Olympic Legends - Hazzard made his mark with Bruins, Team USA

LONDON (Olympics) - Walt Hazzard was there at the beginning for UCLA, when John Wooden's legendary Bruins began their dynasty.

The year was 1963-64, and Hazzard, a point guard, was a key man in a team that went undefeated and won the NCAA title.

He was named as the tournament's most valuable player.

Later that year, Hazzard travelled to Tokyo, Japan, and helped fire the United States to the gold medal at the Olympics.

It was, in hindsight, one of the most famous American teams ever assembled, one that had legendary coach Hank Iba.

In addition to Hazzard, the Americans had future NBA star and US Senator Bill Bradley, and Larry Brown in their line-up.

Brown would go on to coach in the college game, including a stint with the Bruins, in the NBA and even Team USA at the Athens Olympics. 

The United States won all nine of their games that summer and beat the former USSR, one of the pre-tournament favorites, in the gold medal game, 73-59.

That year, Hazzard was also the top draft pick in the NBA by the Los Angeles Lakers and he went on to enjoy a long, if not prestigious professional career.

He was perhaps best known for his connection to UCLA, whom he not only starred for as a player but coached for four years starting in 1984. Hazzard also went into the school's hall of fame that same year.

In 1996, Hazzard suffered a stroke.

He remained involved in basketball.

Having worked with the Los Angeles Lakers as a scout before his stroke, he served as a special consultant to the team after.

He died on November 18 at the age of 69 and tributes have poured in from many who knew him.

"Walt was the catalyst for Coach John Wooden's first championship team and played the game with a style that excited Bruin basketball fans everywhere," said UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero.

"He contributed to his alma mater in numerous ways, including as a student-athlete, coach and honored alum, and he will be greatly missed by all of us knew him."

"Walt was a man of extremely high character," Lakers owner Jerry Buss said.

Hazzard will never be forgotten on the campus of the Bruins.

Calling him "a pillar" of UCLA's first championship team in men's basketball, current coach Ben Howland added: "He is a huge part of the Bruin legacy, and he left life-long memories for the Bruin faithful."

FIBA