Courtesy of GoXavier.com
CINCINNATI — A Xavier legend. That doesn’t even begin to tell the impact that David West has had on Xavier University during his time on campus and since his graduation. West, a 2003 Xavier University graduate and the 2003 National Player of the Year, announced his retirement today after a decorated 15-year NBA career. West won two NBA Championships (2017 and 2018) and was a two-time NBA All-Star (2008 and 2009).
West, who was inducted into the Xavier University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010, is the most decorated player in Xavier basketball history. West proudly wears an “X” logo tattoo on his left bicep with the words “My Life” and “My Way.” Xavier retired West’s No. 30 jersey at the end of his senior season, the only player in school history to have his jersey retired while still an active player.
During his NBA career West played for the New Orleans Hornets (2003-11), Indiana Pacers (2011-15), San Antonio Spurs (2015-16) and Golden State Warriors (2016-18). In 15 seasons, West appeared in 1,034 games, scored 14,034 points, recorded 6,590 rebounds, registered 2,273 assists and had 850 blocks. West helped the Hornets win their first-ever division title in 2008 and was the veteran leader on the Warriors back-to-back championship teams.
The Teaneck, N.J. native’s standout collegiate career at Xavier included Associated Press national honors in each of his final three seasons as a Musketeer, culminating in being named the 2003 AP National Player of the Year. West, who was also named 2003 National Player of the Year by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) and Basketball Times magazine, won the 2003 Pete Newell Big Man of the Year Award and the 2003 Senior CLASS Award, a prestigious award that honors seniors who excel in the areas of community involvement, the classroom, character/leadership and competition. He also earned a spot on a Sports Illustrated All-Decade team.
West ranks third on Xavier’s all-time scoring list (2,132 points), third on XU’s all-time rebounding list (1,308 rebounds) and first on Xavier’s all-time blocked shots list (228 blocks). More importantly, West was a winner who led Xavier to 94 wins and four postseason appearances in his four seasons, including NCAA berths in each of his final three seasons. West created countless memories as a Musketeer, including a career-high and Cintas Center record 47 points to go with 18 rebounds in a win over Dayton in the 2002-03 season.
West played under two Xavier head coaches during his stellar career. West was recruited to play at Xavier by the late Skip Prosser and played two seasons under Prosser, 1999-2000 and 2000-01. Thad Matta coached West for his junior and senior years, 2001-02 and 2002-03.
“David is a legend at Xavier. We never pass on an opportunity to brag to current student-athletes and recruits about the incredible impact he has made on our program and the university both on and off the court. We are so proud of him. It was an honor to watch him play and to get a chance to know him.”
- Travis Steele, Current Xavier Head Coach
“David was a great leader. He was very demanding on himself and his teammates. David never accepted anything but the best effort and it was always about the team. Here is a guy who scored 2,000 points, and he’s probably the most unselfish player that I ever coached.”
- Thad Matta, Former Xavier Head Coach (2001-04)
“David was a winner on and off the court. He hated losing. Nothing was more important to him than the team and winning. No one was better at winning time than David.”
- Skip Prosser, Former Xavier Head Coach (1994-2001)
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