| Luke Walton proved to be a major surprise last season. As a first time starter the versatile forward led the Pac-10 in assists, becoming the first non-guard ever to do so.
Always a threat for a triple-double with his all-around game, Walton recorded 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists (not to mention four blocks and four steals) against USC last season. He came within one assist or rebound of several more triple-doubles as well.
Luke is the third of father Bill Walton's four sons and all four have played on some level of college basketball, including his younest brother, Chris, who is currently a sophomore at San Diego State.
Among the honors bestowed upon Walton after a terrific junior season was being named a first team All-American by John Wooden, the legendary coach of Luke's father, Bill, at UCLA. Luke is the favorite to walk away with 2003's NCAA National Player of the Year Award.
Notes:
*Walton drives the ugliest car in the history of Wildcat basketball: A rust-red Cadillac convertible from about 1926.
*While attending University High in San Diego, Walton was a fellow student with Oakland A's eccentric lefthanded pitcher Barry Zito. | 
