PEORIA, Ill. – A member of the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame and one of seven men’s basketball players to have his number retired, Chet “The Jet” Walker has died. He was 84.
The National Basketball Players Association confirmed Walker’s death Saturday night.
A native of Mississippi, Walker graduated from Bradley University in 1962 as the school’s all-time leading scorer. His 1,975 points as a Brave still ranks fourth on the school’s all-time scoring list.
Walker was a two-time All-American and led Bradley to the 1960 NIT championship.
Walker went on to play 13 seasons in the NBA with the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls. The Syracuse franchise moved to Philadelphia in 1963. Walker won an NBA championship with the 76ers in 1967.
Walker was a member of the NBA All-Rookie first team in 1963, a seven-time All Star and scored 18,831 points in his NBA career. He was also a member of the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor.
Walker was inducted into the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame in 1964. His number 31 was retired by the Braves in 1976.
Walker was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Bradley University Vice-President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Chris Reynolds: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chet Walker, one of Bradley basketball’s all-time greats. Chet’s extraordinary contributions on and off the court have left a lasting impact on Bradley University and all of college basketball, the NBA and the Greater Peoria community. His legacy as a player and person will continue to inspire future generations. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Chicago Bulls: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chet Walker, a legendary figure in our team’s history. An inductee of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Chet left an indelible mark on the court and in the hearts of fans. During his six seasons with the Bulls from 1969 to 1975, the team never missed the playoffs. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and an inaugural member of the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor. His skill, dedication and contributions to the game made a lasting impact on the sport of basketball and the city of Chicago. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who were touched by his legacy. Chet Walker will forever be remembered as a true Chicago Bulls icon.”
Philadelphia 76ers: “Chet Walker spent the first 7 seasons of his Hall of Fame career with our franchise & delivered a championship in ‘67. Affectionately nicknamed “The Jet,” Walker made a profound impact in our city & within our League. Our condolences go out to the Walker family & their friends.”
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