Walt Hazzard Inducted into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame

Early Career and College Triumph

The UCLA Bruins secured their first national championship in 1964, a feat spearheaded by Walt Hazzard, who later earned a place in the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Hazzard, a 6’2″ guard, paired with Gail Goodrich to lead the team to a flawless 30‑0 record under coach John Wooden. That season also saw Hazzard named a First Team All‑American, averaging 18.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Following his collegiate career, Hazzard stayed in Southern California, entering the NBA through the Los Angeles Lakers as the fifth overall pick in the 1964 draft. He spent three seasons with the Lakers before moving to the Seattle Supersonics, Atlanta Hawks, Buffalo Braves and Golden State Warriors, completing a ten‑year professional career that included a single All‑Star Game appearance.

After the 1964 championship run, Hazzard remained active in basketball as a coach, returning to UCLA in 1984 to lead the program for four seasons. His tenure produced a 77‑47 record and marked the Bruins’ first National Invitation Tournament championship, though the team appeared in only one NCAA Tournament during his tenure.

College Statistics and Legacy

Over 87 games with UCLA, Hazzard posted career averages of 16.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest. He retired with a perfect season win‑loss mark, and his jersey number 42 was retired and hung from the rafters in 1996. Notably, Hazzard allowed forward Kevin Love to wear the same number during Love’s college career, a rare gesture of generosity.

Hazzard’s impact extended beyond the court when he was inducted into UCLA’s athletics Hall of Fame in 1984, cementing his status among the program’s greatest players. The honor in the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame came 15 years after his passing in 2011 at age 69.

Professional NBA Journey

After college, Hazzard’s NBA career spanned ten seasons with four different franchises. He recorded one All‑Star appearance during his time in the league, showcasing his ability to contribute at the highest level. His professional path reflects the mobility common among players of that era, moving from the Lakers to the West Coast and then to the Eastern Conference teams.

Statistical highlights from his NBA days are sparse in the record, but his college performance signaled the kind of skill that earned him a roster spot in the NBA. The transition from college star to professional veteran was marked by consistency and teamwork across multiple markets.

Coaching Tenure at UCLA

Returning to UCLA in 1984, Hazzard assumed head‑coach responsibilities and guided the Bruins to their first NIT championship. His coaching record of 77 wins and 47 losses demonstrates a solid, though not dominant, period in UCLA basketball history. While the tenure included only one NCAA Tournament appearance, the NIT title remains a distinctive achievement under his leadership.

During his coaching years, Hazzard worked alongside former Bruins players and nurtured emerging talent, laying groundwork for future success. His experience as a player likely informed his strategies and mentorship of young athletes.

Hall of Fame Legacy and Honors

Induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame places Hazzard alongside notable figures such as Jay Wright, Glen Rice, Tubby Smith, Ted Owens and Danny Ainge. This class reflects a diverse set of contributions to the game, from playing excellence to coaching and administrative impact. Hazzard’s inclusion honors both his college achievements and his sustained influence in basketball beyond his playing days.

His legacy also includes the lingering memory of a player who helped secure UCLA’s first national title and later gave back through coaching and mentorship. Fans and alumni continue to celebrate his contributions as part of the Bruins’ rich basketball heritage.