The David West Thread

[Muskie]

From our friends at Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_West_(basketball)):

West attended and graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. There, he was a four-year starter on the basketball team. West was the first XU player to get his number retired while still playing for the Musketeers, during which he led Xavier to a top 10 national ranking and a #3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. West was named as a first-team All-American his senior year and the 2003 Associated Press and United States Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Year, averaging 20.1 ppg and 11.8 rpg as a senior while leading XU to its second straight 26–6 season. West led Xavier to 94 wins in his four seasons while finishing as Xavier's all-time blocked shot leader (228 blocks) and second on XU's all-time scoring (2,132 points) and rebounding (1,308 rebounds) lists. West was also named as the Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year three years in a row. As a senior, he was selected as the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award winner, recognizing him as the nation's top senior men's basketball player.
In October 2007, Sports Illustrated released Sports Illustrated: The Basketball Book, which featured West on its NCAA All-Decade Team for the decade beginning in 2000.

Share your fondest memories of David West or keep up to dates on his professional game.

[XUFan09]

I thought West didn't get his number retired until after he finished his college career, but he was the first to get it retired while still playing professional basketball.

[X-band '01]

Hell, he was the first Xavier player to have his number retired while still an active player at Xavier. That was the same day Temple played possum at Cintas.

[Dr. X]

Forgive my ignorance and youth, but didn't he go off for 40+ against Dayton once? And is there video of this somewhere?

[X-band '01]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Dw4bdreXQ80" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Unfortunately, the highlight reel gets censored, err, cut off at the 1-minute mark. DFW had 47 points and 18 rebounds in this 2002-03 classic.

[blueblob06]

Forgive my ignorance and youth, but didn't he go off for 40+ against Dayton once? And is there video of this somewhere?

Yes sir, one of the best games I've ever attended.

His line:
D West 40min 15-26fg 16-19ft 18rebs(7 off reb) 3ast 3fls 47pts

Feb 08, 2003
XU 85, UD 77

Go Muskies!

[XUOWNSUC]

David had the ball with time running out in that ud game (the one where he went off for 47 points) - I was hoping he would chuck a three pointer to try to get to 50 points but he didn't - he just allowed the time to expire. ud fans probably thought that was a classy thing to do...

[Muskie]

David had the ball with time running out in that ud game (the one where he went off for 47 points) - I was hoping he would chuck a three pointer to try to get to 50 points but he didn't - he just allowed the time to expire. ud fans probably thought that was a classy thing to do...

He shook hands after the game was over too.

[XUOWNSUC]

Well, since Gustavexvo bumped this thread, I might as well point out that David Freakin West scored 31 points and had 11 boards versus the Spurs last night.

[Snipe]

I think that David West was Freshman of the Year of the A-10, then POY of the Atlantic 10 for three straight seasons.

That kid was simply incredible. Though Dayton fans said he was soft and got all the calls, and Gary Griffin claimed he was not a "legitimate" big man.

[smileyy]

This thread can't be complete without this pic:

1091

I remember the chills I got when reading about how he announced his return to Xavier.

[Masterofreality]

This thread can't be complete without this pic:

1091

I remember the chills I got when reading about how he announced his return to Xavier.

"Were you there..........Did you hear?

[tmac03]

Nice article on West from the Indianapolis Star: http://www.indystar.com/article/20121217/SPORTS04/212180303/Once-questioned-Pacers-forward-David-West-surpassing-outlasting-his-peers
(hope I posted the link properly). The Pacers have been pretty disappointing this year but would be Fordhamesque without David Freaking West.

[MHettel]

The year West came out, I called a Seatlle Sports radio station and tried to convince the Host that the Sonics should take West. The Sonics had the 12th and 14th picks. The host laughed at me and said there is a long list of players who were far better than West, namely Michael Sweetney.

The Sonics took Luke Ridnour and Nick Collison. And started down the path towards OKC.

[PMI]

The year West came out, I called a Seatlle Sports radio station and tried to convince the Host that the Sonics should take West. The Sonics had the 12th and 14th picks. The host laughed at me and said there is a long list of players who were far better than West, namely Michael Sweetney.

The Sonics took Luke Ridnour and Nick Collison. And started down the path towards OKC.

And since that fateful day, you've known always to trust your gut instincts.

[DC Muskie]

The year West came out, I called a Seatlle Sports radio station and tried to convince the Host that the Sonics should take West. The Sonics had the 12th and 14th picks. The host laughed at me and said there is a long list of players who were far better than West, namely Michael Sweetney.

The Sonics took Luke Ridnour and Nick Collison. And started down the path towards OKC.

NBA GM's need to stop listening to sports talk radio hosts when it comes to making decisions on the draft.

[fellahmuskie]

David got his first career triple-double last night in a win over the Bobcats: 14 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists. The Pacers and Nets are playing right now on NBA TV, too.

[ammtd34]

Another article about him from New Jersey. He's having a really good year.

http://www.nj.com/ledger-dalessandro/index.ssf/2013/01/indiana_pacers_david_west_a_teaneck_native_powers_ the_team_from_with_workmanlike_play_atforward.html

[Juice]

Long feature on West from NBA.com

http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/david-west-its-how-you-finish-part-i

[UCGRAD4X]

I live in the state of Indiana (north) and although it is not necessarily a hotbed of Pacer fandom (Chicago and Notre Dame dominate and some Michigan interest) there are 5/10-second blurbs of the games on the 'news' - such as it is.

You would not know David West was even on the team. I do not recall one time his name was mentioned in the quick recaps. The always mention the score and name one or two players' stats from each game. I do not pay much attention to NBA, but if I wasn't on this site I would not even know DFW was still in the league.

Shameful!

[waggy]

ESPN mentioned him last night in a promo for the game against the Griz, which is tonight I think.

[Muskie]

It is actually on right now. It is MLK Jr. Day which means NBA all day today.

[Muskie]

Story in the Star (http://www.indystar.com/article/20130121/SPORTS15/301210332/Bob-Kravitz-Pacers-will-not-let-David-West-depart?odyssey=obinsite) about how the Pacers want to resign him

[nuts4xu]

DWest has had a great season with the Pacers, and is a near perfect fit for that team. I hope he can finish his career as a Pacer, but I also hope they can assemble even more talent around him. I would love to see him get a championship ring and don't think they have enough players to get there right now.

It will be interesting to see the offers he gets at the end of this free agent season. He isn't necessarily motivated by money, and if he has a chance to go to a contender, I expect him to jump at the chance. There should be a lot of teams looking at DWest this summer.

[smileyy]

It depends on the $$ he's looking for. But yeah, i wouldn't be surprised to see him picked up as a role-player on a championship contender.

I don't want to damn him with faint praise, but he's what...the 3rd or 4th best player on a championship team? He brings a lot to the table though -- floor-spacing with his shooting, along wtih defense of both face-up and post forwards, leadership....and doesn't really take a lot off the table. He needs another rebounder paired with him, though, since he spends a fair amount of time away from the basket.

[waggy]

I haven't looked at stats to really back this up, but my recollection is that Posey and Grant both got better with age. DFW is a tweener though. Doesn't have deep range like Dirk, and isn't a banger that gets you a bunch of boards like Hill.

[Muskie]

My money is on him staying with the Pacers. Just a hunch. He had the chance to go somewhere else when he signed with the Pacers (Boston I believe).

[xufan02]

David has 30 in the third quarter against the Heat. Putting on a clinic.

[mohr5150]

The only thing better than watching David West dominate in a game is watching him dominate against LeBron and the Heat. The only thing better than that is knowing Lance McAllister was there with his son to watch the Heat. Any time a Xavier player can dominate while Lance is present is an added bonus.

[bobbiemcgee]

Celebrate David West!!!! Talk about your role models. Great community guy with his contributions and working with kids. Comes back from crippling injuries to star once again. I guess I'm an old fart but I just don't get why we celebrate bums, killers and drug abusers over the true heroes in our midst. I may not even watch the SB this year 'cuz I can't stand the thought of watching that asshole scream and cry @ midfield while the press showers him with praise. 6 kids and 4 baby momma's (he never even bothered to marry one of them). They defend him 'cuz he is their lottery ticket come true. Acquitted for Murder 'cuz he paid the family off. Put him in the HOF now. Can you believe Goodell wants to hire him as a "special advisor." ? OMG. What's next? Making stars of people with zero talent who happen to be buxom and have big boobs? That could never happen.

Celebrate David West!!!!!!! Erect the statues now! God Bless the REAL heroes.

[xubball1993]

Everything you said Bobbie - right on. Love to see David having such a great professional career.

[HuskyMuskie]

Rant of the year!!!

[THRILLHOUSE]

My money is on him staying with the Pacers. Just a hunch. He had the chance to go somewhere else when he signed with the Pacers (Boston I believe).

Yeah it was Boston. Celtic fans hate West because of it.

[ammtd34]

Just checked February game logs. West is shooting 54% from the floor, averaging 19.5 pts and 7.3 rebs. The Pacers have won 8 of 10.

[Masterofreality]

Did not play last night here in Cleveland. Probably because they didn't need him. Pacers kicked ass.

Disappointing.

[bobbiemcgee]

D West flashback vs Creighton. Should have some more great games:

http://www.polyfro.com/jaysblog/2007/12/polyfro-flashback-19-xavier-75.html

[xu95]

My wife and I are taking our son to the Pacers game next Friday against the Thunder. Should be a good game. They made me promise that I wouldn't wear my David West Xavier jersey (no Muskie, not the one I bought at auction).

[ammtd34]

In April, West is averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, and shooting 56% from the floor.

[Muskie]

1195

[Muskie]

1196

[Muskie]

1197

[xu95]

We were at the Pacers game last month and were sitting in the club level right next to all the crazy fans dressed up like storm troopers and shit like that. I could've sworn that every time he made a basket they did a little X sign.

[Cheesehead]

Really have enjoyed watching D West in the playoffs. Just a really solid player.

[xubball1993]

D West has a reputation of a quiet leader in the NBA. Now that the Pacers have ousted the Knicks, I'm looking forward to seeing them take on the Heat. I don't care for Lance Stephenson due to his past (UC thug who threw his pregnant girlfriend down a flight of steps) but he played a whale of game last night.

[gladdenguy]

Never thought Lance Stephenson would be so much better than Crawford in the NBA. One thing is for sure. Crawford, like Lyons, has that punk attitude that everything should be given to them. Lance Stephenson has worked his ass off and its paying off. Good for him. I'm rooting for DWest and this Pacers squad.

[STL_XUfan]

Never thought Lance Stephenson would be so much better than Crawford in the NBA. One thing is for sure. Crawford, like Lyons, has that punk attitude that everything should be given to them. Lance Stephenson has worked his ass off and its paying off. Good for him. I'm rooting for DWest and this Pacers squad.

I know. Take that time he threw his pregnant girlfriend down the steps. Lance Stephenson knows that abortions are earned not given.

[XUFan09]

I know. Take that time he threw his pregnant girlfriend down the steps. Lance Stephenson knows that abortions are earned not given.

Oh God, I'm a bad person for laughing out loud at that.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

[BBC 08]

Did David West fall asleep? http://blogs.thescore.com/tbj/2013/05/22/video-did-david-west-fall-asleep-in-a-press-conference/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[paulxu]

D West doing his part with 26 through regulation. George hits a 3 from about the 7th row to send it to overtime.
Would like to see the Pacers pull this out...but the odds don't favor them.

[mistabeecee41]

Great game by D-West through 4 quarters but he shit the bed in OT. 0-2 from the floor and 0-2 from the FT line.

[Muskie]

I have a tough time rooting for Lance Stephenson at all.

[DC Muskie]

Clips would like to get DWest is Paul re-signs.

Is it resigns, or re-signed. It's Friday, so f it, I thought I'd ask.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/22289975/report-clippers-to-target-david-west-in-free-agency

[LA Muskie]

Clips would like to get DWest is Paul re-signs.

Is it resigns, or re-signed. It's Friday, so f it, I thought I'd ask.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/22289975/report-clippers-to-target-david-west-in-free-agency

That would be freaking AWESOME for me and my Clippers season tix!!!

[nuts4xu]

Never thought Lance Stephenson would be so much better than Crawford in the NBA.

This is a surprise to you? The guy's nickname was "Born Ready"!! He was going to make it eventually, everyone who comes up with their own arrogant nickname always makes it to the show!

http://www.obsessedwithsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Lance-Stephenson-Born-Ready.jpg

[Muskie]

That would be freaking AWESOME for me and my Clippers season tix!!!
I don't see him playing for the mid-level exception though? I believe the article is accurate he's set himself up for one more big payday. Hopefully the Pacers are willing to open their wallet.

[GoMuskies]

I think Wade just hit Born Ready in the temple on behalf of all Pacers fans.

David needs to step up to make up for his wayward teammate in the last few minutes!

Why didn't David West go down the court and go Jordan Crawford on Lebron after that steal? Sweet defensive play, though.

West is Lebron's daddy!

[danaandvictory]

This guy is just a freaking incredible basketball player.

What a series so far. The first game was basically Xavier-K-State, the second game was just the Pacers persevering and taking every punch the Heat had.

[waggy]

14 and 12 tonight in game 4 against the Heat. Had a stretch where he pretty much brought them back from 6 points down. Hibberts presence really helps him.

The Heats perimeter players are just nasty though.

[BBC 08]

Sir Charles just called West the best kept secret in the series.

[xu95]

I am still pissed about game 1. The Pacers gave that game away. They should be up 3-1 right now. I hate the Heat.

[JTG]

That would be freaking AWESOME for me and my Clippers season tix!!!

Sorry, not gonna happen. He is loved by the Pacer brass, and is the GLUE that holds a very young Pacers team together. He retires a Pacer, bank on it.

[DC Muskie]

I am still pissed about game 1. The Pacers gave that game away. They should be up 3-1 right now. I hate the Heat.

I thought that this morning as well. I'm going to be especially pissed when they lose game 5 in a few days.

I don't see them winning this series. They really, really needed that first game.

[ammtd34]

http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-130528/daily-dime

Some crazy stats in here


Pacers big men Roy Hibbert and David West are completely having their way with the Heat, exploiting the weak area Miami has spent years devising schemes to mask...

...But there's no dodging this whammy: The rebounding tally in the fourth quarter was Pacers 16, Heat 4.

Or this one: Hibbert and West are combining to average 41 points and 20.5 rebounds per game on 51 percent shooting in the series. How does that compare to the legendary combination of James and Wade? It's a relative draw, the two future Hall of Famers, averaging 44 points, 11.8 rebounds and 51 percent shooting.



Hibbert and West have 82 rebounds in the four games. The Heat's Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, Chris Andersen and Battier have a combined 59. Bosh, whose excuses for the worst rebounding season of his career got tiresome months ago, is averaging a woeful 3.3 rebounds a game in the series. He is getting devoured by Hibbert and West and was long before a tweaked ankle might've slowed him on Tuesday.

[kyxu]

All aboard the DFW bandwagon...

1204

[waggy]

I don't know if the Pacers are going to win this game 5, but DFW is bringing it.

[nuts4xu]

This is a great matchup, and I think the Heat are getting all they can handle from the Pacers. I just don't think the Pacers have the experience, players, or talent to come back from being down 3-2.

DFW was tapped in the nose by Haslem, but still kept his cool. This was nice to see, as he hasn't always had the longest fuse in the world.

[DC Muskie]

There's no way the Pacers beat them in two straight games. Let's go Spurs!

[mistabeecee41]

Pacers up 13 through 3. David has had an awful game but has an upper respiratory infection. His errant pass at the end of the Q was an awful play for a veteran, let's hope that doesn't swing the momentum in the heats direction.

[GuyFawkes38]

Outside of the awful end of 3rd quarter turnover, West played a really nice 2nd half. What a player. Such a skilled big man. Sometimes reminds me of Duncan. West won't blow you away with size or athleticism. Bit he still gets the job done.

[usfldan]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--david-west-played-game-6-with-103-degree-fever-023451826.html

[nuts4xu]

My Life...My Way

Go David Freakin West!!

[waggy]

It's been a very entertaining series.

[nuts4xu]

It's been a very entertaining series.

No doubt, I hope the Pacers can close em out on Monday. But I am not holding my breath they can win on the road...

[PM Thor]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--david-west-played-game-6-with-103-degree-fever-023451826.html

It "probably" is inflated, but that 103 degree fever is dangerously high. David Freaking West is all heart.

[DC Muskie]

No doubt, I hope the Pacers can close em out on Monday. But I am not holding my breath they can win on the road...

I'm just going to enjoy the fact they took the Heat to seven games. My only hope is that a rested Spurs team can beat them.

[waggy]

Nice start for the Pacers and DFW.

[DC Muskie]

Well it was a good series. Way too many turnovers for the Pacers.

I just knew the Heat was going to pull this game out.

[GoMuskies]

The Heat bent the Pacers over last night. No homo.

[mistabeecee41]

The Heat bent the Pacers over last night. No homo.

Pacers are in a position to improve next year and it all starts with re-signing West. Then they have to decide what to do with Granger. Keep him and start him with Lance as 6th man? Keep him and bring him off the bench? Trade him in a salary dump? Trade him for an impact player?

Bring in a better backup point guard, sign a cheap wing shooter (Korver?) and they'll be in a better spot to make a run next year.

[DC Muskie]

OH NO! David West didn't shake hands afterwords!

[Muskie]

Hearing it is very likely that the Pacers re-sign David West. Both sides aiming to get a deal done quickly.

[nuts4xu]

Hearing it is very likely that the Pacers re-sign David West. Both sides aiming to get a deal done quickly.

Good to hear, it seems like a great fit for DWest and the Pacers.

[Muskie]

http://youtu.be/AiZQ9UGWiQk

[waggy]

That's a great video. I hadn't seen that before.

[mistabeecee41]

DFW got PAID!!!

Reports are 3 years, 36 mil. Not bad for a soon to be 33 year old who tore his ACL Past 30.

[Muskie]

Awesome news.

[ammtd34]

Wow.

SI gives the deal an 'A' and put a hilarious picture of West in the article.

http://nba.si.com/2013/07/02/david-west-re-sign-indiana-pacers-free-agency-three-year-contract/

[smileyy]

DFW and Indy seem like a really good fit for each other. Glad that XU fans in the Cincinnati area can see him play pretty easily too.

No one can defeat age, but $12M isn't an amount of money that a team will regret paying West, I think. Especially since Indy probably only has a 1-2 year window.

[Masterofreality]

DFW got PAID!!!

Reports are 3 years, 36 mil. Not bad for a soon to be 33 year old who tore his ACL Past 30.

Yeah, but a good player, good guy and leader in the locker room will get paid. There ought to be more good citizens in the NBA...like Stan Burrell.

[Pete Delkus]

...and on same day, the pride of Dayton, Chris Wright, made the Pacers FA camp.

[bjf123]

That's a great video. I hadn't seen that before.

Me, either. Just a class guy. Couldn't be happier for him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[waggy]

The Pacers lost to the western conference leading Trailblazers tonight, but David Freakin West scored his 11,000th career point in the 2nd quarter.

[GoMuskies]

Just noticed that West is shooting 57% from the field this year. That is, by far, the best percentage he has ever shot in the NBA.

[xufan2020]

Found this about a week ago. Has some nice Xavier highlights, although they only last for about 25 seconds.
Can anyone figure out what he was saying at 0:21?
https://vimeo.com/47864350/description

[Juice]

Nice article on West

https://theringer.com/dont-call-david-west-a-ring-chaser-ef829963efeb#.m42ccfa32

[X-Men]

Nice article on West

https://theringer.com/dont-call-david-west-a-ring-chaser-ef829963efeb#.m42ccfa32

Thanks for sharing that article. Great read.

[Emp]

I can't find the freakin thread, but West was courtside and going nuts last night. What a Dude.