Walt Hazzard

Category: In Memory Of
Published on Wednesday, 28 December 2011 22:05
Written by Renee Montgomery

Long-time Lafayette Square resident and basketball legend, Walt Hazzard, has died at age 69.

 

Local basketball legend Hazzard passed away on November 18t at UCLA Medical Center of complications following heart surgery.  After leading UCLA to John Wooden’s first national championship, the 6’2” point guard went on to coach the Bruins for four seasons.  Hazzard played ten seasons in the NBA, including three years for the Lakers.  Hazzard suffered a stroke in 1996 but managed to serve as a special consultant to the Laker team for his last years.  Hazzard is survived by his wife Jaleesa and four sons and their families.  Born in Wilmington Delaware but raised in Philadelphia, Hazzard was known to friends and family as “Coach.”