West, No. 44, played for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team from 1960 to 1974. He was an All-Star every year of his career and led Los Angeles to the NBA Finals nine times.
Mountaineer Jerry West Unstoppable Against Louisville in NCAA Tournament
Date:
1959
Description:
West, left, flies past Louisville's John Turner during the 1959 NCAA Semi-Finals. The Mountaineers won this game 93-78, with 38 points scored by West alone.
Jerry West Playing for the East Bank High School Basketball Team, East Bank, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1952-1956
Description:
West was the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
Jerry West Shoots during High School Basketball Game
Date:
ca. 19541956
Description:
West, who is mid-air and ready to shoot the ball, played for East Bank High School as the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1954–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
Jerry West Poses in his East Bank High School Team Uniform, East Bank, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1952-1956
Description:
West played as the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
Jerry West and Teammate Willie Akers Pictured in West Virginia University Letter Sweaters, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1959
Description:
West, right and Akers played for West Virginia University from 1956-1960 leading theMountaineers to two Southern Conference and three NCAA tournament appearances which includes the 1959 Championship game.
Jerry West with West Virginia University Coach and Teammate, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1956-1960
Description:
West, right, is pictured with Willie Akers, left, and Coach Fred Schaus, center. West played for West Virginia University's basketball team from 1956-1960, before he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.
After fourteen years of playing of the team, West rejoined the Lakers as coach for three seasons between 1976 and 1982. He led the team to the playoffs each season.
East Bank High Basketball Team after Winning State Championship Game, East Bank, W. va.
Date:
1956/03
Description:
Jerry West, pictured holding the trophy, is outside of East Bank High School after leading his team to championship victory. West was the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
Jerry West with High School Basketball Coach Roy Williams, East Bank, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1952-1956
Description:
West, right, is pictured with East Bank coach Roy Williams, who is stressing defense techniques. West was the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
East Bank High School Basketball Team after State Championship Game, East Bank, W. Va.
Date:
1956/03/24
Description:
Jerry West, pictured on the left holding a trophy, is outside of East Bank High School after leading his team to championship victory. West was the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
Jerry West with Fred Schaus and Willie Akers, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1956-1960
Description:
West, right, poses with West Virginia University Basketball Coach Fred Schaus, center, and teammate Willie Akers, left, while holding a basketball. West played for West Virginia University before he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lakers Coach Jerry West during Game Against Golden State Warriors
Date:
ca. 1976-1982
Description:
West, wearing a patterned blazer, with Jack McCloskey, left, look out onto the court as the game progresses. After fourteen years of playing for the team, West rejoined the Lakers as coach for three seasons between 1976 and 1982. He led the team to the playoffs each season.
West Virginia University Basketball Team Freshmen, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
1957
Description:
Sitting, from left to right, is Manager Ronald Lewellen, Jerry Turner, Butch Goode, Jim Reiss, Jim Warren, Jay Jacobs, and Manager Jim Cook.Standing, from left to right, is Assistant Coach Jim Sottile, Jerry West, Jim Ritchie, Joe Posch, Pat Duffy, Willie Akers, and Coach Quentin Barnette.
The East Bank High School Basketball Team, East Bank, W. Va.
Date:
1956
Description:
Jerry West, No. 42, is pictured with his high school basketball team and Coach Roy Williams.West was the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.West also led his team to victory at the West Virginia State High School Basketball Championship in 1956, a first for the team.
An Injured Jerry West during a High School Basketball Tournament Game
Date:
1956
Description:
A referee and teammates come to West's aid during a high school basketball game.West was the East Bank High School's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.The 1956 team secured the first ever state championship title for East Bank High School's basketball team.
East Bank High School Basketball Team Portrait, East Bank, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1954-1955
Description:
Front row, from left to right: Jerry West, Robert Green, Jim Dolen, Rodney Buckley, and Jack Ellis.Second row, from left to right: Jack Landers, Larry Moore, Robert Buckley, Ronald Fisher, and Joe Chrest.Third row, from left to right: Coach Roy E. Williams, Lincoln Lincous, Garry Stover, and team manager Bill Molner.West was the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
East Bank High School Championship Basketball Team, East Bank, W. Va.
Date:
1956
Description:
A portrait of the team, coached by Roy E. Williams. Jerry West is pictured in the center holding the trophy. The 1956 team secured the first ever state championship title for East Bank High School's basketball team.West was the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
East Bank High School Basketball Team in the Locker Room during State Tournament
Date:
1956
Description:
Jerry West and teammates are pictured celebrating and drinking milk in a locker room with their coaches. The 1956 team secured the first ever state championship title for East Bank High School's basketball team.West was the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
The All-Tournament Team of West Virginia State High School Championship
Date:
1956
Description:
Pictured from left to right is Willie Akers of Mullens High School, Mr. Hurt from Beckley High School, Jack Landers from East Bank High School, Jerry West from East Bank High School, Jay Jacobs from Morgantown High School, and Mr. Davis from Morgantown High School.West was East Bank High School's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.He team secured the first ever state championship title for East Bank High School's basketball team.
Jerry West Making Shot that Gave Him New State High School Scoring Record
Date:
1956
Description:
With this shot, West (No. 12) makes the shot that scores him a new state high school record of 860 points in a season with only 6:50 left in the game. Also on the court is Bob Green (No. 20) of East Bank and Bob Short (No. 24) of Mullens.West was East Bank High School's small starting forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.In 1956, West led his team to secure its first ever state championship title.
West is pictured throwing a basketball through the basket nonchalantly. He was East Bank High School's small starting forward.West was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season
Jerry West and Los Angeles Lakers in United Airlines Advertisement, Los Angeles, Ca.
Date:
ca. 1970-1971
Description:
West (No. 44) played for the Los Angeles Lakers after his basketball career at West Virginia University from 1960 to 1974. The team is pictured here in an advertisement for United Airline.Pictured on the bottom row, from left to right, is John Tresvant, Fred Hetzel, Wilt Chamberlain, General Manager Fred Schaus, Owner Jack Kent Cooke, Coach Joe Mullaney, Rick Roberson, Happy Hairston, and Keith Erickson.In the top row, from left to right, is Trainer Frank O'Neill, Willie McCarter, Jerry West, Jim McMillian, Elgin Baylor, Pat Riley, Earnest Killum, and Gail Goodrich.
Jerry West Holds the Basketball State Championship Trophy, East Bank, W. Va.
Date:
1956
Description:
West played as East Bank High School's small starting forward. He led his team to secure its first ever state championship title.He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
Jerry West (44) Leaps to Score Two Points in Southern Conference Game
Date:
ca. 1956-1960
Description:
West (No. 44) is pictured midair as he prepares to shoot two of his overall thirty-nine points at the game against VMI. The Mountaineers won with a 101-71 victory.
Morgantown Touchdown Club Spring Banquet, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
1958
Description:
A group of men are gathered at a spring banquet held at Hotel Morgan after the West Virginia University basketball team was ranked No. 1 in the United States.In the front row, from left to right, is unidentified, Jerry West, Bobby Joe Smith, Ronnie Retton, Bucky Bolyard, Butch Gude, Jim Warren, and possibly Willie Akers.In the second row, from left to right, is athletic director Red Brown, basketball referee Red Mahalic, Jody Gardner, Loyd Sherer, Don Vincent, Whitie Guyme, team physician Dr. Sam Morris, Golf-pro Reggie Spencer, and Father Scott.In the third row, from left to right, is University of Pittsburgh basketball coach Doc Cartson, WVU head coach Fred Schaus, unidentified, the team's general manager Mr. Gwair, and unidentified.
Jerry West and Teammate Pay for Meal at West Virginia University Dining Hall, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1959
Description:
West, pictured in the light sweater behind the cash register, listens as a cashier rings up his meal.In his book, "West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life", West captions this photograph: "I may look innocent here, but I would occasionally play pranks in the dining hall."
Portrait of Jerry West in His East Bank High School Basketball Uniform, East Bank, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1952-1956
Description:
West played as the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.He would go on to play for West Virginia University from 1956-1960, and then for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960-1974.
Jerry West with Teammates in an Unidentified Location
Date:
ca. 1956-1960
Description:
In the top row, from left to right, is Turk Sine, Kenny Mikes, unidentified, Jerry West, unidentified, Frank Knight, and Walter Nook Smittle, Jr.In the bottom row, from left to right, is Larry Sine, Bucky Bolyard, unidentified, and Jon Huffman.
Jerry West Holding the State Basketball Championship Trophy, East Bank, W. Va.
Date:
1956
Description:
West lead the East Bank High School basketball team to secure it's first ever state championship title as the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.He went on to play for West Virginia University from 1956-1960 and then for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960-1974.
Coach Williams Congratulates Jerry West after State Championship Victory, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
1956
Description:
East Bank High School basketball coach Roy E. Williams, right, shakes the hand of Jerry West, left, in the dressing room after beating Mullens High School in Morgantown and winning the state championship title.West was East Bank's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
East Bank High School Basketball Coach Roy Williams with Star Player Jerry West at State Basketball Tournament Game
Date:
1956
Description:
Williams, right, seems to be telling his star, Jerry West, left, not to worry after West fouled out of the game with 5:27 minutes left to play.West lead East Bank High School to secure its first ever state championship title as the team's starting small forward. He was named All-State from 1953–56, then All-American in 1956 when he was West Virginia Player of the Year, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.
Jerry West at Blossom Dairy and Restaurant, a Sponsor of His Summer Basketball Team, Charleston, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1956-1960
Description:
West spent one summer living with the Gattlieb family, who owned Blossom Dairy and Restaurant, during his time playing for the Charleston Summer League. Blossom Dairy and the Gattlieb family sponsored West's summer team.
Jerry West Foils a Lay-Up by University of Kentucky's Adrian Smith, Lexington, Ky.
Date:
1957
Description:
West, the "tallest player in basketball" at 6'3" keeps Smith from successfully making a shot. At this game, West Virginia University handed Kentucky their fifth home defeat in 15 years.Both West and Smith made the United States Olympic team two years later in 1960.