Bill Walton - Legend

UAGreg · Post by **UAGreg** » Wed Dec 17, 2014 1:14 pm

Merkin wrote:ODogg tweeted that Bill told some UA fans to "fcuk those refs" when he was leaving.

Pretty sure that was Oakland's coach, not Bill.

Olsondogg · Post by **Olsondogg** » Wed Dec 17, 2014 1:16 pm

Merkin wrote:ODogg tweeted that Bill told some UA fans to "fcuk those refs" when he was leaving.

http://akorra.com/2010/03/04/top-10-nat ... creations/

This fungus is so large that it has claimed the title of the largest organism on the planet. Whilst the Great Barrier Reef is actually a collection of separate organisms, this fungus is linked underground effectively making it one huge mushroom. It is so large that it spans 9 square kilometres (2,200 acres) of the Malheur National Forrest in Oregon. On the surface, this vast fungal colony is not so impressive to look at, sprouting only small visible mushrooms, but belowground it is the largest fungal colony in existence.

If I did...it was a mistake, I meant the coach of the other team. He was walking off the floor and mentioned it to fans seated on the way out. Not Bill.

EOCT · Post by **EOCT** » Wed Dec 17, 2014 4:40 pm

gumby wrote:
Starting to get concerned about any of the above? Just turn off the games, put down the phone or tablet, back away from the computer, and kick back, Walton-style.

Gonna do it.

Gumby, you're forgetting one thing. But wait....it's no longer the 70s.

Oh, what the hell.

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Wed Dec 17, 2014 4:45 pm

I was L 7, man.

phenom5 · Post by **phenom5** » Wed Dec 17, 2014 4:55 pm

Walton stood in the second half until Oakland scored their first FG...how can you not love the guy?

EVCat · Post by **EVCat** » Wed Dec 17, 2014 9:54 pm

He can annoy if calling a tight game where no one is in the mood.

But most of the games he does are far from close, and I love anticipating (impossible) what he will say next. Will he critique FTs? The officials? The people who dislike the officials? The salsa at the shop he ate lunch at? Who knows..

But in between that babble, he makes salient points about the game, in sweeping strokes that I think some people miss

Chicat · Post by **Chicat** » Wed Dec 17, 2014 10:00 pm

EVCat wrote:But in between that babble, he makes salient points about the game, in sweeping strokes that I think some people miss

He does? I must be one of those that miss them because all I hear is some version of "basketball is a simple game where the ball needs to be passed around to get the best shot and that shot must go in the basket in order to score while the other team tries their hardest not to allow a good shot to be put up".

For a guy who played the game at the highest levels, his knowledge seems to be all on the surface. Or maybe that's just the psilocybin talking.

catgrad97 · Post by **catgrad97** » Wed Dec 17, 2014 10:04 pm

He's very entertaining, but it's amazing how many of us forget how he called the 'he touched the ball' game with UCLA and never even questioned a call once.

In fact, I seem to remember the refrain was that the Arizona players "weren't focused enough." Of course, I only had to use an illegal stream to watch that one, so maybe not many of you were able to actually watch the Michael Irving fiasco on TV.

Daryl Zero · Post by **Daryl Zero** » Wed Dec 17, 2014 11:16 pm

Chicat wrote:
EVCat wrote:He does? I must be one of those that miss them because all I hear is some version of "basketball is a simple game where the ball needs to be passed around to get the best shot and that shot must go in the basket in order to score while the other team tries their hardest not to allow a good shot to be put up".

For a guy who played the game at the highest levels, his knowledge seems to be all on the surface. Or maybe that's just the psilocybin talking.

Those humungous mushrooms tend to be quite chatty.

phenom5 · Post by **phenom5** » Thu Dec 18, 2014 6:36 am

EVCat wrote:He can annoy if calling a tight game where no one is in the mood.

Now that is absolutely the truth. I believe that is what started a lot of the Walton hate.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe it was a game @ UCLA earlier in the year, not the Pac12 Championship game. UCLA won big, and UA...frankly, didn't look very good. Walton called UA out, and sang the praises of UCLA. It came off as very UCLA homer-esque. What people didn't realize is the Walton is hyperbole personified. Teams that play moderately well become one of the 9 greatest displays of basketball in the history of mankind. People take that shit to heart, especially when it's a negative comment.

I will say this, Bilas was a joy to listen to the other night. If every other announcer was closer to his level, then I'd have a problem with Walton, but they aren't, The don't bring any insight to the table...or the completely off beat stories that Walton brings. It's just recycled, puff piece stories about Rondae's FTs or TJ & Miller. I guess some people really need to hear those stories to enjoy the game.

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Thu Dec 18, 2014 7:28 am

phenom5 wrote:Walton stood in the second half until Oakland scored their first FG...how can you not love the guy?

It was his reason that stunned me: To see the game.

For me, he's like going to the game with someone who wants to talk about anything but. Tolerable in a blowout. Annoying if it's not. This does not mean I endorse the formulaic talking points uttered by others. In fact, if I hear the shimmy story one more time, I might cry.

But it's not either/or. Someone at some point determined that sports fans cannot be trusted with silence. At NBA games, it's incessant music, even as the game is being played. For the home viewer, it's constant chatter. The two extremes are Waltonesque stream of unconsciousness and the guy who breaks down every freaking possession. And the announcers who recycle anecdotes. How sad for those in attendance to have to watch without those insights.

If I were king of the world, I would have announcers shut up during possessions. Bring up the ambient sound. And sprinkle lightly with stats and foul totals. Use lots of graphcs during free throws to fill in information. And, here's the radical part: One announcer.

Don't need instant analysis when at games. Don't need it at home. Turning down the sound loses crowd reaction. So that's an unsatisfactory solution. Listening to "characters" isn't the answer either.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Thu Dec 18, 2014 4:17 pm

He stood because the scholarship row(floor seats) people were standing and blocking his view

Chicat · Post by **Chicat** » Thu Dec 18, 2014 4:47 pm

gumby wrote:
phenom5 wrote:Walton stood in the second half until Oakland scored their first FG...how can you not love the guy?
It was his reason that stunned me: To see the game.

For me, he's like going to the game with someone who wants to talk about anything but. Tolerable in a blowout. Annoying if it's not. This does not mean I endorse the formulaic talking points uttered by others. In fact, if I hear the shimmy story one more time, I might cry.

But it's not either/or. Someone at some point determined that sports fans cannot be trusted with silence. At NBA games, it's incessant music, even as the game is being played. For the home viewer, it's constant chatter. The two extremes are Waltonesque stream of unconsciousness and the guy who breaks down every freaking possession. And the announcers who recycle anecdotes. How sad for those in attendance to have to watch without those insights.

If I were king of the world, I would have announcers shut up during possessions. Bring up the ambient sound. And sprinkle lightly with stats and foul totals. Use lots of graphcs during free throws to fill in information. And, here's the radical part: One announcer.

Don't need instant analysis when at games. Don't need it at home. Turning down the sound loses crowd reaction. So that's an unsatisfactory solution. Listening to "characters" isn't the answer either.

You sir, are absolutely correct.

If I'm watching a late night Arizona vs. Nobody State game I likely already know the shimmy story. I also don't likely need to hear a 7 minute extended version story about the next Bob Dylan album. I would like to know how York got open on that play and maybe an example of what makes the pack line so effective.

But here's a novel idea announcers... SHUT THE FUCK UP AND LET ME ENJOY THE GAME.

Television is a visual medium. If I wanted to hear some jackass drone on just to fill the silence I'd invite my father-in-law over.

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Thu Dec 18, 2014 5:02 pm

I'm telling!

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Thu Dec 18, 2014 7:28 pm

When Vitale used to do more UA games my dad would turn the TV sound off and put the radio on, even with the TV delay.

Hasn't heard if he does the same with Walton or not.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Fri Dec 19, 2014 11:46 pm

Some Bill Walton in this one:

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Fri Jan 09, 2015 12:19 pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/410819159082604

http://www.ticketfly.com/event/757031-e ... on-tucson/

Jim Rosborough:

Please join us for an evening of music, basketball, and Bill Walton! Your ticket will include great food from Little Poca Cosa and Oasis at Wild Horse Ranch, plus I will be hosting a Q&A with Bill on Music, Basketball, & Life. There will also be a photo booth and autograph signing, and Pop-A-Shot with the basketball legend. We will close out the night with music by Top Dead Center, who will be joined by Bill. Proceeds from this event benefit the non-profit Rialto Theatre Foundation.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Fri Jan 09, 2015 12:37 pm

Oh fuck.

Chicat · Post by **Chicat** » Fri Jan 09, 2015 12:59 pm

I can already smell the patchouli and unwashed feet...

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Fri Jan 09, 2015 1:03 pm

Probably one of the five most important nights in the history of the Old Pueblo.

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Fri Jan 09, 2015 2:04 pm

Head meet desk.

CBCat · Post by **CBCat** » Sat Jan 10, 2015 6:52 am

Jefe wrote:https://www.facebook.com/events/410819159082604

http://www.ticketfly.com/event/757031-e ... on-tucson/

Jim Rosborough:

Please join us for an evening of music, basketball, and Bill Walton! Your ticket will include great food from Little Poca Cosa and Oasis at Wild Horse Ranch, plus I will be hosting a Q&A with Bill on Music, Basketball, & Life. There will also be a photo booth and autograph signing, and Pop-A-Shot with the basketball legend. We will close out the night with music by Top Dead Center, who will be joined by Bill. Proceeds from this event benefit the non-profit Rialto Theatre Foundation.

OMG would love to go to this. Love Mr. Bill Walton.
The synergy...15-20 yrs from now when Sean is retired...Luke Walton the next U of A Basketball HC. Would be the greatest winning press conference in the history of winning press conferences!

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Sat Jan 10, 2015 10:08 am

Be hilarious if he just talked hoops the entire time. And when asked about music and llfe, he steered it back to hoops.

Zero · Post by **Zero** » Sat Jan 10, 2015 10:59 am

Thinking I need to go to this.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Sat Jan 10, 2015 11:37 am

if i didn't have to work fairly late next friday I was strongly considering going.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 10:10 am

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 10:21 am

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 12:07 pm

Reydituto · Post by **Reydituto** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 12:28 pm

UAEebs86 wrote:

This is pretty good. My problem is that my bingo sheets have been too specific as to his phrases, when subject matter might be a better approach. These are also more generalized sheets I use game to game, instead matchup targeted sheets as above. Going to be interesting with Bilas taking half the commentary time.

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 2:19 pm

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 2:29 pm

gumby wrote:

Now that's funny! Starting to like Bilas more and more.

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 3:02 pm

Kinda bummed Im going to the game. Would like to listen

rgdeuce · Post by **rgdeuce** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 3:19 pm

atlantakat wrote:Hmm.

Ban Bill Walton -- the single biggest (and tallest) Lute Olson/Sean Miller/Arizona Wildcats homer announcer in the basketball hall of fame, who just happens to be maybe the second greatest player to wear a UCLA uniform -- and all he wants to talk about is how great Steve Kerr, every kid that ever came through the U of A program, Tucson, Linda Ronstadt and the Greatful Dead are.

Gee! You are right. Ban him for life.

That's what has me shaking my head. Every game he does, facebook blows up with complaining and talking about how he is anti-Arizona. He is a great basketball mind and calls BS and ugly basketball out when he sees it. He is WAY more critical of UCLA.

Walton is great, and it is mostly young kids and women who have a problem with him.

RockyRaccoon · Post by **RockyRaccoon** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 4:14 pm

Walton is the GOAT announcer.

Anyone who doesn't appreciate him is a philistine.

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 4:37 pm

“For me, it’s been an extraordinary week of preparation,” Bilas said jokingly. “I’ve been listening to a lot of Grateful Dead, burning incense and tie-dying my clothing in my backyard. So I think I’ll look good, smell good and I’ll be totally prepared if there’s any sort of reference to the Dead.”

Jefe wrote:Kinda bummed Im going to the game. Would like to listen

If only there were a device that ...

Chicat · Post by **Chicat** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 5:59 pm

rgdeuce wrote:
atlantakat wrote:Hmm.

Ban Bill Walton -- the single biggest (and tallest) Lute Olson/Sean Miller/Arizona Wildcats homer announcer in the basketball hall of fame, who just happens to be maybe the second greatest player to wear a UCLA uniform -- and all he wants to talk about is how great Steve Kerr, every kid that ever came through the U of A program, Tucson, Linda Ronstadt and the Greatful Dead are.

Gee! You are right. Ban him for life.
That's what has me shaking my head. Every game he does, facebook blows up with complaining and talking about how he is anti-Arizona. He is a great basketball mind and calls BS and ugly basketball out when he sees it. He is WAY more critical of UCLA.

Walton is great, and it is mostly young kids and women who have a problem with him.

Homers yammering in your ear for hours can be incredibly annoying.

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 6:12 pm

"Lute Olson. The man who brought water to the desert"

Pascoe a bit shy.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 6:14 pm

a4ragtop · Post by **a4ragtop** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 7:54 pm

First half of the Colorado game:

* shout out to Tucson for the Gem Show
* shout out to Tucson for avian species diversity
* shout out to the state of Colorado for legalizing the herb (this topic left untouched by boothmates)

If not Bill, who else could do this?

WildcatStunner · Post by **WildcatStunner** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 8:58 pm

Bill Walton was talking about some of our losses and mentioned that in 4 losses we have had the court rushed 7 times.

BigSkyCatinMT · Post by **BigSkyCatinMT** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 9:06 pm

To Jay. He threw himself backwards, that's what you Dukies do!

billk78 · Post by **billk78** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 9:11 pm

Thought he was entertaining tonight. In games that aren't that close he's more enjoyable because he adds some entertainment. If he could learn to actually call the game when it's down to the wire he would be much better. But some real good stuff from him tonight. He had me laughing a few times.

RockyRaccoon · Post by **RockyRaccoon** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 9:17 pm

How can anybody not love Bill Walton? The guy has a great sense of the most important things in the world: art, music, sports, liberalism, sex, etc.

Who the hell wants some boiler plate asshole who gives his analysis and is usually wrong? Bill Walton was one of the best players on some of the best teams coached by the best coach in history. I think he knows what he is talking about and has a lot of fun doing it.

BigSkyCatinMT · Post by **BigSkyCatinMT** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 9:28 pm

Bill is like a Christmas Stocking with a new family. You expect a whole lot of nuts, a few treats and a bunch of WTF???

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 10:27 pm

Last two times I was home I was home for an hour.

Did your wife think that was too long?

CBCat · Post by **CBCat** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 10:30 pm

BigSkyCatinMT wrote:To Jay. He threw himself backwards, that's what you Dukies do!

This made me laugh out loud.

Epic.

Thank you Bill for calling it out.

RockyRaccoon · Post by **RockyRaccoon** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 10:31 pm

lol seriously Dave Pasch?

http://deadspin.com/espns-dave-pasch-ou ... 1679866092

gumby · Post by **gumby** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 10:47 pm

WildcatStunner wrote:Bill Walton was talking about some of our losses and mentioned that in 4 losses we have had the court rushed 7 times.

Then silence from Pasch and Bilas. That was weird.

Apparently, he has a dog named Cortez.

UAtrue · Post by **UAtrue** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 10:58 pm

WildcatStunner wrote:Bill Walton was talking about some of our losses and mentioned that in 4 losses we have had the court rushed 7 times.

That was a head scratcher for me too.

BigSkyCatinMT · Post by **BigSkyCatinMT** » Thu Jan 15, 2015 11:02 pm

RockyRaccoon wrote:lol seriously Dave Pasch?

http://deadspin.com/espns-dave-pasch-ou ... 1679866092

Law of disorder, or second Law. I can name hundreds, perhaps thousands of degenerative genetic disorders in the gene pool given a couple hours. Can you point to even one documented positive mutation in the known history of man? Aquaman doesn't count. His mother was a mermaid.

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