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Former Badgers and Edina basketball player Walt McGrory dies of cancer – Star Tribune
Former Wisconsin guard Walt McGrory, Edina’s all-time leading scorer in basketball, died Saturday after a two-year cancer battle, according to reports Monday.
McGrory, who grew up in Minneapolis, played in 36 games with the Badgers from 2017-21, including on Wisconsin’s 2020 Big Ten title team.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Walt McGrory,” Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said in a statement. “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.”
In August 2021, McGrory was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. He chronicled his treatment on social media, including a partial leg amputation in April at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.
A GoFundMe page was set up in September for McGrory’s recovery, which raised just over $136,000. Gard asked fans during a postgame news conference in mid-November to send their thoughts and prayers to McGrory, whose condition had worsened.
“Walt was a beloved member of our team and the Badger family,” Gard said Monday. “We will miss him dearly.”
Before joining Wisconsin as a walk-on in 2017, McGrory finished his Edina basketball career as the program’s scoring leader with 2,126 points.
Marcus Fuller covers Gophers men’s basketball and college basketball for the Star Tribune. He has 13 years of experience covering Twin Cities college and professional sports.
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