ESPN, Maui Invitational pay tribute and honor late Bill Walton ahead of Monday games

Each year the Maui Invitational is one of the most looked forward to Feast Week events, as eight of college basketball's top teams clash against each other under one roof.

However, that isn't the only reason why the Maui Invitational has long been must-watch basketball.

That would be because of Bill Walton, the Basketball Hall of Famer and broadcasting icon who made the late-night tip-off games at the Maui Invitational entertaining for college basketball fans back on the mainland with his legendary quick one-liners and commentary.

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This year's multi-team event is the first without Walton, who died in May after a long battle with cancer. Ahead of Monday's start to the 2024 Maui Invitational, ESPN posted a tribute video to Walton that included some of his greatest moments from past Maui Invitationals.

"I love Maui," Walton said in the video.

The Maui Invitational also put together a touching tribute at the broadcast table inside the Lahaina Civic Center for Walton: tie-dyed Hawaiian shirts draped over a chair with a lei and a tie-dyed shirt that had his name on it.

"The Big Wave spirit could be seen, felt and heard all day at Lahaina Civic Center. We miss you, Bill, but we know you were right there with us today soaking up the sun, surf and hoops. Forever and always a part of the Maui Invitational," the Maui Invitational said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday with photos of Walton at past events.

The tributes didn't end there. As seen in the photo below, ESPN broadcasters Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas, Kanoa Leahey and Cory Alexander all wore tie-dye Hawaiian shirts for the opening four games at the Maui Invitational on Monday.

Day 2 of the Maui Invitational starts on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. ET, with UConn taking on Colorado in the first game of the elimination side of the bracket after the Huskies were upset 99-97 by Memphis on Monday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ESPN, Maui Invitational honor late Bill Walton ahead of Monday games