INSTITUTE, W.Va. òòò½ÊÓƵ” Herd That, a Marshall-based alumni basketball team in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), was six points away from last yearòòò½ÊÓƵ™s title game.
The majority of last yearòòò½ÊÓƵ™s roster is back for another shot at the winner-take-all $1 million prize, including Clarksburg native Jarrod West.
òòò½ÊÓƵœIt was a blast last year,òòò½ÊÓƵ West said at a practice at West Virginia State. òòò½ÊÓƵœI had a great time. It was an awesome experience. We were so close to winning. We all feel like we should have won. For us to get that close and have that much fun over a two-week span, I couldnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t turn it down. Iòòò½ÊÓƵ™ve been itching at this for a while. We got a good shot of winning this year.òòò½ÊÓƵ
West came off the bench last year for Herd That. However, heòòò½ÊÓƵ™s wanting to provide a bigger spark this year after spending this past season in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The former Clarksburg Notre Dame guard averaged 15 points, four rebounds and four assists last season overseas.
òòò½ÊÓƵœI feel like I had a really good year,òòò½ÊÓƵ West said. òòò½ÊÓƵœIt was good that I stayed healthy for the whole season. That was important to me. I thought I did a good job as far as leading the team and producing on offense and defense by bringing that. I brought that mindset to both ends of the floor by being aggressive and playing with confidence by scoring, distributing and making plays.òòò½ÊÓƵ
West wants to be the glue guy for Herd That this season.
òòò½ÊÓƵœI bring a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm,òòò½ÊÓƵ West said. òòò½ÊÓƵœI feel like thatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s my biggest thing coming off the bench. I know my role. Iòòò½ÊÓƵ™m going to come in and be an impactful energy guy as much as possible. I have to make an impact for sure against whoever weòòò½ÊÓƵ™re playing against. Thatòòò½ÊÓƵ™s the main thing, by bringing that energy and positive vibe.òòò½ÊÓƵ
Westòòò½ÊÓƵ™s basketball career since high school has led him to Marshall and Louisville, then four countries as a professional.
Heòòò½ÊÓƵ™s played in China, New Zealand, Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
TBT has also given him more experience playing against professional players.
òòò½ÊÓƵœIn Europe, itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s a little more tactical and physical,òòò½ÊÓƵ West said. òòò½ÊÓƵœItòòò½ÊÓƵ™s also different with how different the game is officiated, the rules and how they teach certain things. The details are a little more detailed. When you make mistakes professionally, you get punished more for them, more so than college. Overall, itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s still basketball. There were definitely things that I had to adjust and adapt to.òòò½ÊÓƵ
West and Jon Elmore played together in Huntington in 2017-19 for then-Herd coach Dan Dòòò½ÊÓƵ™Antoni.
The two also shared the hardwood in last yearòòò½ÊÓƵ™s TBT.
Elmore is stoked to reunite with West this year.
òòò½ÊÓƵœHeòòò½ÊÓƵ™s got infectious energy and positivity,òòò½ÊÓƵ Elmore said. òòò½ÊÓƵœYou wonòòò½ÊÓƵ™t meet a better player, on or off the court. Itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s just who he is, day in and day out. That is one of my good friends.
òòò½ÊÓƵœWe had a lot of great memories in college together. Itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s special to share the court with him again.òòò½ÊÓƵ
TBT allows players to reunite with fellow players from their college years.
It also provides time to continue growing during the offseason.
òòò½ÊÓƵœI want to continue polishing my game and getting better,òòò½ÊÓƵ West said. òòò½ÊÓƵœItòòò½ÊÓƵ™s mainly finishing around the rim with layups and different types of finishes, including floaters. Iòòò½ÊÓƵ™m also trying to continue extending my range, shooting the 3-ball and improving on the floor with passing and seeing the right passes. Itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s continuing to improve those things while maximizing my strengths.òòò½ÊÓƵ
Basketball is a big piece of Westòòò½ÊÓƵ™s family.
His dad, Jarrod Sr., played for Gale Catlett at WVU from 1994-98. He hit the game-winning shot against Bob Hugginsòòò½ÊÓƵ™ Cincinnati Bearcats in 1998 to send WVU to the Sweet 16.
West played for his father at Notre Dame High School, winning the Class A state title in 2017 over Ravenswood, 63-55.
His brother, Jaidyn, followed in his brotheròòò½ÊÓƵ™s footsteps with the Fighting Irish and now plays at Fairmont State.
All three are competitive players.
òòò½ÊÓƵœMe,òòò½ÊÓƵ West said about who would win between the two of them. òòò½ÊÓƵœJaidyn is close. He hasnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t beaten me yet, but heòòò½ÊÓƵ™s been close.òòò½ÊÓƵ
Taylor Kennedy covers sports. He can be reached at 304-348-7935 or tkennedy@hdmediallc.com. Follow on Twitter.
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