Jerry West: A Legacy That Will Never Fade
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- William D
- June 14, 2024
The news hit me like a basketball crashing through a window while I was sitting at my computer aimlessly scrolling through social media and considering taking my dog for a walk. Michael Fragale, my supervisor, entered the office and broke the news of Jerry West’s passing.
That was the exact moment that stopped me from feeling cold. I understood the seriousness of this responsibility because I was in charge of writing obituaries. Jerry West embodied the spirit of West Virginia and was more than just a legendary athlete.
It’s difficult to put Jerry West’s spirit into words. He was not just an amazing athlete, but also a representation of brilliance, morality, and tenacity.
His impact touched the hearts of countless individuals in West Virginia and beyond, reaching far beyond the basketball floor.
The difficulty is in summarizing the life and legacy of a man who was so important to so many people and whose influence extended beyond the court.
Writing His Obituary: A Task
Because of their deteriorating health, there was a melancholy expectation when icons like Sam Huff and Hot Rod Hundley passed away. Although writing their obituaries remained a major chore, there was advance notice.
Their physical weaknesses made us ready for what was coming, giving us time to collect our thoughts and words. It was easier to record their legacies in both circumstances since there was a feeling of readiness.
However, Jerry West? It was unexpected, like a sudden storm on a clear day, that he was gone. Jerry West was well-known for his unending vigor and unlimited energy. He exuded a sense of size and defied the idea of aging.
It was an even more difficult duty to write his obituary because of the sudden circumstances of his death. It seemed nearly unbelievable to consider him as anything other than energetic and vibrant.
In these conditions, writing about Jerry West’s life and accomplishments required a deep feeling of urgency and reverence because it was necessary to pay tribute to a guy who many saw as timeless.
It’s always preferable to start at the beginning when things are unclear. For me, it all started with a filing cabinet full of interviews, including multiple chats with Jerry West.
These six phone conversations, which were each 20 to 30 minutes long, were transcribed and offered a plethora of information on his life and work.
Jerry’s eagerness to participate in these interviews demonstrated his kindness and enduring affection for his home state, particularly when talking about West Virginia and his teammates.
Jerry West was always a very giving man when it came to his time. Jerry took the time to carefully consider each question throughout the interview, in contrast to many others who could hurried through it, offering brief responses and hoping to get out quickly.
When he talked about West Virginia, West Virginia University, and his Mountaineer basketball friends, his excitement was especially contagious.
He would remember the games with great intensity, the camaraderie, and the pride of representing his state. His tales encompassed more than just basketball; they also spoke about friendship, community, and the deep bonds he upheld throughout his life.
Every discussion he had revealed a man who never forgot where he came from—a love for his roots and the people he grew up with.
Remembering Jerry West (1938-2024) pic.twitter.com/6jWSl49ox9
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) June 13, 2024
The Mid-1950s Basketball Era in West Virginia
West Virginia emerged as a hub of high school basketball skill in the middle of the 1950s, drawing the interest of college recruiters from all across the country.
Chuck Noe, the coach of Virginia Tech, was one such recruiter who saw a sharp difference in the scores of games played in West Virginia and Virginia.
West Virginia teams were routinely scoring in the 80s and 90s, while Virginia teams frequently finished their games with scores in the 40s and 50s.
Chuck Noe was intrigued by this offensive ability and decided to target players from the Mountain State, one of which was a teenage Jerry West.
A key player in this surge of basketball was Jerry West, who was a player for East Bank High School at the time. His skill and leadership were essential in building West Virginia basketball’s legendary status during that time.
Jerry and his teammates’ matchup with the Kentucky all-star squad, which is generally considered to be the finest in the country, was one of the most unforgettable moments.
Jerry’s West Virginia team surprised everyone by winning both of their games against tough opponents.This win increased Jerry’s self-assurance and confirmed his faith in the quality of basketball players coming out of his home state.
Jerry would often talk proudly about those wins and the skill and competitiveness that typified West Virginia basketball in the 1950s. It was more than simply a game; it was evidence of the perseverance, hard work, and unwavering love of the game that infused every court in the state.
A treasured part in the state’s sports history, the mid-1950s West Virginia basketball era led by Jerry West is still remembered as a time when legends were created on the court and dreams came true.
Jerry West’s early years were greatly influenced by Fred Schaus and George King, both on and off the basketball court. As a former professional athlete, Fred Schaus offered West Virginia University a unique coaching approach.
Jerry West’s innate quickness and scoring ability made Schaus’ fast-paced, dynamic style of play ideal for him, unlike many other coaches of the day.
This strategy not only changed the way the team played, but it also gave Jerry the opportunity to develop and show off his skills in ways that suited his abilities and preferences.
Conversely, George King provided the WVU coaching staff with invaluable NBA expertise. King, who was once a player for the Syracuse Nationals, gave Jerry West and his teammates ideas and methods that were innovative for the time.
King was on the floor for scrimmages and sessions, allowing Jerry to play against a player who had competed at the top level of professional basketball. Jerry’s experience was life-changing since it gave him more self-assurance and faith in his own skills.
Jerry frequently reminisced about his friendship with George King, citing how their competitive practices shaped him as a leader and as a player.
Jerry gained insight into the subtleties of basketball strategy, the significance of mental toughness, and the necessity of unwavering determination to growth as a result of these exchanges.
Together, Fred Schaus and George King established the groundwork for Jerry West’s remarkable basketball career. Their creative coaching methods and one-on-one mentoring gave Jerry a strong love for the game and a never-ending quest for greatness.
Their influence on Jerry West extended beyond the basketball court, molding him into a revered athlete and a respected figure in the sports world at large.
The Logo.
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) June 12, 2024
Rest in peace to the legendary Jerry West. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Od1xKTnAin
Jerry West’s West Virginia University (WVU) basketball squad was known for its unwavering spirit of competition and exceptional togetherness.
Willie Akers, a teammate whose dedication to success reflected Jerry’s own goals, was at the center of this dynamic.
Willie Akers supported Jerry at WVU because he saw the possibility of success in a cohesive team environment, even though he had options to be a top scorer elsewhere.
Jerry West strongly believed in the team-first mentality, which was embodied by Willie Akers’ choice. Akers was more concerned with helping a team win than he was with pursuing personal glory.
Jerry was able to show off his offensive skills because Akers, along with colleagues like Lloyd Sharrar, Bobby Joe Smith, and Jim Ritchie, were instrumental in supporting WVU’s defense and rebounding attempts.
The famed competitive spirit of the WVU squad was driven by a shared drive for success. On the field, every player embraced a fiery energy, from forwards like Bucky Bolyard and Ronnie Retton to guards like Joedy Gardner and Don Vincent.
During Jerry West’s tenure, WVU’s basketball legacy was built on their unwavering pursuit of victory and willingness to make sacrifices.
Jerry West, who was well-known for his grave manner and laser-like intensity, balanced out the more gregarious personalities of his teammates.
Jerry kept a low profile off the court, but his unwavering work ethic and dedication to excellence set an example for his colleagues to follow.
His serious approach to the game brought balance to the team chemistry, which elicited respect and adoration.
Jerry’s teammates appreciated and admired his commitment to the game and to helping WVU succeed, despite their differences in personality.
His teammates’ camaraderie and fierce competition, along with his example of leadership, created a bond that went beyond the basketball court.
Collectively, they personified the spirit of passion, tenacity, and teamwork that typified WVU basketball in one of its most illustrious periods.
Jerry West’s natural basketball sense, astute business sense, and unwavering drive for greatness defined his journey from a legendary playing career to a prosperous managerial position.
As an executive, he had a significant impact on the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers, influencing their respective careers and leaving a lasting impression on the NBA.
Jerry West brought over important lessons from his time at West Virginia University (WVU) that would shape his style in executive positions.
Jerry studied collaboration, discipline, and the benefits of a unified team culture at WVU under the guidance of coaches like Fred Schaus and George King. These fundamental ideas developed into cornerstones of his executive leadership style.
Jerry’s accomplishments with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played for more than 20 years before moving on to become an executive, demonstrated his capacity to combine a keen sense of the game with calculated judgment.
He assembled championship-winning teams, most notably with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during the “Showtime” era.
During his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, he demonstrated his ability to assemble winning teams from the ground up.
Jerry West’s leadership and insightful player assessments enabled the Grizzlies, a team with a lesser market share, to become a playoff contender. Jerry West laid the groundwork for one of the most powerful teams in NBA history during his brief tenure with the Golden State Warriors.
His crucial draft selection of players such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson paved the way for the team to win more titles in the next years.
Jerry West maintained his influence over organizational choices while he was with the Los Angeles Clippers, stressing the importance of player development, smart deals, and creating a winning culture.
His influence went beyond the court, turning the Clippers into a powerful team in the NBA’s cutthroat competition.
Jerry West used the leadership, teamwork, and unwavering pursuit of excellence he had learned at WVU throughout his executive career to lead each organization to success.
In addition to his unwavering commitment to the game, his ability to adjust to shifting dynamics in the league cemented his reputation as one of the most significant individuals in basketball history.
Jerry West’s evolution from a basketball legend to a visionary executive highlights his ongoing influence on the NBA and the game in general.
Jerry West and I had one of our most memorable in-person meetings at a speech in Lewisburg, West Virginia. The show included Jerry advertising his new book and me talking about my own recent book, “Roll Out the Carpet.”
I had been invited to take part in the event. Before Jerry hit the stage, it was my intention to entertain the audience with a few humorous stories.
I felt proud of myself as I concluded my part with recollections about Wil Robinson, Levi Phillips, and Hot Rod Hundley.
After completing my role, I headed backstage. Jerry West and I happened to meet paths in the Green Room.
I shook his hand casually and said hello, thinking we would speak briefly before he addressed the crowd.
But what caught my attention right away was Jerry’s laser-like focus. He had the air of a prizefighter getting ready to go into the ring. His nod was courteous, his handshake solid, but his focus was obviously on the business at hand.
There was no mistaking the gravity of the moment in his eyes as he prepared to share intimate and revealing stories from his book.
It was an uncommon look into the mind of a man who had lived his whole life getting ready for occasions such as this, whether in the spotlight or on the basketball court.
That brief meeting revealed a basic fact about Jerry West: his physical prowess was not the only thing that contributed to his outstanding status—mental toughness and persistent determination were also important factors.
Whether it was a crucial game or a public speaking engagement, he tackled every assignment with the same level of determination.
This insight deepened my regard for him as a remarkable human being who pursued perfection in all facets of his life, in addition to his legendary status as a basketball player.
Jerry’s expertise and attention to detail demonstrated the traits that had characterized his life and career.
That was when it became evident why he was considered one of the greatest—his unwavering dedication to perfection and his unmatched capacity for focus and energy management.
Even though our interaction was brief, it captured the spirit of Jerry West’s uniqueness and made a lasting impression on me.
Jerry West is the personification of West Virginian virtues such as perseverance, humility, hard labor, and integrity. He was a living example of these values throughout his life and work, inspiring people not just in his home state but all throughout the world.
The rise of West from a little West Virginian village to the pinnacles of NBA prominence and managerial success is evidence of the strength of perseverance and hard work.
Jerry West is a kindred spirit from West Virginia, a state renowned for its tight-knit communities and unwavering spirit. He frequently thought back on his background and the teachings he had learnt from his early years, never forgetting his beginnings.
These teachings, which are based on the necessity of working hard and upholding one’s integrity, were apparent at every turn in his professional life.
Jerry was always driven by a strong sense of duty and a dedication to perfection, whether he was coaching a team to win on the court or making critical choices in his role as an executive.
Jerry West’s life provides priceless lessons for everyone hoping to succeed and uphold morality in both their personal and professional lives.
His narrative demonstrates that genuine greatness is about how one handles oneself through both successes and setbacks, rather than just bragging rights or accomplishments.
Jerry sets a strong example with his unwavering honoring of his commitments and his constant displays of empathy, dignity, and respect for others.
West was a well regarded role model in addition to being a famous sports figure because of his ability to combine true humility with strong competition.
His example shows us that perseverance, foresight, and, most importantly, a strong commitment to one’s basic principles are the keys to success.
Jerry West’s approach—his intelligent leadership, his grounded character, and his unwavering pursuit of excellence—offers us a model for living a meaningful and influential life.
The legacy of Jerry West extends beyond basketball. It serves as evidence of the value of upholding one’s moral convictions and the perseverance of character.
We are reminded to lower our West Virginia flags in his honor as we pay tribute to his legacy, understanding that there will never be another Jerry West—a real living example of the principles we cherish.
It is appropriate that West Virginia flags be lowered until after West Virginia Day on June 20th in remembrance of Jerry West’s remarkable life and the significant influence he had on his native state.
This action is a representation of the state’s mutual respect and affection for a man who, in addition to using his basketball skills to elevate West Virginia, also personified the ideals that make up the Mountain State.
The legacy of Jerry West is one that will last for many years. In addition to being a basketball icon, he served as a mentor, role model, and representation of excellence and morality.
Everyone can be inspired by his journey from impoverished beginnings in Chelyan, West Virginia, to the height of basketball achievement.
Jerry’s life served as an example of what can be accomplished with perseverance, hard effort, and a steadfast dedication to one’s values.
Jerry West will never come again, as we realize as we consider his incredible path. His contributions to basketball as an executive and player have had a lasting impact on the game.
His integrity and modesty have impacted many lives outside of the court, establishing a benchmark for what it means to be a real West Virginian.
Respecting Jerry West’s legacy entails doing more than simply remembering his accomplishments; it also entails living up to the high standards he established and emulating his beliefs. We can all strive to emulate his success, which is based on integrity, hard effort, empathy, and respect.
Together with lowering our flags in honor of this legendary person, let’s pledge to remember the principles he taught and make sure his outstanding legacy never stops encouraging and uplifting us all.