In Oct. 24, 2011s issue of Sports Illustrated magazine, there is an article by Gary Smith on the Los Angeles Laker great, Jerry West. It is for the most part about the autobiography that West had written on what it is really about is things are œnot always as they seem.

Always on the top of his game, Mr. Clutch, as he was known around the NBA, seemed to have it all. Yet he suffered. This very humble and very competitive man took the œsuper star tag given to him by the media as a challenge to be great every night.

We were sitting together in the Forum one evening just before Jerry went in to suit up for the game against the team I coached, the Portland Trail Blazers. What he said to me in those moments was the problem with being a super star is he could never have just a œgood night. Thirteen points, six assists and five rebounds would be a fine outing for most guards in the league. Not for Mr. West.

I first met Jerry in 1960 in Denver, CO. He and I were both there to compete as members of teams competing in the Olympic Trials. Jerry was playing for the University All-Stars, and intercollegiate team made up of college stars such as Oscar Robertson, U. of Cincinnati, Walt Bellamy, Univ. of Indiana, Terry Dischinger, Purdue University and Darrel Imhoff, University of California.

I was playing for the Akron Goodyear Wingfoots of the National Industrial Basketball League which was the best amateur league in the country. Pros were not allowed to play in the Olympics at that time. Johnny Cox, University of Kentucky, George Swyers, Virginia Tech (Jerrys idol growing up), Dick Boushka, St. Louis University and the giant 7 3 Swede Halbrook, Oregon State were some of the All-Americans that were my teammates.

Jerry and I were in George Swyers hotel room with some other players. I was struck by how the three time All-American was just excited to be talking to his idol George Swyers. Just being a guy from Cabin Creek, WVA.

We played against each other in the semi-finals for the trials which his team won. My job when in the game was to guard Jerry and I am proud to say I didnt feel I was embarrassed. His team was the heart of our 1960 Olympic Team which was the best team ever until the Dream Team made up of NBA stars represented the USA.

After the Olympics, Jerry and I would cross paths. It was usually in the Marina Del Rey area of LA. One day we were having a beer and he was complaining that he had followed a 29 on the front nine of Riviera Country Club with a 32 for a total of 61. You see, his eye was on shooting 58, a magic number for great golfers.

Some of the other times we would talk about things he was attempting to figure out in his life. I always appreciated that he trusted me enough to do that. My last thought is œJerry, take care of yourself. You are and always have been a class act. I am proud to have known you.

Coaches, get you copy of Coach Todds latest book, œThe Art of Losing which is for sale on-line at lulu.com or Vervante.com