Willie Akers, a Hall of Fame forward and longtime mentor in West Virginia basketball, died recently at the age of 89 after months of declining health. His passing marks the end of an era for a figure whose name remains synonymous with the state's rich basketball tradition.
Akers first rose to prominence as a starting forward for West Virginia University in the late 1950s, where he became a key member of the program's celebrated 'Golden Era.' Alongside future NBA star Jerry West, he helped the Mountaineers secure three NCAA tournament appearances and capture a Southern Conference title during a period marked by an 81‑12 overall record under coach Fred Schaus.
The partnership between Akers and West began long before their college years, when both were highly recruited prospects who bonded at Mountaineer Boys State in 1956. Their on‑court chemistry produced memorable moments, including an upset over fifth‑ranked Kentucky and a victory that snapped North Carolina's 37‑game winning streak, with Akers contributing 11 points and 13 rebounds.
During the 1959 season, the duo led WVU to the Final Four, overcoming an 18‑point second‑half deficit against St. Joseph’s in a dramatic comeback that highlighted their resilience. The following year they added another Southern Conference championship before West's NBA career began, cementing their place in the university's storied history.
After his collegiate career, Akers briefly played in the American Basketball Association for the Cleveland Pipers before returning to his hometown of Logan, West Virginia. There he transitioned to coaching, guiding Logan High School to four Class 3A state titles in 1964, 1977, 1978, and 1983, finishing with a career record of 402‑116 and a .776 winning percentage.
A Legacy That Endures
Akers' contributions were recognized with inductions into the West Virginia State Sportswriters Hall of Fame, the Logan High Hall of Fame, and the WVU Sports Hall of Fame. In his autobiography *West By West*, Jerry West described Akers as "loyal, kind, and a true friend," crediting him with keeping him at the university during pivotal years. He is survived by his wife Linda, sons Darren and Chad, four grandchildren, and a great‑grandchild.