Jerry West hailed as ‘basketball genius’ following death aged 86By Phil Blanche, PAJerry West has been described as a “basketball genius” and a “defining figure” in the NBA following his death at the age of 86. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement: “Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years. You’re already missed!”West was born in Chelyan, West Virginia, in May 1938 and became a basketball college star in his home state at West Virginia University. West rebuilt the Lakers in the 1990s and secured the draft rights to Kobe Bryant and signed free agent Shaquille O’Neal. “Jerry West was an incredible and unique individual, having accomplished immeasurable heights in the game of basketball,” the Warriors said on social media.

Source: Irish Independent June 13, 2024 00:22 UTC