Hubbry Logo
Doug WestDoug WestMain
Open search
Doug West
Community hub
Doug West
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Doug West
Doug West
Doug West
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Jeffery Douglas West (born May 27, 1967) is an American former professional basketball player who is an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) swingman from Villanova University, West was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 1989 NBA draft. An athletic, well-rounded player who could score as well as defend, West was an "original" Timberwolf, being drafted by the team in its first year of existence. He was the last of the original roster to remain on the team.

Key Information

High school career

[edit]

West attended Altoona Area High School where he became a Parade All-American. West was a highly touted recruit by Villanova's head coach Rollie Massimino after their 1985 NCAA Championship run.

College career

[edit]

At Villanova University, West proved to be a smart player, gifted shooter with driving ability and a great leaping talent. He was consistently productive in his four-year college career with an average of 15 points per game,[1] becoming one of the most prolific scorers in Wildcats history scoring 2,037 points from 1986 to 1989. He still ranks fifth on the team's all-time scoring list.[2]

He made the Big East All-Freshman team in 1986 and was second in scoring to Harold Jensen as a sophomore at 15.2 points per game. West led the Wildcats in scoring as a junior with 16 points per game in 1988 and along with Mark Plansky, led the team to an exciting run in the 1988 NCAA tournament where Villanova upset both no. 3 Illinois then no. 2 Kentucky in the Sweet 16 before falling in the Elite 8 to no. 1 ranked Oklahoma who would eventually lose to Kansas in the NCAA Championship Game.[3] West made the NCAA All-Southeast region team and the All-Big East team that season. As a senior in 1989 he would lead Villanova in scoring again with an 18 points per game and make All-Big East again.[1]

Professional career

[edit]

Minnesota Timberwolves (1989–1997)

[edit]

West was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 1989 NBA draft. An athletic, well-rounded player who could score as well as defend, he was an "original" Timberwolf, being drafted by the team in its first year of existence. He was the last of the original roster to remain on the team.[citation needed]

West became a regular starter for the Timberwolves during the 1991–92 season, in which he averaged 14.0 points per game, appeared in the Gatorade Slam Dunk Championship, and earned Timberwolves' Defensive Player of the Year Honors. The following season, he averaged a career high 19.3 points per game.

During the 1993 off-season, the Timberwolves made shooting guard Isaiah Rider their first round draft pick and made him the starter at the position. West was moved to small forward, where his numbers declined significantly. In 1995, he broke Tony Campbell's team-record 4,888 points to become the Timberwolves' all-time leading scorer (a distinction now held by Kevin Garnett). The following off-season, the team drafted Garnett, and West was moved to the bench, starting just 16 games. He returned to the starting lineup for the 1996–97 season when Rider was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, which would be his last season as a starter.

Vancouver Grizzlies (1998–2000)

[edit]

By the mid-1990s, injuries had begun to take their toll on West, and he was traded to the Vancouver Grizzlies in exchange for Anthony Peeler near the end of the 1997–98 season. West provided a veteran presence for the struggling young Grizzlies, but he saw very limited playing time, and he finally retired from the NBA in 2001. He had tallied career totals of 6,477 points, 1,670 rebounds, and 1,292 assists.

West's final NBA game was on December 20, 2000, in a 118–104 win over the Washington Wizards where he recorded just 1 assist and 1 block in 6 minutes of playing time.

In the late 1990s, West suffered from depression and alcoholism, for which he sought treatment.[4][5]

Coaching career

[edit]

After the NBA, West spent two years coaching at a high school in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and two years as an athletic director at the private girls school, Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy high in Wheeling, West Virginia. West was an assistant coach for the Duquesne University women's basketball team for one season. West was named an assistant coach for the Villanova Wildcats, replacing Ed Pinckney on October 5, 2007.[6] In 2012, West joined the coaching staff of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA D-League.[7]

On July 9, 2015, West was announced as the men's basketball head coach at Penn State Altoona.[8]

On May 20, 2016, West was announced as the boys basketball coach at his alma mater, Altoona Area High School.[9]

On September 5, 2023, West became an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers.[10]

Notes

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Doug West

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jeffery Douglas West (born May 27, 1967) is an American basketball coach and former professional player. A 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) shooting guard, he played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats before being selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 1989 NBA draft with the 38th overall pick. West spent nine seasons with the Timberwolves (1989–1998), followed by three with the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies (1998–2001), appearing in 576 NBA games and averaging 9.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant for the Timberwolves (2001–2007 and 2011–2023), Cleveland Cavaliers (2007–2010), and Philadelphia 76ers (since 2023, as of November 2025).

Early life and education

High school career

Jeffery Douglas West was born on May 27, 1967, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. His early interest in basketball developed in the local sports culture of Altoona, where community involvement in athletics was prominent; he was introduced to the game by friend Mike Pendleton through playground activities like "Around the World" and participated in elementary school tournaments coached by local figures such as Bob Seitz and Don Pendleton. West attended Altoona Area High School, where he emerged as a standout player in the mid-1980s. As a senior, he led the team to an undefeated 27-0 regular season record alongside teammates Mike Iuzzolino, Craig , and Bob Bradfield, advancing to the PIAA Class AAAA state semifinals before a loss in the Western final to Brashear High School. During his high school career, West broke Altoona Area High School's all-time scoring record, solidifying his reputation as one of the program's top talents. His exceptional performance earned him national recognition as a fourth-team All-American in 1985. This accolade, along with his scoring prowess and leadership, made West a highly touted recruit, leading to intense interest from college programs including Pitt and ultimately securing a four-year to under coach .

College career

Doug West enrolled at in 1985, where he played basketball for four seasons under head coach , known for his intense coaching style and familial team environment that emphasized discipline and camaraderie. As a Parade All-American recruit from Altoona Area High School, West earned a during his time there, contributing to a program that posted an 80-59 record over his tenure. In his freshman season of 1985-86, West averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game across 37 appearances, helping the Wildcats secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament as a #9 seed in the East Region, where they advanced to the second round before falling to . His performance earned him selection to the Big East All-Freshman Team. As a in 1986-87, West's scoring increased to 15.2 , alongside 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 31 games, as the team focused on rebuilding momentum in the competitive . His junior year in 1987-88 saw further growth, with averages of 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 37 contests; as the team's leading scorer, he guided Villanova to a 24-13 record and a #6 seed in the NCAA Tournament's Southeast Region, reaching the and earning NCAA All-Southeast Region honors along with second-team All-Big East recognition. West peaked in his senior campaign of 1988-89, averaging 18.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in 33 outings, which garnered him first-team All-Big East honors and a spot on the All-Big East Tournament team. Over his career, he amassed 2,037 points (fifth all-time at Villanova), 630 rebounds, and 257 assists in 138 games, solidifying his role as a versatile guard-forward. Following the season, West declared for the and was selected 38th overall in the second round by the .

Professional playing career

Minnesota Timberwolves (1989–1998)

Doug West was selected by the in the second round (38th overall) of the , becoming one of the franchise's original players during its inaugural season. As a 6-foot-6 shooting guard, West provided defensive versatility and athleticism to a young that finished 22-60. Over his nine seasons with the Timberwolves, he established himself as a key contributor, amassing 6,216 points and 1,559 rebounds while helping build the team's early identity. In his 1989–90 season, West adjusted to the NBA's physicality and speed, appearing in 52 games off the bench and averaging 2.6 points and 1.3 rebounds in 7.3 minutes per game. In the franchise's first home game on November 8, 1989, against the —a 96-84 loss—West recorded 2 points, 1 rebound, and 1 block off the bench (his NBA debut had been five days earlier on the road against the ); the Metrodome season drew over 1 million fans. West noted the welcoming Midwestern culture as a contrast to his roots, aiding his quick adaptation despite limited minutes under coach . West's role expanded significantly by his third season in 1991–92, when he became a regular starter, averaging 14.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 80 games, while earning the Timberwolves' Defensive Player of the Year award for his perimeter defense. That year, he showcased his athleticism by participating in the 1992 during Weekend in Orlando, finishing fifth with dunks that highlighted his high-flying style. His peak came in 1992–93, starting all 80 games and achieving a career-high 19.3 alongside 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists, solidifying his reputation as a two-way guard on a team that improved to 29-53. West's tenure with Minnesota ended on February 18, 1998, when he was traded to the in exchange for guard , concluding a career where he ranked among the franchise's early scoring leaders and embodied the "original Timberwolves" spirit.

Vancouver Grizzlies (1998–2001)

On February 18, 1998, Doug West was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the expansion in exchange for guard , joining a young franchise in its second NBA season that sought experienced players to mentor its roster. As one of the few veterans on the team, West provided vocal leadership from the bench, offering guidance to inexperienced players amid the Grizzlies' rebuilding efforts. West's role in was limited by injuries, including nagging , , and back issues that hampered his productivity and playing time across his three seasons with the team. He appeared in 67 games total, starting just 8, with his minutes per game declining from 21.0 in 1998–99 to 11.4 in 2000–01. His scoring average dropped accordingly, contributing modestly to the team's offense while averaging 3.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game over this period—figures that aligned with his totals of 9.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 676 NBA games. The following table summarizes West's per-game averages during his Grizzlies tenure:
SeasonGamesStartsMPGPPGRPGAPG
1998–9914221.05.81.81.4
1999–0038015.34.01.91.1
2000–0115611.41.91.00.9
Career (Grizzlies)67815.73.91.71.1
At age 34, West retired from the NBA following the 2000–01 season, concluding a 12-year professional playing career.

Coaching career

Early coaching roles

After retiring from his 12-year NBA playing career in 2001, Doug West transitioned into coaching by serving as an assistant coach for the boys' varsity and junior varsity teams at Canon-McMillan High School in , for two years (2001–2003). During this period, he drew on his professional experience to mentor young players in a high school setting. He then spent two years as and teacher at Mt. de Chantal Academy, an all-girls private school in (2004–2006), where he continued to engage with youth athletics. West returned to the collegiate level in 2006 as an assistant coach for the women's basketball team under head coach Dan Durkin, a role he held for one season. The following year, in 2007, he joined his as an assistant coach for the men's basketball team, replacing and working under head coach Jay Wright for five seasons through 2012; during this time, the Wildcats advanced to the 2009 NCAA and multiple NCAA Tournaments. His NBA background, including nine seasons with the where he ranked among the franchise's all-time leaders in games started and minutes played, provided unique insights into player development and game preparation. In 2015, West took his first head coaching position at the collegiate level with , a Division III program, where he emphasized player development and holistic growth for student-athletes on and off the court during his one-season tenure. The following year, in 2016, he returned to his high school roots as of the boys' team at Altoona Area High School, his , succeeding Paul Hasson after resigning from ; he held this position until 2023, leveraging his local fame as a Parade All-American and state semifinalist from the mid-1980s to inspire the Mountain Lions program. West's early coaching emphasized mentorship, drawing on strong community ties in to foster discipline and fundamentals among high school and college players. From 2019 to 2023, West served as associate head coach for the Westtown School girls' team, contributing to their first PAISAA championship in 2022, and led the Rise Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) team as part of its leadership staff, focusing on AAU talent development in the area. These roles underscored his commitment to grassroots and nurturing the next generation in Pennsylvania's basketball community.

NBA coaching positions

West began his professional coaching career in the NBA Development League (now G League) as an assistant coach for the , the affiliate of the , in the 2012–13 season. Working under head coach , West contributed to the team's success, helping guide the Vipers to the D-League championship that year while emphasizing player development in the league's competitive environment. After returning to collegiate coaching, including a stint at , West reunited with Nurse in the NBA. In June 2023, he joined the as an assistant coach, marking his entry into full-time NBA staff duties. In his role with the 76ers, West has focused on defensive strategies, collaborating with defensive coordinator to implement aggressive schemes that disrupt opponents and align with Nurse's philosophy. He has supported team adjustments during key challenges, such as Joel Embiid's injuries, while aiding player development, notably contributing to Tyrese Maxey's growth as a core asset. As of November 2025, West remains an assistant coach with the 76ers.

Personal life and legacy

Health challenges

In the late 1990s, Doug West faced significant challenges, including a diagnosis of depression and struggles with , exacerbated by career pressures such as injuries, diminished playing time, and his trade from the to the in February 1998. West acknowledged these issues in an to friends and fans, describing how he had attempted to cope independently but had lapsed into a harmful lifestyle amid the uncertainties of his professional career. Following the trade, West prioritized treatment, entering an alcohol rehabilitation program with support from the NBA Players Association before reporting to ; he described reaching "rock bottom" and committed to addressing both his depression and through professional intervention. This journey involved structured rehabilitation, which enabled him to achieve and long-term recovery. West's health challenges impacted his on-court performance, contributing to erratic play during his final seasons with the Timberwolves and persisting into his tenure with from 1998 to 2001, where the pressures of the move intensified his difficulties. His from the Grizzlies in 2001 served as a pivotal moment, allowing greater focus on personal healing and eventual return to in a capacity. West has since reflected on his experiences as a testament to resilience, emphasizing the importance of seeking help in professional sports.

Impact and honors

Doug West's impact on basketball spans his playing career, where he established himself as a reliable scoring guard and defensive specialist, particularly during his tenure with the , and his subsequent role as a coach contributing to successful programs at both collegiate and professional levels. As the eighth-leading scorer in Timberwolves franchise history with 6,216 points across nine seasons, West provided consistent leadership and perimeter defense, helping to build the young franchise's identity in its early years. His participation in the 1992 highlighted his athleticism, while earning the team's Defensive Player of the Year award in 1991–92 underscored his on-court tenacity. Across his nine-season NBA career, West amassed 6,477 points in 676 games, including 6,216 points in 609 games with the Timberwolves, demonstrating durability and versatility as a 6-foot-6 guard who could guard multiple positions. Transitioning to coaching, West has influenced player development and team success as an assistant, notably at Villanova University from 2006 to 2011, where he contributed to 77 wins, including seven NCAA Tournament victories and a run to the 2009 Final Four. His work extended to the NBA G League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in 2012–13, aiding a league-best 35-win season and a championship title. As of November 2025, he serves as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers, where his emphasis on fundamentals and preparation has supported contenders, drawing on his professional experience to mentor young talent. Beyond the court, West founded "Win By 2," a company focused on basketball training and player development, extending his legacy in youth and collegiate preparation. West's honors reflect his achievements at multiple levels. At the collegiate level, he was named to the All-Southeast Regional Team during the 1988 NCAA Tournament and scored 2,037 points at Villanova, ranking sixth all-time in program history. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Big Five Hall of Fame in 1996, the Blair County Sports Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Villanova University Hall of Fame in 2007. These recognitions honor his scoring prowess and contributions to Villanova's 1988 Elite Eight appearance.

References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westdo01.html
  2. https://nbacoaches.com/doug-west/
  3. https://blaircountysportshof.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/2004-Doug-West.pdf
  4. https://wjactv.com/sports/content/doug-west-returns-to-altoona-hs-as-head-coach
  5. https://basketball.realgm.com/highschool/awards-by-season/1985
  6. https://sites.psu.edu/ivyleaf16winter/sports/doug-west/
  7. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/doug-west-1.html
  8. https://www.villanova.com/news/2007/10/5/West_Joins_Coaching_Staff
  9. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/awards/men/big-east-all-frosh.html
  10. https://villanovan.com/5723/sports/ncaa-tournament-issue-villanovas-tournament-history/
  11. https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/west-helped-wolves-kick-inaugural-1989-90-campaign
  12. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westdo01/gamelog/1990
  13. https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/allstar/dunk/selections_by_season/1992
  14. http://www.espn.com/nba/preview99/van.html
  15. https://globalnews.ca/news/2303498/the-62-who-played-for-the-vancouver-grizzlies-where-are-they-now/
  16. https://archive.triblive.com/local/local-news/dukes-hire-ex-nba-player/
  17. https://goduquesne.com/news/2006/6/5/Doug_West_Named_Women_s_Basketball_Assistant
  18. https://villanova.com/news/2007/10/5/West_Joins_Coaching_Staff
  19. https://www.altoonamirror.com/sports/psu/2015/07/psu-altoona-turns-to-west/
  20. https://www.altoonamirror.com/sports/scholastic-sports/basketball/2016/05/west-follows-heart-home/
  21. https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-to-hire-doug-west-20230627.html
  22. https://www.paisaasports.org/news_article/show/1214108
  23. https://www.libertyballers.com/2023/6/27/23776275/sixers-doug-west-nick-nurse-minnesota-timberwolves-villanova
  24. https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers/fabulous-flournoy-doug-west-toure-murry-nick-nurse-sixers-staff/526331/
  25. https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-doug-west-nick-nurse-villanova-joel-embiid-20240416.html
  26. https://www.deseret.com/1998/2/23/19365239/west-says-he-ll-go-in-for-treatment-of-alcohol-abuse-before-reporting/
  27. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/02/24/grizzlies-west-admits-substance-abuse/
  28. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-25-sp-22789-story.html
  29. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1559846-minnesota-timberwolves-all-time-dream-team
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.