WT to Honor Basketball Hall of Fame Member Maurice Cheeks

For more than 40 years, Maurice Cheeks has brought great distinction to West Texas A&M University with his outstanding career as a player and coach in the National Basketball Association and his recent induction into the prestigious Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

WT, along with the help of teammates, peers, friends and fans, will honor Cheeks with a bronze statue on campus and the establishment of an endowed scholarship in his name.  WT alumni Jerry Schaeffer '81 and Karl Bradley '86 are leading the effort to honor their friend and former teammate.

"There are many reasons to honor Maurice, but none as important as his humility and his kindness for others and that we first saw on campus 40 years ago," said Schaeffer.  "Some people want to be honored, and some people deserve to be honored.   Maurice deserves to be honored, and it has been a personal joy for me to be a part of this project."

Cheeks will be recognized with a life-sized, bronze statue in his #10 West Texas State basketball jersey.  Renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon has been commissioned for the artwork, which will be installed on the entry promenade to the First United Bank Center, the home of Buff and Lady Buff Basketball.  This will mark the first time a former WT player or coach will be honored in this manner.  The Maurice Cheeks Endowed Scholarship for men's basketball will also be established, providing scholarship funds in perpetuity for the point guard position.

Friends and fans of Maurice Cheeks are able to make a contribution in his honor through the WTAMU Foundation.   Online gifts can be made at www.gobuffsgo.com.  Hover over the "Giving" tab and select "Maurice Cheeks Campaign" and follow the giving instructions provided.

For more information or assistance with giving, please contact Jessica Sims, Athletics Development Officer, at jsims@wtamu.edu or by calling 806-651-2688.