Walt Hazzard, born as Walter Raphael Hazzard Jr., was an American professional basketball player and coach. He was born on April 15, 1942, in Wilmington, Delaware, and passed away on November 18, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. Hazzard had a successful career in basketball, both as a player and a coach, and his net worth at the time of his passing was estimated to be around $3 million.
Hazzard’s basketball journey began in high school, where he showcased his exceptional skills on the court. He played for Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, where he was a standout player and led his team to the city championship in 1959. His impressive performances caught the attention of college recruiters, and he received numerous scholarship offers.
Ultimately, Hazzard decided to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played under legendary coach John Wooden. During his college career, Hazzard was a key player in UCLA’s success, helping the team win the NCAA championship in 1964. He was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four that year.
After his successful college career, Hazzard was selected as the first overall pick in the 1964 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He played for the Lakers for four seasons before being traded to the Seattle SuperSonics. Hazzard had a solid NBA career, averaging 12.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game over his ten-year career.
Following his retirement as a player, Hazzard transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors before becoming the head coach of the UCLA Bruins in 1984. Hazzard had the opportunity to coach his alma mater, following in the footsteps of his former coach, John Wooden.
During his tenure as the head coach of UCLA, Hazzard led the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances. However, his coaching career was cut short due to health issues, and he retired from coaching in 1988. Despite his relatively short coaching career, Hazzard left a lasting impact on the basketball community.
Throughout his basketball career, Hazzard earned a significant amount of money through contracts, endorsements, and coaching salaries. His net worth at the time of his passing in 2011 was estimated to be around $3 million. It is important to note that this estimation is based on available information and may not reflect the entirety of Hazzard’s financial situation.
In conclusion, Walt Hazzard was a highly accomplished basketball player and coach who left a lasting legacy in the sport. His net worth of $3 million in 2011 is a testament to his successful career and the financial rewards that came with it. Hazzard’s contributions to the game will always be remembered, and his impact on the basketball world will continue to be felt for years to come.