One of the most popular players in Phoenix Suns history, Mark West will be inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum this evening at a special ceremony in Portsmouth, Virginia to be attended by more than 700 guests.

“Mark is such a great basketball player as well as a fantastic person,” said Eddie Webb, executive director of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. “I’ve had the privilege of knowing him since I coached him at Old Dominion and he is well deserving of this honor.”

The 6’ 10” center and three-time All-American at Old Dominion was elected into the Hall through a three vote process, garnering more than 75 percent of the votes from the selection committee.

“It is an honor to be placed in the same category with these great athletes from Virginia,” said West, currently the Suns’ vice president of player programs. “This is a special moment and I am excited that my family and friends will be with me to celebrate.”

“Big Daddy,” as West was affectionately referred to during his 17-year NBA career, came to the Suns with Kevin Johnson in a trade with Cleveland on February 25, 1988. During his six full seasons with the Suns beginning with the 1988-89 season, the team amassed a 335-180 (.650) record with at least 53 wins each season, highlighted by a franchise record 62 wins in 1992-93 and a trip to the NBA Finals. West, who also played for Dallas, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Detroit and Indiana, returned to the Suns for the 1999-2000 season.

He is currently second in NBA history in field goal percentage, and led the NBA in shooting during the 1989-90 season when he shot .625 from the field, a year in which he also averaged a career-high 10.5 points and 8.9 rebounds. He ranks first in Suns history in field goal percentage, fifth in rebounds and second in blocked shots.

West, who has been a licensed stockbroker since 1992, moved into the Suns’ front office in 2001.

Born in Fort Campbell, KY., West graduated from Old Dominion in 1983 with a degree in finance. He and his wife Elaina have two sons, Markus and Markyle.

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