Who was Wes Unseld? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Westley Sissel Unseld

Died At Age: 74

Family:

father: Charles Unseld

mother: Cornelia Unsaid

Born Country: United States

African American Men Coaches

Height: 6'7" (201 cm), 6'7" Males

Died on: June 2, 2020

place of death: Maryland, United States

Cause of Death: Illness

U.S. State: Kentucky

City: Louisville, Kentucky

Notable Alumni: University Of Louisville

More Facts

education: University Of Louisville

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1

What position did Wes Unseld play in basketball?

Wes Unseld played as a center in basketball.
2

Which NBA team did Wes Unseld play for throughout his career?

Wes Unseld played for the Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets (now known as the Washington Wizards) during his entire NBA career.
3

What was Wes Unseld known for in terms of his playing style?

Wes Unseld was known for his exceptional rebounding and outlet passing abilities on the court.
4

Did Wes Unseld have a successful coaching career after retiring as a player?

Yes, Wes Unseld had a successful coaching career after retiring as a player, including coaching the Washington Bullets/Wizards.
5

What impact did Wes Unseld have on the Washington Bullets/Wizards franchise?

Wes Unseld had a significant impact on the Washington Bullets/Wizards franchise, both as a player and later as a coach and executive, helping shape the team's identity and success over the years.

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Childhood & Early Life

Wes was born Westley Sissel Unseld, on March 14, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Charles Unseld and Cornelia Unseld. He has a brother named George.

Wes attended the 'Seneca High School' and helped the school team win the Kentucky state championships twice, in 1963, and 1964. He then graduated from the 'University of Louisville.' Wes is an 'Alpha Phi Alpha' fraternity member.

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Career

In 1965, Wes played as center for the school freshman team at the 'University of Louisville' and averaged a score of 35.8 points and 23.6 rebounds over 14 games. He played for Louisville for his sophomore (1965–66), junior (1966–67), and senior (1967–68) years, scoring 1,686 points (20.6 average) and registering 1,551 rebounds (18.9 average) in 82 games.

During his collegiate career, Wes led his team to the NIT tournament in 1966, and the NCAA tournament in the following years. He was received the ‘NCAA All-American’ honors in 1967, and 1968.

Wes led the 'Missouri Valley Conference' in rebounding for all three years. He was then picked up by the 'Kentucky Colonels' during the 1968 'American Basketball Association' draft. 'Baltimore Bullets' then drafted him as second overall in the first round of the 1968 NBA draft.

Wes played as a rookie for 'Bullets' and helped the team register a 57–25 record and a division title. That year, with an average of 18.2 rebounds per game, he became the second player to date to win the ‘Rookie of the Year Award’ and the ‘Most Valuable Player Award’ in the same year, after the fellow ‘Hall of Fame’ player Wilt Chamberlain. Wes also won the 'Sporting News MVP’ that year and was hence named to the 'NBA All-Rookie First Team.'

In 1975, Wes led the NBA in rebounding and in the following season scored a field goal percentage of .561. He helped 'Bullets' franchise to qualify for four NBA finals, and ultimately winning the 1978 championship against the 'Seattle SuperSonics.' Wes was named the ‘Finals MVP’ in that very game.

Wes retired after the 1980–1981 season, followed by the retirement of his number-41 jersey by the 'Bullets.' He ended his career with a total of 984 NBA games for the 'Bullets,' averaged a double-double, and an average score of 10.8 points, 14.0 rebounds per game, and 3.9 assists per game, playing at an average of over 36 minutes in a game.

Even after his retirement in 1981, Wes remained with the 'Bullets' as a front office executive and served as vice president for 6 years. He then became the head coach of the 'Bullets' in 1988.

With a record score of 202–345, Wes resigned after the 1994 season and became the team's general manager in 1996. Wes had coached the team to the playoffs only once during his tenure with the 'Bullets.'

Wes was named in the 'Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame' in 1988, and in 1996, he was honored as one of the 50 greatest NBA players of all time.

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Personal Life & Death

Wes was married to Connie who is the founder of the co-ed private school till eighth grade, 'Unselds School,' located in southwest Baltimore. Connie and their daughter, Kimberley, teach at the school. Wes and Connie's son, Wes Unseld Jr., currently works as an assistant coach for the 'Denver Nuggets.'

Stan Love, father of Cavaliers all-star forward Kevin Love was Wes' 'Bullets' teammate and hence he made Kevin's godfather.

Death

Wes Unseld died after suffering long health battles, on June 2, 2020. He was 74.

Facts About Wes Unseld

Unseld was the only player in NBA history to win both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards in the same season (1968-69).

Despite being undersized for a center at 6'7", Unseld was known for his physical style of play and was a dominant force on the boards, leading the league in rebounds per game twice in his career.

Unseld was a key player in leading the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) to their only NBA championship in 1978, showcasing his leadership and determination on the court.

Off the court, Unseld was known for his humility and philanthropy, establishing the Unselds' School in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, to provide educational opportunities for underserved children.

Wes Unseld Biography

You wanted to know

What position did Wes Unseld play in basketball?

Which NBA team did Wes Unseld play for throughout his career?

What was Wes Unseld known for in terms of his playing style?

Did Wes Unseld have a successful coaching career after retiring as a player?

What impact did Wes Unseld have on the Washington Bullets/Wizards franchise?

Death