BILL WALTON: John Wooden's Pregame Speech

Book Bill to speak (virtual or in-person): www.damelionet... Basketball legend Bill Walton is one of sports’ most recognizable and beloved figures. His success on the court is well-documented; the nation’s top college basketball star at UCLA under legendary coach John Wooden, he then played for two NBA Championship teams - the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics. But Bill’s nightmarish challenges off the court are less known. He stuttered so badly he couldn’t say a simple “thank you” until he was 28 years old. And a foot disorder led to 38 surgeries on his feet, legs, and back - keeping him sidelined over half of his NBA career. Armed with grit and a positive outlook, Bill improbably overcame it all. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and named to the “50 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time” list. After his playing career, Bill pursued broadcasting; he is currently covering Pac-12 games on ESPN. Bill Walton has led a life of humility in service of inspiring others. His autobiography, Back from the Dead, was a New York Times bestseller and he is perhaps the best-known Deadhead, having seen over 1,000 shows.
As entertaining as he is insightful, Bill is widely considered one of the best speakers from the world of sports. The lessons he learned on the basketball court became life lessons that served him well throughout his sports, broadcasting and business careers. No lesson was more important than the words from the legendary John Wooden, Bill’s basketball coach at UCLA, who simply said “Do your best.” Wooden never asked players to go out and win - simply to do their best and not beat themselves. Bill never forgot those words which helped him throughout his extraordinary career.
Following a celebrated college basketball career, Bill went on to have a Hall of Fame NBA career. After basketball, he pursued his dream job as a sports broadcaster - but first had to overcome the lifelong stuttering affliction. And then, in 2008, Bill endured risky back surgery for to repair damage done early in his basketball career. Through it all, Bill’s determination and positive attitude carried him through.
Bill is an authentic and true original who personifies greatness and is one of the most compassionate figures in sports with an extraordinary record of giving back through his work with numerous charities and non-profits.
Bill Walton is author of Back from the Dead and Nothing but Net. He currently resides in his hometown of San Diego with his wife Lori.

[@charlesm4947]

Great and timely video - Coach did his teaching in the classroom not during the games. One of the best coaches the game has seen, he does not walk up and down the sideline as todays coaches do. Ucla men's and ladies basketball coaches walk up and down the sidelines. They don't know how to teach or they do not have the correct players. Example - Coach, Phil Jackson on the pro level sat in their seats during the game - two of the most winningest coaches.

[@rexfoster9629]

Walton scores again!! Bill Walton... Best Pac 12 Commentator!!! You bring life to the game!!!

[@jonpark6650]

I never saw a big man move like Walton in college around the basket. For me, the best I ever saw on both ends of the court Walton wasn't the biggest, just the best.

[@randallmadison9910]

One of greatest players ever. One of the worst commentators ever.

[@JerichoMile4]

UCLA Bruins basketball coach John Wooden was the greatest coach in sports history !!!!

[@a1aprospects470]

Wooden was the most successful but far from the best or most honest. He had Sam Gilbert illegally paying the best high school players in the country to be at UCLA so most opponents didn't have a single player who could make UCLA's JV team. Then Wooden got to look like a genius coach and preach honesty and ethics. Give peak Wooden and peak Bob Knight identical rosters and a few days to prepare... Knight's team would win by double digits. And Knight never cheated. I'd rather have my son play for Knight screaming and cursing than Wooden being polite but secretly cheating.

[@paulsonj72]

Wooden did his teaching in practice and considered the games the final exam.

[@garyspence2128]

Coach Tom Landry had something of the same philosophy. He was all about scouting, preparation for a given opponent, and having the Cowboys dialed in for game day. Discipline and playing to their strength as a team. Didn't hurt to have Staubach, Bob Hayes, Bob Lilly, and Dorsett among others on his roster. Landry and Wooden were teachers, and very good at it.

[@jamesbryson575]

Priceless.

[@hectorponce9881]

The greatest coach of all time in any sport on all levels

[@hectorponce9881]

I like that people reply thumbs up tuumbs down the internet has been awhile & I just found this out in 2024 let keep it going

[@rciesi1]

Bill likes to use the term “harmonic convergence” to describe phenomenal things happening. Well, when John Wooden and Bill Walton crossed paths, it was a harmonic convergence of universal magnitude.

[@MichaelJones-xz8mm]

Wow. So true!

[@DexterHaven]

That's why Wooden didn't coach boxing.

[@kevinrens4827]

Bill, did you write the letter that ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation?

[@a1aprospects470]

Wooden's speech should've been "Sam Gilbert has illegally paid the best high school players in the country, all of you, to be at UCLA so we have the best roster by far every year. So I get to look like a genius coach and pretend to be ethical. Now go out there and beat an opponent who doesn't have a single player who could make our JV team."

[@joelanning4322]

No doubt Coach Wooden was a great coach and a better man but Bobby Knight has a very good point. That point was Sam Gilbert. Wooden certainly knew what Gilbert was doing yet he allowed it to continue. That is a stain on Wooden’s program.

[@garyspence2128]

Whatever Gilbert did then is perfectly legal and even encouraged now. It was under the table then, but widespread. Knight was just bitter because Wooden and Co. denied Indiana some extra titles. Would you want your son to be abused by Bobby , or taught by Coach Wooden?

[@dannyray5544]

Bill Walton , great player.He also cheated my friend. At a golf tournament he promised to go to dinner ( my friend paid $400.00 so his sons could meet Mr. Walton. Charity event) . Mr.Walton & his associates would not return calls. After a year of trying , my friend gave up. Mr. Walton does not keep his promises.