UCLA men’s basketball legend Bill Walton died of cancer Monday at age 71, the NBA announced.

“We are stunned and saddened about the news of Bill Walton’s passing,” said UCLA Athletics director Martin Jarmond in a statement. “Bill represented so many of the ideals that our university holds dear and embodied multiple traits on Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. He loved being back on campus at UCLA, calling games in Pauley Pavilion, and being around our teams. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family, and we take solace in knowing that Bill made each day his masterpiece.”

An inaugural inductee into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame, Walton won two national championships with the Bruins under coach John Wooden. He was a three-time Naismith Award winner – given to the best collegiate player in the country. 

Following his illustrious collegiate career, Walton was selected first overall in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers. He spent four years in Portland, helping lead the team to its first-ever NBA championship in 1977 and winning an MVP in 1978. Walton then played four years with the Clippers – including three seasons representing his hometown of San Diego before the franchise moved to Los Angeles in his final year with the team. 

Walton concluded his playing career with the Boston Celtics, winning another championship in 1986 and earning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in the same season. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. 

“On behalf of everyone with the UCLA men’s basketball program, we are deeply saddened to learn of Bill Walton’s passing,” said coach Mick Cronin in a statement. “My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. It’s very hard to put into words what he has meant to UCLA’s program, as well as his tremendous impact on college basketball. Beyond his remarkable accomplishments as a player, it’s his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game and unwavering candor that have been the hallmarks of his larger than life personality.” 

Walton embarked on a career in broadcasting after his retirement from the NBA, frequently making appearances on UCLA’s campus as a commentator for both ESPN and the Pac-12 Networks.

“As a passionate UCLA alumnus and broadcaster, he loved being around our players, hearing their stories, and sharing his wisdom and advice,” Cronin said. “For me as a coach, he was honest, kind, and always had his heart in the right place. I will miss him very much. It’s hard to imagine a season in Pauley Pavilion without him. Our athletics department, our team and this university will miss him dearly.”