Main content

Bill Walton鈥檚 The Grateful Team: Ep 1

Bill Walton tells the story of Sarunas Marciulionis鈥� journey from the USSR to the NBA. Along the way, there鈥檚 also a Grateful Dead concert鈥�

Bill Walton tells the story of Sarunas Marciulionis鈥� journey from the USSR to the NBA. Along the way, there鈥檚 also a Grateful Dead concert鈥�

It鈥檚 Moscow, 1989, and Lithuanian basketball star Sarunas Marciulionis is walking nervously through the airport. If all goes to plan, a new life awaits playing basketball for the NBA in the US. But first, he must cross the Iron Curtain.

Sarunas doesn鈥檛 yet know the incredible journey he is about to go on. One which will involve political upheaval, the Olympic games, the US rock band The Grateful Dead - and, of course, tie-dye.

The late NBA star and sports commentator Bill Walton presents this extraordinary true story. Bill passed away in 2024, not long after recording the series, and his family have given permission for its release following his death.

Amazing Sport Stories brings you the greatest twists and personal journeys from sport history. Listen for inspiring tales of courage, drama, myths and legends from all over the globe. All told in mini seasons and one-off documentary episodes. #AmazingSportStories

Amazing Sport Stories: Bill Walton鈥檚 The Grateful Team is a Bespoken Media production for the 蜜芽传媒 World Service.

Available now

39 minutes

On radio

Sat 28 Jun 2025 04:32GMT
蜜芽传媒 World Service

More episodes

Previous

The Legend of Takhti: Ep 3

Next

Bill Walton鈥檚 The Grateful Team: Ep 2

See all episodes from Amazing Sport Stories

Featured

  • .

Broadcasts

  • Sat 28 Jun 2025 04:32GMT
    蜜芽传媒 World Service
  • Sat 28 Jun 2025 17:32GMT
    蜜芽传媒 World Service Online, Americas and the Caribbean, UK DAB/Freeview, News Internet & Europe and the Middle East only
  • Sun 29 Jun 2025 00:32GMT
    蜜芽传媒 World Service
  • Sun 29 Jun 2025 08:32GMT
    蜜芽传媒 World Service West and Central Africa
  • Sun 29 Jun 2025 10:32GMT
    蜜芽传媒 World Service except East and Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa
  • Sun 29 Jun 2025 21:32GMT
    蜜芽传媒 World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only

Featured in...

Podcast

  • Amazing Sport Stories

    Unbelievable stories from the world of sport. Underdogs, drama, myths and legends