Gene Wiley, a former center for the Los Angeles Lakers, passed away on June 21 at the age of 88. During his four seasons with the team, Wiley helped lead them to the NBA Finals three times. Despite his brief career, he challenged the dominance of the Boston Celtics, led by Bill Russell, who secured eight consecutive championships between 1959 and 1966.

Born in Amarillo, Texas, Wiley emerged as a prominent center at Wichita State from 1959 to 1962. Standing 6-foot-11, a significant height for his era, he earned All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in 1961 and 1962. In 1981, Wichita State honored his contributions by inducting him into its Hall of Fame.

Drafted 17th overall by the Lakers in 1962, Wiley played with stars like Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. However, his performance peaked during the playoffs. Over 27 playoff games, he averaged 26.3 minutes, a .505 field-goal shooting percentage, and 10.1 rebounds, surpassing his regular-season statistics.

Wiley concluded his NBA career after the 1965-66 season. Notably, he set a Lakers record with 14 rebounds in a single quarter against the New York Knicks on November 5, 1962. Wiley attempted a comeback in the 1967-68 season in the American Basketball Association but retired after nine games split between the Oakland Oaks and the Dallas Chaparrals.

Beyond basketball, Wiley pursued a second career in art. While studying in Wichita, he began painting illustrative artworks. His passion continued throughout his life, with his works displayed in gallery exhibits. In his memoir, “Spanning the Game,” former Wichita State coach Ralph Miller praised Wiley for his defensive prowess and described him as a classy young man, placing him alongside legends like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain in terms of shot-blocking ability.