WVU Basketball Great Willie Akers on the Passing of Teammate and Lifelong Friend Jerry West

Thumbnail photo, from L, Willie Akers, Coach Fred Schaus, & Jerry West (photo courtesy of West Virginia OnView, West Virginia and Regional History Center)

Jerry West, 86, passed away on June 12, 2024. Thanks to colleague Mike Dunlap and Willie's son Chad, we interviewed Willie Akers on June 13.

Among the best basketball players in Mountain State history, Akers and West decided to matriculate at WVU. With Coach Fred Schaus and their teammates, they helped lead the Mountaineers to greatness, including #1 national rankings and participating in the NCAA National Championship Game vs. California in March 1959.

West referred to Akers as "my WVU basketball soulmate." The two remained fast friends as West proceeded to NBA greatness as a player/executive. Akers devoted his career to West Virginia's youth as a high school basketball coach (four state championships, 78%-win rate) and a high school and district-level administrator.

The Mountaineers went 81-12 during Akers's career. He played professionally with the ABA's Cleveland Pipers and is a member of both the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and the WVU Sports Hall of Fame.

One of the legends of Mountain State basketball, we know you'll enjoy listening to Willie Akers as he shares his thoughts and remembrances about his life and time with Jerry West.

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