WVU fans share heartache over Mountaineer basketball legend Jerry West’s passing
By Sam Fariss
West Virginia Mountaineers legend and Los Angeles Lakers hero, Jerry West passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday.
West played for WVU from 1957 to 1960, earned 17 program records, and led the Mountaineers within 2 points of the 1959 national title.
The Mountaineers only lost 12 games with West on their team, winning 81 of 93 games. Born and raised in West Virginia, the iconic basketball player was the epitome of what many young Mountaineer fans want to be.
West went on to play 14 years for the Lakers before serving as LA’s head coach from 1976 to 1979. He won the NBA championship in 1972, he was the NBA Finals MVP in 1969, and he earned 14 spots in the NBA All-Star game.
Mountaineer fans paid tribute to the beloved basketball legend on social media following the news of his passing:
The greatest Mountaineer of all time, Jerry West 🫶
— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) June 12, 2024
🔗: https://t.co/u1eNA4tHxh#HailWV pic.twitter.com/AccRw1hrN6
To most of the world, Jerry West was a basketball legend, "The Logo." But for generations of WV kids, he epitomized our dreams. From a dirt road in Chelyan to WVU to the Lakers, he gave us all hope of what we could be. Anything was possible because of him. Rest in Peace! pic.twitter.com/7LSd4NhZ6W
— Chris Richardson (@CRich4) June 12, 2024
Jerry West came from humble West Virginia roots and went on to have one of the most legendary careers in sports history. His impact on WVU, West Virginia and the sport of basketball all over the world is immeasurable. (1 of 2) https://t.co/rws9Jz2OUd
— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) June 12, 2024
West earned the nickname ‘the Logo’ when his silhouette was used to create the well-known NBA logo in 1969.
As the basketball world mourns the man known simply as “the logo,” I join all West Virginians and members of the West Virginia University family in remembering a true legend. There will never be another Jerry West. https://t.co/1EOosHqHfl
— E. Gordon Gee (@gordongee) June 12, 2024
.@wrenbaker on the passing of Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/xXtNK1rVWd
— WVU Sports (@WVUSports) June 12, 2024
It may be cliche to share stories when people pass away, but Jerry West gave me an all-time moment when I worked at WVU.
— Ryan Minnigh (@ryanminnigh21) June 12, 2024
I worked in the University’s Visitor Center and my boss called me and asked to do an event on a Sunday, which was atypical. 🧵🧵 https://t.co/ix8qjByxI6
The former Mountaineer had clutch moments throughout his collegiate and professional career. He was known for his pure shooting form and incredible perimeter play, earning him the nickname “Mr. Outside.”
This display hangs in the lobby of the McDonough Center here at Wheeling. The first athletics competition in Wheeling College history was a basketball game against Jerry West and the WVU freshman team in 1956. pic.twitter.com/KdTEeI7fDj
— Chris Richardson (@CRich4) June 12, 2024
Had the rare honor of snagging a random interview with Jerry West years ago during 1st Greenbrier Classic golf tournament. Talked golf, family & WVU basketball.
— Jared Hunt (@jaredwv) June 12, 2024
(Was around when Jonnie graduated from WVU & was starting his NBA front office career, hence those questions.) pic.twitter.com/x59XkRQlR8
West continued to support the WVU name throughout his career, known as the King of Morgantown.
This was my cohort at @WestVirginiaU standing around the Jerry West statue. He is a king in Morgantown. A great ambassador for WVU and Basketball. RIP #TheLogo 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Hu8AKDekb9
— Ryan Gordy (@CoachGordy) June 12, 2024
A statue was installed outside of the West Virginia University Coliseum. West also has a statue outside of the Lakers’ arena, which WVU fans often take pictures by.
One of the pillars of our sport. Few impacted basketball more than Jerry West.
— Ricky Yahn (@CoachYahn) June 12, 2024
Hard to express the hope & inspiration he symbolized for every kid from West Virginia who loved the game.
RIP to The Logo. Heroes get remembered; legends never die. https://t.co/tWFWig88b3
Jerry West was a perfect example of a hometown hero who led a great life and a great career. He epitomized everything that the Mountaineer basketball program could hope for, and he went on to do the same with the Los Angeles Lakers.
West Virginia fans will mourn West’s death for years to come.