Gene Wiley, the towering center who spent four impactful seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and helped guide the franchise to three NBA Finals appearances, passed away on June 21. He was 88 years old at the time of his death.
His time in the league, though relatively short, placed him closer to championship glory than many veterans who enjoyed much longer careers.
Wiley’s professional journey coincided with one of the most dominant eras in NBA history, particularly the reign of the Boston Celtics led by Bill Russell. During the years when the Lakers advanced to the Finals in 1963, 1964, and 1966, the Celtics were in the midst of an unprecedented streak of eight straight titles spanning from 1959 to 1966.
Boston emerged victorious against Los Angeles in each of those series, underscoring the formidable challenge Wiley and his teammates faced.
Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Wiley developed into a formidable presence on the basketball court during his college years. He excelled as a center for Wichita State University from 1959 to 1962, standing out even in an era when height was a premium asset. At 6-foot-11, he earned All-Missouri Valley Conference recognition in both 1961 and 1962, thanks largely to his exceptional skills in rebounding and blocking shots.
His contributions at the collegiate level left a lasting impression on the program. In recognition of his achievements, Wichita State inducted Wiley into its Hall of Fame in 1981. This honor reflected not only his statistical prowess but also the leadership and defensive intensity he brought to every game.
Selected by the Lakers with the 17th overall pick in the 1962 NBA Draft, Wiley joined a talented roster featuring stars like Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. While he never claimed the spotlight as the primary offensive option, his role proved vital in supporting the team’s playoff pushes. Wiley consistently elevated his performance when the stakes were highest, delivering stronger contributions during postseason play.
Across 27 playoff contests, Wiley logged an average of 26.3 minutes per game while shooting .505 from the field and pulling down 10.1 rebounds nightly. These figures surpassed his typical regular-season outputs, highlighting his ability to thrive under pressure and contribute meaningfully in critical matchups.
By the conclusion of his NBA tenure following the 1965-66 campaign, Wiley had compiled career averages of 4.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. One standout moment from his time with the Lakers remains etched in the record books: on November 5, 1962, he grabbed 14 rebounds in a single quarter against the New York Knicks, a mark that still stands as a franchise high.
Wiley made one final attempt to extend his playing days by joining the American Basketball Association for the 1967-68 season. He appeared in just nine games—eight with the Oakland Oaks and one with the Dallas Chaparrals—before concluding his professional basketball career for good.
Beyond the court, Wiley cultivated a successful second chapter as an artist. Even while attending Wichita State, he began creating illustrative paintings, a pursuit that continued to bring him fulfillment. His works eventually found their way into numerous gallery exhibitions, enriching his legacy long after his athletic days ended.
In his 1990 memoir “Spanning the Game,” former Wichita State coach Ralph Miller offered high praise for his former player.
“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.”
This tribute captured the respect Wiley earned from those who knew him best, both as an athlete and as an individual of strong character.
