Expert: Ben - 1/18/2002

Question
Did UCLA win the National Championship each year that Bill Walton played there?  If so, what were the years?

Answer
Dear Ira,
Bill Walton won two national champions while at UCLA (1972 and '73).  The Bruins also won the title in 1971, but Walton was starring on UCLA's freshmen team that season.  He moved up to varsity as a sophomore and started at center for the next three seasons.

In 1974, Walton's senior season, the Bruins lost to North Carolina St. in double overtime in the national semifinals (Final  Four).  However, since there was a third place game back then, UCLA did get to play again.  They win the national consolation game, as it was called, defeating Kansas University.

If you would like any more information or have any further questions, please let me know.

Thank you and best wishes,
Ben Kopnick