Former Wisconsin Basketball Player Walt McGrory Dies at 24 After Battle with Rare Pediatric Bone Cancer

Former Wisconsin basketball player Walt McGrory passed away on Saturday at the age of 24 after a courageous battle with a rare pediatric bone cancer. McGrory, who played as a guard for the Badgers from 2017-2021, was known for his resilience and determination both on and off the court.

Wisconsin Basketball Career and Academic Achievements

During his time at Wisconsin, McGrory played in 37 games and was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten student. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, he made significant contributions to the team and was highly regarded by his coaches and teammates.

A Tragic Diagnosis and Inspiring Fight

In April 2021, McGrory announced his plans to transfer to the University of South Dakota. However, shortly after, he received the devastating news that he had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Despite the challenges he faced, McGrory never gave up and continued to fight every day.

Wisconsin coach Greg Gard expressed his condolences, saying, “The courage and fight that Walt demonstrated throughout his two-year battle with cancer was an inspiration to us all. Walt never quit. Instead, he chose to fight every day and made the most of his circumstances by sharing his journey and inspiring others.”

A Standout Player and High School Record Holder

Prior to his college career, McGrory was a standout player at Edina High School in Minnesota. He holds the record for being the school’s all-time leading scorer with an impressive 2,126 points. His exceptional skills and dedication to the sport earned him a spot on the Wisconsin Badgers team.

A Life Cut Short, but a Legacy that Lives On

McGrory’s battle with cancer was documented on his social media page, where he shared updates and photos of his treatments. Despite the setbacks, he remained positive and determined to keep living. In July 2022, McGrory revealed that the cancer had returned and spread within his body.

He is survived by his parents, Matthew and Jean, and his sister Mary Claire, who played basketball at Creighton University. McGrory’s legacy will continue to inspire others to never give up and to cherish every moment of life.