The basketball community is preparing to celebrate the life and career of Walt Hazzard, who will be inducted posthumously into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame later this year.
Hazzard, a two‑time All‑American, led UCLA to a perfect 30‑0 season in 1964 and captured the program’s fifth national championship, a feat that cemented his status as one of the era’s dominant forces.
Olympic Glory and NBA Stardom
Beyond college, Hazzard added a gold medal to his résumé as a member of the U.S. team at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, showcasing his talent on the world stage. After his playing days, he returned to Westwood as a coach, guiding the Bruins to an NIT National Championship and leaving a lasting imprint on the program’s culture. His professional career included a stint in the NBA, where he earned an All‑Star selection, and his influence extended to future generations of players who grew up watching his style of play.
A Lasting Legacy
The upcoming induction will make Hazzard the tenth UCLA alumnus enshrined in the Hall of Fame, joining an illustrious group that includes John Wooden, Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar, Bill Walton and Gail Goodrich. Tragically, Hazzard passed away in 2011 at the age of 69, but his legacy endures through the values of teamwork, excellence and perseverance that he championed.