by Ernie McCray
Jerry West’s passing
is very much on my mind.
The reason being he was a
true contemporary of mine
as we were born a month apart in 1938,
and our names, a couple of times,
were mentioned among
the top scorers
in the 1959-60
college basketball season,
both of us
basketball legends
at our respective universities
but my being in the spotlight in hoops
came to an abrupt end
while “Zeke from Cabin Creek”
took greatness to another level,
becoming the logo
that symbolizes the NBA.
And I’ve been a big fan of his
ever since I first saw him
on the hardwood,
marveling at
the passion
and drive
and determination
he fully put into action
when he played,
stellar performances that momentarily,
took my mind away
from the war
and the demonstrations
and the assassinations
et all
that filled the 60’s and the 70’s
with dismay.
Oh, it seems like it was only yesterday
in a way.
But Jerry will be missed by me
for reasons far beyond his basketball playing artistry,
because, as I followed him,
I came to appreciate the kind of human being he was,
how he overcame
growing up in a house
living in fear
of an abusive father
and used such an experience
as motivation
to help children
throughout his illustrious career
as a player and a coach and basketball exec
essentially beyond compare,
giving to organizations
that pay attention to them
and provide activities for them to enjoy,
human touches he most wanted when he
was a boy
Jerry West brought joy
both on and off the court,
representing the NBA
with human decency
and dignity.
I will forever remember him
for his inspiration,
the humanism
he modeled for my generation.
So grateful and proud
to be of his times.
May he rest in peace
throughout time.
VIVA!