[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 112 (Monday, July 8, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4222-S4223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                         Remembering Jerry West

  Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of a world-class athlete, NBA executive, proud West Virginian, 
and my very, very dear friend, Jerry West.
  Often referred to as one of the greatest American basketball players 
of all time, his career led him to success, joining the greats in 
stadiums across America, far from his hometown in the Mountain State of 
West Virginia.
  Born in Chelyan in 1938, Jerry spent the beginning of his life in a 
small town in southern West Virginia. He faced many health and family 
challenges as a young boy, but he spent a lot of time shooting hoops in 
his backyard.
  At East Bank High School, he began educating himself on the ins and 
outs of the sport he loved. Jerry quickly began to excel in the game as 
the star of his beloved high school team. His jump shot was always his 
trademark, and it allowed him to stand out even as a young player.
  Jerry attended West Virginia University, where his already well-
developed skills and unyielding consistency were notable 
characteristics of his playing ability. He consistently averaged double 
digits in points, rebounds, and assists in almost every major game.
  One personal story I can tell you: As a 10-year-old boy in 1957, my 
mother took me--she loved basketball and loved to go to Mountaineer 
games. She took me to the games as a small boy. She said: Now you watch 
that little No. 44, that little skinny guy over there. He really can 
move the ball well. He has very good delivery. I think he might be 
something.
  That was my mother. I remember that to this day.
  In the 1960 Summer Olympics, he won a gold medal as cocaptain of the 
U.S. men's basketball team.
  Following his second overall selection in the NBA draft of the same 
year by the Minneapolis Lakers, Jerry continued to be a powerhouse on 
the court as the team moved to Los Angeles. Mr. Clutch, as he was 
known, sank a staggering number of winning baskets from both the field 
and free throw line. With his signature jump shot extending 16 inches 
above the rim, his defense, as well as offense, was solid, but often it 
was his work ethic that was the envy of his teammates.
  One of the reasons Jerry was so successful was he was never one to 
back down from a challenge. Like all of us, he experienced setbacks in 
life which weren't always met with victory. Those are the types of 
situations where a person's true character will show through. He always 
believed that hard work, dedication, and perseverance will get you 
where you need to be, win or lose.
  With Jerry's leadership on the court, the Lakers continued to rise 
through the ranks in the subsequent seasons. He racked up a staggering 
number of notable accomplishments.
  During his 14 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, he was voted 12 
times to the All-NBA first and second teams, elected to the NBA All-
Star team 14 times, and continues to hold the NBA record for highest 
average points in a

[[Page S4223]]

playoff series. At the time of his retirement as a player in 1974, he 
had scored more points than any other Los Angeles Laker in franchise 
history.
  Jerry capped his momentous career with two enshrinements in the 
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player. He is scheduled 
to be added a third time this fall as a contributor for his work as an 
executive and consultant.
  His innate talent shined through both on and off the court. He 
continued with the Lakers, coaching for a short time, leading them to 
three playoffs and a conference final. Shortly after his longstanding 
presence with the Lakers, he continued as an executive with them. Many 
looked to him for direction on how the game of basketball should 
evolve.
  The franchise continued to bypass others, which quite literally 
defined the sport throughout the seventies, eighties, and nineties. He 
set the team up to sign and retain some of the most celebrated names in 
basketball history, helping him to earn his notoriety with the NBA 
community that still continues to this day.
  With the skill to take whatever team he was with to new heights, 
Jerry worked with the Grizzlies, the Warriors, and the Clippers to 
improve their stagnant franchises. The teams would not be what they are 
today without his guidance.
  When you think of basketball, you think of Jerry West. One of the 
sport's most notable icons, it is only fitting that his legacy has been 
forever commemorated in the NBA logo. From his skills on the court to 
his unrivaled knowledge of the game from all perspectives, he continues 
to have a lasting impact on the sports world.
  His thoughts were models for how to manage success, failure, and 
change--those all happen in life--how to take the lessons you have 
learned, adapt them, and go on to improve the world around you, which 
is what Jerry did every day.
  I am honored to have been present at the Oval Office of the White 
House when Jerry was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019. 
I can only begin to imagine how many leaders Jerry forged throughout 
his time and how many of his former teammates and colleagues still look 
up to him to this day.
  In that spirit, I am forever grateful to Jerry for his commitment to 
the sports community as well as our shared passion for representing the 
people of the State we both love so much, West Virginia. With God-given 
talent and unmatched character, Jerry's life has benefited the people 
of our home State in a profound way. The legacy he leaves behind is 
undoubtedly an integral part of our heritage. He was a very dear friend 
to me and a proud ambassador of the Mountain State.
  From the coalfields of West Virginia to basketball's biggest stages, 
Jerry always demonstrated his mastery of the sport with grace and 
humility.
  It is my hope that his family and friends can find peace, strength, 
and comfort in one another during the loss of this wonderful person.
  Gayle and I offer our deepest condolences to his wife Karen; his 
sons, David, Michael, Mark, Ryan, and Jonnie; and all of his family and 
friends and all of the loved ones who loved him so dearly. We will 
forever keep Jerry and his remarkable legacy in our thoughts and 
prayers for the rest of our lives.
  God bless you, Jerry.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, I ask that the scheduled vote commence 
immediately.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.