Lasting Legacy of Jerry West: A Look at the Influence on History

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Jerry West

How the contributions of Jerry West continue to shape the world today.

Jerry West, nicknamed "the Logo" due to his silhouette inspiring the NBA logo, was a celebrated American basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers and later a successful NBA executive. Known as "Mr. Clutch" for his game-winning shots, including a memorable 60-footer in the 1970 NBA Finals, West is considered one of basketball's all-time greats. He also earned the moniker "Mr. Outside" for his perimeter play and "Zeke from Cabin Creek" referencing his West Virginia roots.

1960: Election to Basketball Hall of Fame as a Member of U.S. Olympic Team

In 1960, Jerry West was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the U.S. Olympic team.

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1969: NBA Logo Design

In 1969, the NBA logo, designed by Alan Siegel, was created incorporating a silhouette based on a photograph of Jerry West.

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1972: "Jerry West Night"

Even before winning his sole championship in 1972, the Lakers held a "Jerry West Night", where Bill Russell called him a true champion.

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1979: Elected into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 1979, Jerry West was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

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1980: Hall of Fame Induction and NBA 35th Anniversary Team Selection

In 1980, Jerry West was inducted into the Hall of Fame and named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team.

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1983: Lakers Retired Number 44 Jersey

In 1983, the Lakers retired Jerry West's No. 44 jersey.

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1990: Inducted into National High School Hall of Fame

In 1990, Jerry West was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame.

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1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team Selection

In 1996, Jerry West was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

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1999: Closure of West Bank High School

In 1999, West Bank High School, formerly East Bank High School, which changed its name annually on March 24 to honor Jerry West, closed down.

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2000: "Jerry West Boulevard" Dedicated

In the summer of 2000, the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, and West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood, dedicated the road outside of the West Virginia University Coliseum as "Jerry West Boulevard".

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2001: Lakers Defend NBA Championship

In 2001, the Lakers defended their NBA Championship. West had laid down the foundation of the Lakers' three-peat.

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2002: Lakers Defend NBA Championship

In 2002, the Lakers defended their NBA Championship. West had laid down the foundation of the Lakers' three-peat.

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November 26, 2005: Number 44 Retired by West Virginia University

On November 26, 2005, Jerry West's number 44 became the first basketball number to be retired by West Virginia University.

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February 17, 2007: Bronze Statue Installed at WVU Coliseum

On February 17, 2007, a bronze statue created by sculptor Jamie Lester was installed outside of the WVU Coliseum to honor Jerry West.

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March 2008: Third Greatest Shooting Guard

In March 2008, ESPN voted Jerry West the third greatest shooting guard of all time.

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2010: Elected to Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2010, Jerry West was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team.

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2010: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction

In 2010, the 1960 U.S. Olympic gold medal team, of which Jerry West was a member, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

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February 17, 2011: Statue Unveiled at Staples Center

On February 17, 2011, a statue of Jerry West was unveiled outside Staples Center at the Star Plaza in Los Angeles, California.

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2011: Holds WVU All-Time Records

As of 2011, Jerry West holds 12 WVU all-time records.

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September 5, 2019: Presidential Medal of Freedom

On September 5, 2019, Jerry West received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump.

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2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection

In 2021, Jerry West was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

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2022: Ranked 14th Greatest Player

In 2022, The Athletic ranked Jerry West as the 14th greatest player in NBA history to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary.

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June 12, 2024: Jerry West's Death

On June 12, 2024, Jerry West, the American basketball icon and executive, passed away.

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2024: Hall of Fame Induction as Contributor

In 2024, Jerry West was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, honoring his tenure as a general manager and consultant.

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