I interviewed Bill for a documentary I was producing and directing about his college rival David Thompson. Although Bill described losing to Thompson's NC State team in 1974 as his biggest basketball disappointment of his career, he gave a great interview. He mentioned Wooden never spoke of an opposing player in his 4 years except David Thompson. Biil and David stayed friends and that 1974 semi final game in the NCAA Tourney was an all time great game. Having forgot to have Walton sign the SkyWalker poster he invited me back the next month and I spent half the day with he and his wife Lori. Bill and I stayed in touch and I would send him DVD's and T-shirts "so he could educate the young players about the history of the game". He introduced me to his contact at UCLA to get awesome seats for Bruin games. Sadly that guy retired .....I even quote him on the DVD cover (version 3 but my favorite cover). Walton and Jordan were by far the most famous and best interview subjects. Here is the DVD cover with the Walton quote and a picture I sent Bill a few years ago where he is about 6" over the white square 11 1/2' feet up. An incredible experience with one of the friendliest, famous athletes anyone could ever have the privilege of working with and knowing
|