1 day ago · Jerry West is the greatest Mountaineer athlete who has ever lived. Earlier this month, WVU honored West in a historic way, by retiring his No. 44 jersey across its entire athletics department. Ryan Decker and John Lowe spoke with some of the people who knew West best, including his teammate and friend Willie Akers, son Jonnie, and WVU historian ...

Jun 12, 2024 · Willie Akers has been able to call Jerry West his friend for nearly 70 years. The pair met at the leadership academy, Mountaineer Boys State, in 1955 and the rest is history. The news of West’s passing has made Wednesday a tough day for Akers.

Mar 19, 2024 · Jerry West owed big time to his close friend and college roommate, Willie Akers. Jerry West ’s path to NBA stardom was fraught with challenges, beginning with a tumultuous childhood and struggles with depression caused by his abusive father.

Jun 13, 2024 · Jerry and Willie led WVU to the national title game in 1959 where they lost to California. Basketball remained important in both of their lives and created a strong friendship with Tex Williams.

Feb 4, 2019 · Only nine all-time letter winners remain alive from those golden achievers from 1959. And only Jerry West, Willie Akers and Howie Schertzinger made it to center court last Saturday. Bob Smith, Lee Patrone, Ronnie Retton, Jim Ritchie, Nick Visnic and Jim Warren were unable to attend.

Jan 17, 2025 · 1958 — Canadian born Willie O’Ree becomes the NHL’s first black player for the Boston Bruins. 1972 — The Lakers’ Jerry West, hits a last second, 20-foot jumper to lead the West team to a 112-110 NBA All-Star victory over the East, as he garners the MVP award.

Jan 18, 2025 · West Virginia fan holds up a Jerry West sign during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Morgantown, W.Va. (AP Photo/William Wotring) The Associated Press

Jerry Alan West [b] (May 28, 1938 – June 12, 2024) was an American basketball player and executive. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA), and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His nicknames included "the Logo", in reference to his silhouette being the basis for the NBA logo; "Mr. Clutch", for his ability ...

Jan 18, 2025 · Willie O’Ree made history as the first black player in the NHL. Despite a hockey puck hitting him in the face and costing him a 95% vision loss in his right eye, O'Ree was called up from the minors and joined the Boston Bruins with his secret in tow.

Jan 1, 2025 · O'Ree would play 43 games for Boston, score three more goals and finish the season with four goals, 10 assists, 14 points and 26 penalty minutes.