[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 121 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING CHET WALKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chet Walker of 
Benton Harbor, Michigan, who was elected to both the Michigan Sports 
Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on 
September 7, 2012.
  Mr. Walker began his career as the star of Benton Harbor High 
School's basketball team, leading the school to the Class A Boys' state 
finals in 1958. He then matriculated to Bradley College in Peoria, 
Illinois, where he became the school's all-time top scorer and 
rebounder, and was a two-time unanimous First Team All-America pick. 
Mr. Walker led the Bradley Braves to victory in the 1960 National 
Invitation Tournament and finished his college career with an 
outstanding 69-14 win-loss record.
  His success as a college athlete caught the attention of the NBA, and 
after graduation Mr. Walker was drafted by the Syracuse Nationals in 
the second round. Mr. Walker continued in his tradition of success, and 
was named to the first ever NBA All-Rookie Team. The rest of his 
professional basketball career proved to be exceptional: over the span 
of his 13 years, Mr. Walker scored 18,831 points and grabbed 7,314 
rebounds, had a free throw percentage of 79.6, was a seven-time All-
Star, and won the 1967 NBA championship with what is considered by many 
today to be the greatest basketball team of all time.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Walker's achievements and 
am glad that he is being properly respected for his contributions by 
the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of 
Fame. Chet Walker is one of the greatest to ever play the game and we 
are so proud in southwest Michigan.

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