One week from today one of those sporting events that I’d love to witness in person tips off on the Hawaiian Island of Maui, the Maui Invitational.
Contested annually the week leading into Thanksgiving, the Maui Invitational has had a hold on me almost from its inception back in 1984. Borne of longtime host school Chaminade’s shocking, 77-72, upset over top-ranked Virginia (led by 7-foot-4 All-American Ralph Sampson) back in 1982 the invitational has occurred annually since my senior year of high school. Even during the 2020 and 2021 COVID-impacted seasons the show went on … just stateside and not in the middle of the Pacific.
But next Monday eight nationally recognized programs are back in Maui’s Lahaina Civic Center for three days of hoops hysteria.
My sincere hope is that the Big Red Head aka Bill Walton is back on the microphone for some of the games. Walton’s irreverance and general disregard for the norms of what’s expected of a basketball analyst irk some, but I rather enjoy it. Plus, it’s as good a reason as any to share the story behind the capturing of the photo above.
On Memorial Day 2017, our family was awaiting our flight at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport when I was heading back from the men’s room by way of the food court area (hey, one must always know one’s options). As my eyes focused on the menu of a Mexican place, I hear this unmistakable voice … that’s Bill Walton, I internalized.
I played it cool and casually reviewed my surroundings in search of other food options – and Bill’s whereabouts, of course! – and spotted him seated at a table talking on the phone to someone. Resplendent in a pair of jogging pants and a Grateful Dead t-shirt.
Once back at our gate, I asked my son if he knew who Walton was. I noted his television broadcasting work. No, not really. I mentioned his son Luke Walton who was, at the time, in his first year coaching the Los Angeles Lakers. Yes, he’d heard of him and knew he had a father who’d once played. I then noted the big red-headed bearded fellow from the Portland Trail Blazers 1970s teams on NBA2K. Oh yeah, I know who you’re talking about.
He’s sitting over there, I subtly point out.
With a bit of prodding, Jake went over and snapped the selfie above of him and the Basketball Hall of Famer.
Here’s hoping the waves in Lahaina are tasty and that ESPN sent Walton there to both body surf them and give us his unique perspective on the action or, as is more often the case, not.