLA, Walton was a member of two NCAA championship teams (1972-73), while compiling an NCAA record 88 consecutive game-winning streak. During his three years, UCLA compiled an 86-4 record. A bid for a third NCAA championship was cut short his senior year when he broke his back.

Awards at the college level include The Sporting News College Player of the Year, Naismith Award winner and The Sporting News All-America first team. He also ranks first in career rebounds with 1,370, second in field goal percentage (.651), third in scoring average (20.3 ppg) and 10th in career points (1,767).

But that was not possible without Wooden, Walton noted. Although Wooden is recognized as one of the best college coaches, Walton and his teammates did not recognize that at the time.

“We didn?t realize how special he was,” Walton said. “He is the single most influential and special person besides my dad. He (Wooden) was the only coach for me.”

Walton went on to a professional career that was cut short by injuries. He was the first overall pick by the Portland Trailblazers in 1974. The young expansion franchise went on to win the NBA Championship in 1977, and according to Walton, was the youngest team to win a championship. He closed out his career with the Boston Celtics in 1987. While with the Celtics, he collected another championship in 1986, and received the NBA Sixth Man Award.

Walton?s career came to a halt because of foot and knee problems, but that made him realize things happen for a reason.

“My career was one of frustration and disappointment,” Walton said. “I was one of the most injured players in NBA history. But, I have been able to have a good life. It?s been a remarkable experience. The adversities in my life have made me a better person. Life?s greatest lessons are learned from failure and adversity.”

Students can purchase tickets for $25 to experience “A Distinctly Unique Evening with Bill Walton.” For more information, contact Kelly Moreno at 278-4263.