Former Lakers Center Gene Wiley Passes Away at Age 88

Gene Wiley, a talented center who played four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, has passed away on June 21 at age 88. Wiley was known for his rebounding and shot-blocking skills, crucial elements that helped lead the Lakers to the NBA Finals three times during his career, in 1963, 1964, and 1966.

Despite his relatively brief career, Wiley nearly achieved a championship, though his attempts were thwarted by the dominance of the Boston Celtics, led by Bill Russell. The Celtics were on a historic championship run, winning eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966, and managed to defeat the Lakers on each occasion they met in the finals.

Wiley’s journey began in Amarillo, Texas. He gained recognition as a standout center at Wichita State from 1959 to 1962. Standing 6-foot-11, he excelled in rebounding and shot-blocking, earning All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in both 1961 and 1962. Wichita State later honored him with induction into its Hall of Fame in 1981.

The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Wiley 17th overall in the 1962 NBA draft. Though he played alongside stars like Elgin Baylor and Jerry West and never reached star status himself, Wiley’s performance in the playoffs was remarkable. Over 27 playoff games, he averaged 26.3 minutes, made field goals at .505 efficiency, and secured 10.1 rebounds per game, all of which surpassed his regular-season statistics.

He retired after the 1965-66 season with averages of 4.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Notably, his 14 rebounds in a single quarter against the New York Knicks on November 5, 1962, remain a Lakers record.

Wiley briefly attempted a return to professional basketball in the American Basketball Association during the 1967-68 season, playing eight games for the Oakland Oaks and one for the Dallas Chaparrals before retiring for good.

Aside from basketball, Wiley pursued a second career in illustrative art, a passion he developed while at Wichita State. His work was exhibited in galleries throughout his life, showcasing his talent beyond the basketball court.

Gene was a classy young man. Next to Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, he was probably the best shot-blocker in America. He was a great defensive player, wrote Ralph Miller, former Wichita State coach, in his 1990 memoir “Spanning the Game.”