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<h2>John Wetzel: A Basketball Legacy</h2>
<p><strong>John Wetzel</strong>, a notable athlete from <strong>Wilson Memorial High School</strong> in <strong>Augusta County</strong>, made waves in basketball during the early 1960s. He was drafted by the <strong>Los Angeles Lakers</strong> in 1966 as the 75th overall pick after his time at <strong>Virginia Tech</strong>.</p>
<p>Wetzel, who unfortunately missed the 1966-1967 season due to a wrist injury, successfully made the opening-night roster for the 1967 season. He stepped into the starting lineup following an injury to a future <strong>Naismith Hall of Famer</strong> from <strong>West Virginia</strong>.</p>
<p>“Just before the season began, <strong>Jerry West</strong> fractured his hand,” Wetzel, now 80, recalled during a phone interview from his home in <strong>Hawaii</strong>. “He missed the first 12 games. When that happened, I was placed in the starting lineup and played the first ten or twelve games.”</p>
<p>The Lakers kicked off their season on October 17, 1967, against the <strong>Chicago Bulls</strong>, winning by a mere two points. In his debut, Wetzel recorded 8 points in 20 minutes, while fellow teammate <strong>Elgin Baylor</strong> scored 21 points.</p>
<p>Wetzel played a total of 38 games during his rookie season, averaging 11.4 minutes and 3.7 points per game. He would later be joined in the NBA by two other stars from Augusta County, <strong>Dell Curry</strong> and <strong>Cory Alexander</strong>.</p>
<h2>From Virginia Roots to Coaching Career</h2>
<p>Born on October 22, 1944, in Waynesboro and raised in Augusta County, Wetzel attended <strong>Saint Francis</strong> in <strong>Staunton</strong> before excelling at Wilson Memorial, leading his team to the state championship in his senior year. After graduating, he received multiple offers but ultimately chose <strong>Virginia Tech</strong>.</p>
<p>Post-playing career, Wetzel returned to Virginia Tech to complete his degree and began coaching the women's basketball team, marking the program's transition to varsity. After a solitary season, he moved on to the <strong>Phoenix Suns</strong> as an assistant coach from 1979 to 1987, before serving as head coach during the 1987-1988 season.</p>
<p>Wetzel's coaching journey continued with roles at teams including the <strong>Portland Trailblazers</strong> and <strong>New Jersey Nets</strong>, with his final NBA season coinciding with <strong>LeBron James</strong>' rookie year.</p>
<h2>Personal Life and Legacy</h2>
<p>Currently residing between <strong>Hawaii</strong> and <strong>Arizona</strong> with his wife <strong>Diane</strong>, Wetzel enjoys reconnecting with his Virginia roots. The couple plans to visit Virginia after a trip to <strong>Kansas City</strong> to meet military friends. They began frequenting Hawaii in 1986 and purchased a condo on the beach in 1991, appreciating the lifestyle there.</p>
<p>John Wetzel's remarkable journey—from his roots in Fishersville to the heights of professional basketball—illustrates the impact of dedication and talent in sports.</p>
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