The world of college and pro basketball is filled today and for the future with stories about Bill Walton, the legendary center who died of cancer today at age 71.

Teammates at UCLA, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Boston Celtics all are saddened to hear the news. The NBA staff, along with Walton’s former colleagues at ESPN and ABC Sports all have fond memories of their years with the Big Red Head.

As long as we’re sharing stories about Walton, here’s mine.

Sometime around 1975, I happened to be at Portland International Airport. The pre-9/11 era meant anyone could go to the departure gates to send someone off. I did so that day. I can’t remember who I was delivering to the gate, but I did and then began the walk back to my car.

I heard a commotion down the hall and around the corner of terminal. I kept walking, then I made the turn down the next ramp.

That’s when I literally ran into Bill Walton, all 6-foot 11-inches of him. He was packing a guitar. He and his Trail Blazer teammates were walking to their chartered plane to fly to their next game date.

I don’t recall precisely what Walton said when my head bumped into his chest. Maybe it was “excuse me,” or “hey,” or “watch where you’re going.” Whatever. He didn’t seem angry at that moment.

He would go on to lead the Blazers to their first and (so far) only NBA title a couple of seasons later. Injuries took their toll on the big guy. He was sent to the San Diego Clippers after the 1979 season and then to the Boston Celtics where he teamed up with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parrish to win another NBA title; he also won Sixth Man of the Year honors during that title season.

But … that was my brush with a fellow who came to my hometown with high hopes and a big promise. For a brief moment, he was able to make our NBA title dream come true.

Rest in peace, Bill Walton.