WVU Athletics to honor Jerry West during the 2024-25 season

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia University announced plans Thursday to honor the greatest Mountaineer to ever grace the hardwood, Jerry West.

The WVU and NBA icon, a native of Kanawha County,died on June 12 at age 86. The news stirred a flood of reactions from across the Mountain State and sports world.

WVU programs will pay tribute throughout the 2024-25 season as athletes don a commemorative Jerry West No. 44 logo, according to a news release from WVU athletics.

The news release said the men’s basketball team will wear throwback uniforms and a special weekend game will be dedicated to West’s life and legacy.

The details will be released later as the Mountaineers’ schedule is decided by the Big 12.

Fans will have the opportunity to pick up commemorative merchandise at the game, including a miniature version of West’s statue that guards the Blue Gate of the WVU Coliseum.

West was a standout at East Bank High School before leading the Mountaineers to an NCAA championship appearance.

West was drafted into the NBA No. 2 overall by the Lakers and was enshrined into the league's Hall of Fame in 1980.