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President Trump
Jerry Moran continues: "I would not be surprised" if Pompeo appeared before the Senate in Kansas. The Hill's Report 12:30: Trump doubles Dorian's threat to Alabama MORE Thursday presented the Liberty Medal, the country's highest civilian honor, to former NBA star Jerry West.
West, 81, spent the 14 seasons spent in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers. The current NBA logo was modeled after West, something Trump mentioned when he hosted it at the Oval Office.
Trump extolled his electoral victory in West Virginia, where West is from, and encouraged West basketball records at basketball at the University of West Virginia and his achievements within of the US Olympic team, as well as his professional career with the Lakers.
"He's made pieces that will be remembered forever," Trump said, noting that West had been given the nickname "Mr. Clutch."
Trump also acknowledged that West had donated "millions of dollars" to Los Angeles charities, as well as his contributions to West Virginia and his support for American veterans.
"It's so deserved," said Trump just before West received the award.
West has accumulated many honors for his career in basketball, including ranking among the 50 best players in the history of the NBA twenty years or so ago.
West retired from the NBA in 1974, trading his uniform for other roles in the league. He joined the Lakers as a coach two years after his retirement and then served as the team's general manager.
He then held various roles on other teams, including president of the Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Operations and, more recently, consultant for the Los Angeles Clippers.
On Thursday, West thanked Trump for his reflections on his career and childhood in West Virginia, as well as his adult life in Los Angeles.
"It never stops me amazing places you can go into this world chasing a bouncing ball," said West. "I was a dreamer, my family did not have much."
West said he had the pleasure of working for four basketball franchises during his career on and off the court.
"I have had a lot of great coaches and teammates that I will never forget," said West. "As an executive, I had the same luck."
Trump awarded the Medal of Freedom to a number of former sports stars, including many basketball players. The president paid tribute to Bob Cousy, NBA legend and veteran of the Boston Celtics, at a ceremony that took place two weeks ago. Trump also awarded golfer Tiger Woods the Freedom Medal in May.
Several members of West's family were present at the ceremony on Thursday afternoon, including his wife, sons and grandchildren. Democratic Senator of West Virginia Joe Manchin
Joseph (Joe) ManchinThe Morning's Morning – Hurricane Dorian devastates the Bahamas and slips along the Florida coast. The GOP is facing new pressure to switch to action. The Hill & # 39; s 12:30 Report: Manchin decides to stay in the Senate MORE was present at the ceremony and attended Cousy's in August.
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