1983 GRAD NAMED ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER FOR NBA'S PHOENIX SUNS
Old Dominion University alumnus Mark West (`83) has been named assistant general manager for the National Basketball Association's Phoenix Suns.
In his new role, West will work with team President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo and carry out a range of duties focusing on the business of basketball, player relations and development and community representation.
"Mark's experience with player-related issues and his extensive financial background make this a natural fit," Colangelo said. "Mark is well respected by everyone affiliated with the league."
West, who has been a licensed stock broker since 1992, was a member of the Suns from 1988-94 and then again in the 1999-00 season. The 6-10 center played in 543 regular season and 69 playoff games for the Suns. While in Phoenix, he had averages of 6.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game and shot .613 from the field which is higher than his career marks of 5.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and .580 from the field.
He is currently second in NBA history in field goal percentage (.580), trailing only Artis Gilmore's .599 rate. West led the NBA in shooting in 1989-90 when he shot .625 from the field. He came to the Suns in the Kevin Johnson trade with Cleveland on Feb. 25, 1988 and Phoenix compiled a 335-180 (.650) record from 1988-89 to 1993-94 with at least 53 victories in each season and a run to the 1993 NBA Finals.
While at Old Dominion, West earned Honorable Mention All-American honrs by the SPORTING NEWS in 1981 and by ASSOCIATED PRESS in 1982 and 1983. He led the nation in blocked shots twice and was a first team All-ECAC South selection in 1982 and All-Sun Belt conference selection as a senior, in 1983.
West completed his career at Old Dominion as the school's all-time blocked shot leader with 446, second in career rebounds with 1,113. He shot .559 for his career from the floor. West was inducted into the Old Dominion Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 and his jersey #45 was retired in 1984. West graduated with a degree in business/financial management.