I grew up watching great basketball players. I saw them all – Bob Pettit, Russell, Cousy, Chamberlain, Robertson, Maravich, Kareem, Jordan, Kobe, LeBron James and a host of other fantastic cagers. But in my opinion, Jerry West was the greatest of all time. Mr. West died this week at age 86.
I grew up an N.C. State fan. I was born in Raleigh and worshipped the Wolfpack. When our family moved to WV, my loyalty remained with State College as I grudgingly watched a young man named Jerry West become a god in the mountains of West Virginia. He was from a tiny town called Cabin Creek. He had a rough childhood, but he could play ball. He was listed at 6-3, but his arms nearly drug the ground. He could outrebound guys that were 8-inches taller, block their shots and he could score from any place after he crossed the timeline. Actually, he could score from beyond that point as any NY Knick fans can vouch for. He once made a shot at the buzzer from the opponent’s foul line. He was also one of the greatest defensive players of all time. Those long arms and cobra quick hnds would snatch the ball away and downcourt he went with a slam dunk.
They called him Mr. Clutch and he was that. When the game was on the line, they gave the ball to West and no matter how closely he was guarded or by whom, he scored.
He never was much for the limelight, and he never showboated. He was all business, All American, All NBA and a hall of famer. West was an All-Star every season of his 14-year career, all with the Lakers. He averaged 27 points, 6.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds for his career. And he did all this before the three-point shot.
I can’t believe he’s gone, but his legend will never die. He was the Greatest basketball player of all time.