WVU Retires Jerry West’s No. 44 in Every Sport

Announced at halftime of the Iowa State game, WVU will retire the number 44 in every sport in honor of Jerry West.

An everlasting tribute 🫡

In honor of the great Jerry West's memory and legacy, West Virginia Athletics will retire No. 44 in all sports.

🔗 https://t.co/vHqP69R1wX#HailWV pic.twitter.com/o4vkWvhI2b

— WVU Sports (@WVUSports) January 18, 2025

“Through his generosity, advice, time and overall encouragement, Jerry West has always given back to our University and our student-athletes,” WVU athletic director Wren Baker said in a statement. “He never sought the recognition, but all our student-athletes have benefited from his love for his home state and University.”

WVU basketball celebrated “Jerry West Day” on Saturday, wearing throwback jerseys for its game against the No. 2 Cyclones. Members of West’s family were in attendance and were recognized at halftime.

“While we lost Jerry in June, his legacy will continue to touch and enhance the lives of our student-athletes through scholarships, our academic center in the Coliseum and his overall vision to compete and represent the West Virginia jersey with pride,” Baker added. “He was proud of his alma mater, and No. 44 will always stand for excellence here at WVU. There will never be another Jerry West.”

A Chelyan, W.Va. native, West became a star at WVU from 1957-1960. He led the Mountaineers to the program’s first Final Four appearance in 1959 and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament as West Virginia fell in the championship game.

Before establishing a legendary legacy as an executive, one that will see him enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame just for that portion of his career alone in August, West, who was the second overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft, played in the NBA from 1960-74, all with the Los Angeles Lakers. The West Virginia native averaged 27.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists throughout his entire career.

West was also a 14-time NBA All-Star, 10-time All-NBA first team and led the Lakers to the NBA Finals 9 times, granted only winning one championship (1972). Despite falling just short in the NBA Finals, often to Bill Russell and the Boston Celtics, West owns the distinction as the only player to win NBA Finals MVP on the losing team (1969).

Overall, Jerry West spent 39 seasons with the Lakers organization, playing from 1960-74, coaching from 1976-79 and serving as the executive from 1979-2000. West won six NBA Championships within his time spent with the Lakers before serving as an executive for the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers. He owns a total of nine championships from his time as a player and executive in total. Like with the Lakers, many credit West for laying the groundwork of what became the Warriors recent dynasty. West, often regarded as one of the best guards in basketball history, has been the image of the NBA’s logo since 1969, the same year he won NBA Finals MVP (in a losing effort). His No. 44 is retired by the Lakers. West was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team back in 2022.