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.

UCLA will honor the late Bill Walton when the Bruins face Ohio State at 3:45 p.m. ET Sunday in a game nationally televised on CBS. Walton died last May at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

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.