Playing the small forward position early in his career, West was a standout at East Bank High School and at West Virginia University, leading the Mountaineers to the 1959 NCAA championship game, earning the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honor despite the loss.
West was playing the small forward position early in his career. West was a standout at East Bank High School and at West Virginia University. West Virginia University was leading the Mountaineers to the 1959 NCAA championship game. West Virginia University was earning the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honor despite the loss.