MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Mountain State is a land stitched together by rugged mountains, close-knit towns, and a complicated economic past. Yet for generations, one thread has consistently united its people—basketball in West Virginia.
The legacy of Jerry West and basketball in West Virginia
From the dusty courts of coal camps to the polished hardwood of the WVU Coliseum, basketball has long been more than just a sport in the Mountain State; it’s been a cultural cornerstone, a symbol of hope, and a rallying point for collective identity.
In a state that has weathered economic shifts, declining industry, and national misperceptions, basketball has often served as a balm and a badge of honor. It brings together miners and mayors, high school students and retirees, city dwellers and those from the most remote hollows.
The story begins with a legend. Born in the coal town of Chelyan in 1938, Jerry West would become the gold standard for basketball greatness. His path from East Bank High School to West Virginia University was meteoric.
At WVU, West averaged over 24 points per game and led the Mountaineers to the NCAA championship game in 1959. Known for his smooth shooting and clutch performances, he soon became "Mr. Clutch" in the NBA and the silhouette behind the league's logo. But for West Virginians, he was always simply one of their own.
West Virginia University basketball and statewide pride
West’s rise inspired generations. His legacy helped place West Virginia on the national sports map, a point of pride in a state often overlooked or misrepresented. Basketball courts became sanctuaries across the state—a place where talent could flourish regardless of zip code or family income.
His story proved that someone from a small coal town could shine on the nation's biggest sports stages. That message resonated deeply in a state where pride often battles with adversity.
As decades passed, WVU basketball continued to provide moments of collective celebration. Players like Rod Thorn, Hot Rod Hundley, and, more recently, Jevon Carter and Da'Sean Butler, carried the torch. Each era brought new faces, but the emotional stakes remained the same.
These moments underscored the importance of basketball in West Virginia, as it became more than just a game—it became a way to express shared pride and resilience.
A Mountaineer win wasn't just a win for a team: it was a win for a state that often felt underdogged in national perception. The blue and gold uniform became a symbol, not just of athletic excellence, but of the enduring grit of West Virginia itself.
The Mountaineers' magical run to the Final Four in 2010 under coach Bob Huggins was another high point. That season, punctuated by Butler's unforgettable buzzer-beater against Cincinnati and a dominant win over Kentucky, ignited a new wave of statewide euphoria.
Watch parties filled fire halls and VFW posts. Students packed High Street in Morgantown, and for a moment, the state stood still together. That team, with its defensive tenacity and unselfish play, captured something timeless about West Virginia values: hard work, loyalty, and toughness.
High school basketball's cultural impact
High school basketball has also played an essential role in shaping the state's identity. In communities from Wheeling to Welch, gymnasiums become the social heart of the town on winter nights.
Rivalries like Parkersburg vs. Parkersburg South or Logan vs. Chapmanville stir passions and fill bleachers. For many young players, high school basketball is not just a sport—it's a dream, a possible path forward, a source of pride.
Best Virginia and the rebirth of West Virginia basketball tradition
In recent years, that spirit has found fresh expression through Best Virginia, a team composed of former WVU basketball stars competing in The Basketball Tournament (TBT).
Best Virginia has rekindled that fierce state pride, drawing large crowds and sparking a renewed appreciation for what these players represent. The team features familiar names like Kevin Jones, John Flowers, and Nathan Adrian, players who once lit up the Coliseum and now reunite to represent the state once more.
For fans, the TBT isn't just about summer basketball. It's a continuation of a legacy. When Best Virginia takes the court, they carry with them the memories of final fours, buzzer-beaters, and snow-dusted roads to Morgantown games. They also represent the dream that basketball in West Virginia has always offered: that greatness can rise from the hollows and hills. The sight of former players slipping back into their old chemistry, greeted with thunderous applause, is emotional for many fans. It reminds them of past seasons, of family traditions, of Saturday nights spent around the radio or TV.
Best Virginia also highlights the importance of alumni and the enduring connection between players and their fans. These athletes often return to the state to coach, host camps, or support local businesses. Their presence strengthens a living bridge between the past, present, and future of West Virginia basketball.
In a time when political divides and economic hardship continue to challenge the state, basketball remains a common language. Whether it’s a 10-year-old shooting hoops on a cracked driveway in Logan or an elderly fan donning a Jerry West jersey in Clarksburg, the game links generations. It fuels local pride and gives residents something to cheer for when headlines grow grim.
Basketball also reflects the state's resilience. Just as the sport requires grit, strategy, and stamina, so too does life in the Mountain State. The same spirit that propelled Jerry West to NBA stardom powers the high school athlete who balances practice with a part-time job. The same unity that fills the Coliseum for a rivalry game bubbles up when the state faces floods, layoffs, or loss.
From Jerry West to Best Virginia, basketball has been West Virginia’s cultural compass. The game remains a powerful connector, echoing in gymnasiums, on radio broadcasts, and in the hearts of West Virginians everywhere. It is woven into the state's identity—a symbol of possibility, perseverance, and pride.
For all its ups and downs, basketball in West Virginia remains a deeply rooted part of life, celebration, and identity. It may be just a game. But in West Virginia, basketball is also home. It’s where dreams begin, where communities gather, and where hope often finds its clearest voice through the bounce of a ball and the swish of a net.
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What an excellent article! For someone nearing 70 who has moved all over the country, West Virginia sports have always been a passion. I especially love basketball and have been through so many ups and downs with my Mountaineers. Having a WVU license plate on the front of my car…I can’t tell you how many times I was honked at by my fellow lovers of West Virginia. My fingers are crossed for this Best Virginia team on Thursday. God bless…and Let’s Gooo!
I attended East Bank High School from 1964 to 1967 Jerrys Framed Jersey and Shorts hung above the gym doors a example what this school could produce. Jerry had a lot of trophies at his home near Chelyan [spelled correctly]. The home burned destroying almost all of his trophies including his Olympic Gold. The community reached out to the West Family helping get Jerrys trophies replaced even the Gold Medal was replaced after many many many phone calls and letters. It all came together as did the WEST home.
Howard Jerrys Dad worked for Try Ax Traer Coal Co as did my Dad and they did work together. Howard would keep the men he worked with informed of Jerrys games and etc. On the NBA Basket Ball players short is the profile of Jerry West also.
You didn't mention the ragtage rooster with belin going to the simi finals with walk on's. Also Ron Williams.