But that didn’t go on for very long,” laughs West. “At first, I was the butt of jokes-the hillbilly basketball player. But while he was in Rome, he got word that the Lakers franchise was moving from Minneapolis to Los Angeles.
A big city gave players more opportunities,” he says. “I had really hoped that I would get drafted by New York. He was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers, and during the summer he co-captained the U.S. He was a perfectionist who believed, “Why do something if you aren’t going to do it right?”ġ960 was a big year for West. I felt like I had let the entire state down.” Throughout his career, no one was harder on Jerry West than himself. I mean, I really hate losing,” says West. WVU lost by one point, and no one took it harder than West. In 1959, he led WVU to the NCAA Championship game and won Most Valuable Player. I will always be grateful for the opportunities that the university gave me.” But I learned that you can’t hide behind a façade of shyness. But one of the biggest lessons I learned was to become more social. College was the most positive experience of my life. “I always knew that I wanted to go to WVU. But people were always friendly and willing to help each other out.” His father worked a hardscrabble life in the coal mines, and his older brother, David, was killed in the Korean War when West was only 12 years old. Everyday life was a struggle,” he recalls. West grew up in the small coal town of Chelyan outside of Charleston. And while others have named him “Zeke from Cabin Creek” in reference to his rural roots, West Virginians proudly call him their native son. He is referred to as “The Logo.” His dribbling silhouette against a blue and red background is the official NBA logo and has graced balls, jerseys, and clothing since 1971. Outside”-he had a quick-release jump shot that was unstoppable. Clutch.” As the clock ticked down, he was the go-to man who didn’t buckle under pressure. He talks about his life and legacy Photographed by Rebecca Devono Los Angeles Laker Legend Jerry West is one of the most inspirational stories to come out of West Virginia.
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