“A basketball genius”: Sports world reacts to the death of Jerry West
Jerry West, a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, died Wednesday morning at the age of 86. The sports world immediately expressed its condolences and sympathy for one of the most influential players and managers basketball has ever seen.
After his playing days, West was named Manager of the Year twice, but he is perhaps best known as the silhouette of the NBA logo and for his nickname “Mr. Clutch,” which has earned his place in basketball history.
The Los Angeles Clippers, who made the announcement, said West was “the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him.”
He has been inducted into the Hall of Fame three times: first in 1980 as a player, then in 2010 as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team, and in September as a contributor.
Here are some social media reactions to West’s death:
The Dodgers mourn the loss of NBA Hall of Famer and Lakers legend Jerry West, an indelible figure in the Los Angeles sports landscape for more than 60 years. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/wdRMw137lg
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 12, 2024
West Virginia University mourns the passing of the legendary Jerry West, an iconic figure in basketball history.
Forever a mountaineer. pic.twitter.com/M4ZYxUBTEL
— WVU Men’s Basketball (@WVUhoops) June 12, 2024
Jerry West, the embodiment of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His wife, Karen, was by his side. pic.twitter.com/iMwOXmCT2B
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 12, 2024
I will truly miss our conversations my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers are with your wonderful family! Forever love, Jerry! Rest in paradise my boy! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🤎
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 12, 2024
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry West. His profound impact on the game of basketball as a player and executive is surpassed only by his character and integrity. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends in … pic.twitter.com/FJEDr7HKVq
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) June 12, 2024
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jerry West dies at 86: Sports world pays tribute to basketball icon
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