Walt Hazzard, whose name appears eighth on UCLA’s all‑time list of the university’s top 20 basketball players, enjoyed a three‑year collegiate career that blended steady production with moments of historic significance. During his tenure he averaged 16.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, helping to shape the foundation of a dynasty that would become the gold standard of college basketball.
The 1963‑64 Perfect Season
The 1963‑64 campaign stands as the pinnacle of his college résumé. Hazzard’s scoring climbed to 18.6 points per game as UCLA completed a flawless 30‑0 schedule, culminating in a 98‑83 victory over Duke in the national championship. His contributions earned him consensus first‑team All‑American honors, the nation’s Player of the Year award, and the distinction of being the Final Four’s most outstanding player.
In the NCAA tournament, he averaged 19.8 points per game, highlighted by a 19‑point, nine‑assist, seven‑rebound performance in the semifinal against Kansas State, underscoring his ability to elevate his game when it mattered most.
A Career Beyond College
After leaving UCLA, Hazzard embarked on a decade‑long NBA journey, appearing in more than 800 games and posting career averages of 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists per contest. His professional tenure spanned multiple franchises, and he remained a key component of the Bruins’ dynasty under legendary coach John Wooden, helping to lay the groundwork for the sustained excellence that followed.
Hall of Fame and Lasting Impact
The basketball community will formally recognize Hazzard’s contributions when he is inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026, cementing his status as a foundational figure in UCLA’s storied basketball dynasty.