Chet Walker

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Walker played college basketball for the Bradley Braves, twice earning first-team consensus All-American honors, after being named a second-team All-American as a sophomore. Walker was famously 'hijacked' by disc jockey Al Benson to attend Bradley, keeping him from attending the University of Nebraska instead. Walker played on the Bradley team that won the 1960 National Invitation Tournament. He became known as 'Chet the Jet' at Bradley. Walker also won an Emmy award as a television producer.

In Their Own Story

From 1969 to 1975, Chet Walker was the steady hand guiding the Chicago Bulls through a challenging era. Unlike many players who saw their careers wane with age or injury, Walker's consistency remained unshaken. He played every single playoff game throughout his entire NBA career, a feat unmatched by his peers. In Chicago specifically, he ensured that the franchise never missed the postseason during his six-year tenure. His ability to log heavy minutes without missing more than six games in any given season showcased his physical conditioning and mental toughness. While the Bulls did not capture a championship under his watch as they had with Philadelphia in 1967, Walker's leadership kept the team relevant. He finished his career having played over 1,000 games, cementing his status as one of the most durable players of his generation before being honored by the city that embraced him.

Reader's Guide

Walker was born in Bethlehem, Mississippi on February 22, 1940, the youngest of John and Regina Walker's ten children. He played high school basketball for Benton Harbor High School under coach Don Farnum, was selected All-State twice, and his team was runner-up for the 1958 Class A Michigan state championship. He earned a scholarship to Bradley University, where he averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game over three seasons. He was drafted by the Syracuse Nationals in 1962 and named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1963. He played seven seasons with the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers, winning an NBA championship in 1967. He played his last six seasons for the Chicago Bulls from 1969 to 1975. His No. 31 jersey was retired by Bradley in 1976.

Did You Know?

• Walker was nicknamed 'Chet the Jet' for his speed and agility at Bradley.
• He scored 36 points in his final college game, a 1962 NIT loss to Duquesne.
• Walker's 1966–67 76ers team won 68 games, the best record in NBA history at the time.
• He is the only Bradley Braves player to be a two-time All-America selection.