UCLA players wore tie-dye shirts in pre-game warmups with the last name "Walton" on the back. Fans inside Pauley Pavilion roamed the concourse donning tie-dye apparel that paid tribute to Walton's favorite band, the Grateful Dead. UCLA students wore blue tie-dye shirts in the student section to "celebrate Walton's larger-than-life personality."

Bill Walton passed away last May after a prolonged battle with cancer, and UCLA dedicated Sunday's win over Ohio State to him with a touching tribute.

LOS ANGELES — Between celebrating Bill Walton’s memory and the potential for UCLA men’s basketball coach Mick Cronin to earn his 500th career win, anticipation was high. Both lifetime moments were executed, as UCLA honored the late Walton with video tributes and a halftime ceremony; and Cronin earned his 500th victory. But it wasn’t easy.

Bill Walton frequently spoke in poetry – about basketball, life and – of course – the Grateful Dead. On Sunday, Pauley Pavilion will finally get to write him back.

Bill Walton's legendary basketball collection, including NBA Championship rings and jerseys, will be auctioned off by his family in June 2025, with proceeds benefiting the Orthopedic Department of the University of California San Diego.

On the auction block are a treasure trove of basketball artifacts, including two NBA championship rings, his game-worn jersey and sneakers and his 1977-78 NBA MVP Award.

This post was updated Feb. 24 at 12:02 a.m. One arena. Two ceremonious celebrations. Pauley Pavilion played host to history twice in the span of two hours.

Mick Cronin and the UCLA Bruins honored the late legend Bill Walton with a solid 69-61 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday. The win over the Buckeyes marked the 500th win of Cronin’s career. He’s been coaching the Bruins since 2019,