Mountaineer Nation Reacts to News of WVU Honoring Jerry West

Before he became an NBA legend, Jerry West was first an icon as a Mountaineer. And now that WVU Athletics officially announced West will be honored throughout the upcoming athletic year, West Virginia fans and notable figures are reacting with more love for the late basketball star.

We’re so excited to honor the legacy and contributions of the great Jerry West. #HailWV https://t.co/UvqPUEvNVZ

— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) August 15, 2024

Terrific decision to do this by WVU:

WVU Athletics has announced that it will honor the great Jerry West throughout the 2024-25 athletic season, culminating in a special weekend men’s basketball game dedicated to his memory and legacy at WVU.

— Mitch Vingle (@MitchVingle) August 15, 2024

JERRY WEST THROWBACK UNIS! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! https://t.co/NndQlBeZoF pic.twitter.com/otGOzxEgil

— Not Darian DeVries (@CallMeDeVries) August 15, 2024

👏👏👏

— Jill Jones Kirk (@jdenkirk) August 15, 2024

pic.twitter.com/qR24EWBwTv

— Duffy95 (@Duffy_WVU) August 15, 2024

West Virginia University has a lot on their agenda to honor West’s legacy this year.

“Through his lifetime of commitment to West Virginia University and its academic and athletic mission, the great Jerry West has touched the lives of thousands of our student-athletes and that’s why every team will honor him this season,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said per release. “He’s the greatest Mountaineer ever. His outstanding legacy is large, and he will always be beloved, remembered and in the hearts of all West Virginians.”

All 18 varsity teams will represent West with a commemorative logo on some gear, depending on the sport. That will start on Thursday with the women’s soccer season opener vs. Delaware.

More specifically, the men’s basketball team will have a special weekend to honor West’s legacy, at a future Big 12 game. WVU says that date will be finalized when the conference sets dates and times for the games. The men’s basketball team will also wear throwback Jerry West-era jerseys during that game, similar to the ones worn by the 2004 team when they celebrated 100 years of West Virginia basketball.

WVU Coliseum’s floor will have a No. 44 logo on the sidelines for the 2024-25 season.

More from WVU:

Specialized commemorative items will be available during the dedicated game and ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase a mini replica of the famous Jerry West statue that stands at the Blue Gate of the WVU Coliseum. Ticket holders who purchase the mini replica statue will only be able to receive it at the selected game.

Find more coverage of Jerry West at WV Sports Now.