Jerry Lee Wells

Jerry Lee Wells (January 18, 1944 – May 26, 2014) was an American professional basketball player. He played at Ralph Bunche High School in his hometown of Glasgow, Kentucky, and committed to play for the Oklahoma City Chiefs alongside high school teammate Charlie Hunter as the first two African-Americans to play for the Chiefs basketball team.[1][2] Wells' scoring ability helped take the Stars to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.[2] He led the Chiefs in scoring during his junior and senior seasons.[3] Chiefs head coach Abe Lemons stated that, "for his size, [Wells was] as good as a player I've had in 10 years at OCU" and "an All-American if there ever was one".[3]

Jerry Lee Wells
Personal information
Born(1944-01-18)January 18, 1944
Glasgow, Kentucky
DiedMay 26, 2014(2014-05-26) (aged 70)
Glasgow, Kentucky
NationalityAmerican
Listed height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Career information
High schoolRalph Bunche (Glasgow, Kentucky)
CollegeOklahoma City (1963–1966)
NBA draft1966 / Round: 2 / Pick: 16th overall
Selected by the Cincinnati Royals
PositionGuard
Career history
1966–1967Muskegon Panthers

Wells was selected by the Cincinnati Royals as the 16th overall pick in the 1966 NBA draft but he never played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966.[2] Wells played for the Muskegon Panthers of the North American Basketball League (NABL) from 1966 until the team folded five games into the 1967–68 season.[4]

Wells was inducted into the Oklahoma City Stars Hall of Fame in 1986.[5]

References
  1. Tramel, Berry (December 5, 2015). "50 years ago, Abe Lemons' Chiefs produced a stunning season". The Oklahoman. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  2. "Wells, Jerry Lee". Notable Kentucky African Americans Database. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  3. "OCU all-American Wells dies". Oklahoma City University Athletics. May 28, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  4. "Muskegon Panthers". NASL Jerseys. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  5. "Jerry Lee Wells". Oklahoma City University Athletics. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
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