Jerry Lee Wells Explained

Jerry Lee Wells
Height Ft:6
Height In:1
Birth Date:18 January 1944
Birth Place:Glasgow, Kentucky
Death Place:Glasgow, Kentucky
Nationality:American
High School:Ralph Bunche (Glasgow, Kentucky)
College:Oklahoma City (1963–1966)
Draft Year:1966
Draft Round:2
Draft Pick:16
Draft Team:Cincinnati Royals
Career Position:Guard
Years1:1966–1967
Team1:Muskegon Panthers

Jerry Lee Wells (January 18, 1944 – May 26, 2014) was an American professional basketball player. He played at Ralph Bunche High School in his hometown of Glasgow, Kentucky, and committed to play for the Oklahoma City Chiefs alongside high school teammate Charlie Hunter as the first two African-Americans to play for the Chiefs basketball team.[1] [2] Wells' scoring ability helped take the Stars to three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. He led the Chiefs in scoring during his junior and senior seasons.[3] Chiefs head coach Abe Lemons stated that, "for his size, [Wells was] as good as a player I've had in 10 years at OCU" and "an All-American if there ever was one".

Wells was selected by the Cincinnati Royals as the 16th overall pick in the 1966 NBA draft but he never played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. Wells played for the Muskegon Panthers of the North American Basketball League (NABL) from 1966 until the team folded five games into the 1967–68 season.[4]

Wells was inducted into the Oklahoma City Stars Hall of Fame in 1986.[5]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tramel . Berry . 50 years ago, Abe Lemons' Chiefs produced a stunning season . The Oklahoman . May 12, 2020 . December 5, 2015.
  2. Web site: Wells, Jerry Lee . Notable Kentucky African Americans Database . May 12, 2020.
  3. Web site: OCU all-American Wells dies . Oklahoma City University Athletics . May 12, 2020 . May 28, 2014.
  4. Web site: Muskegon Panthers . NASL Jerseys . May 12, 2020.
  5. Web site: Jerry Lee Wells . Oklahoma City University Athletics . May 12, 2020.