About the Author

Robert Cherry

is ajournalist anda formerPeace Corps volunteer in the West African bush. He has been a general assignment reporter or editor for four newspapers, including the Arizona Republic, and his freelance work has appeared in the New York Times and theJerusalem Post, among other publications. He played varsity basketball at Wilt Chamberlain's alma mater, Overbrook High School.Jerry West is a former Los Angeles Laker who led the team to nine NBA Finals and the 1972 championship. He is a former Lakers coach and general manager and serves as the president of basketball operations for the Memphis Grizzlies.