Gene Wiley, a prominent center for the Los Angeles Lakers, passed away on June 21 at the age of 88. Throughout his four-year stint with the team, Wiley reached the NBA Finals three times, narrowly missing a championship each time due to the dominance of the Boston Celtics.
Wiley played during the era of Celtics legend Bill Russell. His Lakers faced Russell’s Celtics in the Finals in 1963, 1964, and 1966, as the Celtics secured eight consecutive titles during this period.
Early Life and College Career
Originating from Amarillo, Texas, Wiley became a standout at Wichita State University from 1959 to 1962. Standing at 6-foot-11, he was recognized for his exceptional rebounding and shot-blocking skills, earning All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in 1961 and 1962. Wichita State acknowledged his contributions by inducting him into its Hall of Fame in 1981.
NBA Career
The Lakers selected Gene Wiley as the 17th overall pick in the 1962 NBA draft. Although he played alongside stars like Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, Wiley’s performances in the playoffs were notable. He averaged 26.3 minutes, .505 in field-goal shooting, and 10.1 rebounds per game during 27 playoff appearances, surpassing his regular-season numbers.
Wiley retired in the 1965-66 season, concluding with averages of 4.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He set a Lakers record by grabbing 14 rebounds in a quarter against the New York Knicks on November 5, 1962.
Post-NBA Career and Artistic Pursuits
Wiley briefly returned to basketball in the American Basketball Association during the 1967-68 season, playing nine games with the Oakland Oaks and Dallas Chaparrals, before closing his professional career.
Outside basketball, Wiley pursued a talent for painting illustrative art, a passion he developed while still studying at Wichita. His artwork was showcased in gallery exhibits throughout his life.
Former Wichita State coach Ralph Miller praised Wiley in his 1990 memoir “Spanning the Game”, stating, “Gene was a classy young man. Next to Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, he was probably the best shot-blocker in America. He was a great defensive player.”