Dave Pasch paid a lovely tribute to longtime broadcasting partner Bill Walton

Basketball legend Bill Walton died on Monday after a prolonged battle with cancer.

As decorated as his basketball career was on the court, he was equally known for his unique and lively broadcast commentary.

His longtime ESPN broadcast partner Dave Pasch paid a loving tribute to his longtime screen partner and friend on the network’s SportsCenter on Monday, one that captured what a special relationship these two had on and off the air.

This is a seismic loss for the world of basketball, and few knew Walton as well as Pasch did after the two worked together for so long on the sideline.

"I love you, but don't tell anybody."

Bill Walton's longtime broadcast partner @DavePasch reflects on one of his favorite memories of his friend pic.twitter.com/zcBDQHlBOp

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 27, 2024

Pasch also recounted a hilarious story about how a recent gag between the two about Walton “auditioning” for Chewbacca in Star Wars went viral as fact, to the two’s delight.

Dave Pasch talks about the Chewbacca audition story that Bill made up on air in February, their last game together and the last time Dave saw him pic.twitter.com/CD6twoCEz6

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) May 27, 2024

Walton’s death leaves a massive hole in the broadcasting world, as Pasch will continue the duo’s legacy.