Jerry West saluted by President Obama

From Cabin Creek to the White House.

Jerry West grew up in simple beginnings in rural southern West Virginia. Nearly 70 years later, he is being honored on the grandest stage in the United States.

Joining the Golden State Warriors, West was at the White House on Thursday. The team was in Washington, D.C. for the traditional visit with the President following a championship win by a sports team. Last June, the Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

"“It’s beautiful to watch when they’re working on all cylinders,” Obama said during a ceremony at the White House."

West is part of the Warriors’ executive board where he assists the team’s ownership group and represents the franchise at league-wide events.

West had an illustrious playing career at West Virginia, where he is still the school’s all-time leading scorer. He then became one of the best players in NBA history as a 14-time All-Star.

His front office career is just as decorated with seven NBA titles and two honors as the NBA Executive of the Year. West also has the top honor in the sport as the league’s logo was patterned after him.

It’s something President Obama made sure to point out on Thursday.

"“I also want to recognize Warrior executive board member and NBA legend, one of the greatest of all-time, the logo Jerry West,” Obama said. “He’s worth a standing ovation.”"

Seeing how West’s career has evolved is nothing short of amazing. At heart, he is still a Mountaineer, just like he will always be in the hearts of the West Virginians who love him as one of their own.