The UCLA Bruins will honor Bill Walton against Ohio State on February 23, 2025 at Pauley Pavilion.
It is a big move for the Bruins to honor one of the all-time greats in program history.
After the release came out, UCLA men’s basketball coach Mick Cronin spoke about the decision to honor him this season and why they chose to do so on the Ohio State game.
“It’s a difficult reality to know we’re getting ready to start a basketball season in Westwood without Bill’s presence,” said Mick Cronin. “He will forever be an icon in our great game, and his memory will forever live on at UCLA. For our program, especially over the past 12 seasons, he’s been a fixture while working as a broadcaster. On gamedays, he routinely chatted with our players, he shared advice with me, and he meant so much to everyone around our program. We want to honor Bill this season, and we’re grateful to have the support of his family. After conversations with his former teammates and with the blessing of his family, we wanted to select a game when we’re at home on the weekend, playing before a national television audience.”
Pauley Pavilion is always a packed house, and on that day, it should be an emotional night.