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Those days are over now. Walton died of cancer in May 2024, just after the Pac-12’s top basketball schools split off for other conferences.

But some of the memories could return on Nov. 14, when the Basketball Hall of Fame will pay tribute to Walton before the Wildcats and Bruins meet at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome in what is being called the “Hall of Fame Series Rivalry Game.�

Walton had deep ties to both programs: He starred for UCLA and in the NBA before his broadcasting work often took him to Arizona, where his son, Luke, played during the latter years of the Lute Olson era.

During his broadcasts at McKale Center, Walton was known for passionately discussing topics such as Mount Lemmon, the Sonoran Desert, Linda Ronstadt, Biosphere 2 or Arizona’s research achievements, sometimes while also noting that Olson “brought water to the desert.�

“The matchup featuring UCLA and the University of Arizona is the perfect way to celebrate Bill’s life and his unwavering passion for basketball,� Walton’s wife, Lori, said in a Basketball Hall of Fame statement. “UCLA played a pivotal role in bringing Bill into the national spotlight, paving the way for his continued success both on and off the court.

“Bill fondly remembered Lute Olson as the coach closest to John Wooden, and the people of Tucson provided Bill with numerous cherished memories that helped sustain him during his battle with cancer.�

Lori Walton indicated it was also fitting to have her husband receive a tribute at the home of the Los Angeles Clippers.

“Bill was incredibly proud of the Clippers’ remarkable journey since his time with the team as a player, as well as their broadcaster and eagerly anticipated the creation of the Intuit Dome,� she said. “The Hall of Fame Rivalry Game truly represents the perfect trifecta for Bill — UCLA, the University of Arizona, and the Intuit Dome.�

The UCLA-Arizona game is part of a three-year contract the teams entered into last season after they went separate ways, UCLA to the Big Ten and UA to the Big 12. UCLA beat Arizona 57-54 Dec. 14 in the first game of the series, while a third game is scheduled to be played in Las Vegas next season.

“We look forward to continuing the series with UCLA this year at a one-of-a-kind venue like the Intuit Dome while honoring the legacy of Bill Walton and his impact on both programs,� UA coach Tommy Lloyd said in a statement. “This is also an important way for us to connect with our alumni and fans in Southern California, who have also helped shape the history and tradition of our university and our program.�

Ticket information, television coverage and the tipoff time for the Nov. 14 game have yet to be announced.