Jerome Kersey was born on June 26, 1962, in Virginia. He attended Longwood College, a Division II school, where he made a name for himself on the basketball court. Kersey set numerous school records for points, rebounds, blocks, and steals during his collegiate career.
Kersey was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round of the 1984 NBA Draft. He quickly became known for his athleticism and versatility on the court. Kersey spent 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers, forming a formidable duo with Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler. Together, they led the team to two NBA Finals appearances.
In 1995, Kersey was traded to the Golden State Warriors, where he played for one season before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. He only spent a year with the Lakers before being traded to the Seattle SuperSonics. Kersey finished his playing career with a brief stint with the San Antonio Spurs, where he won an NBA championship in 1999.
Throughout his career, Kersey was known for his high-flying dunks and tenacious defense. He participated in the 1984 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, finishing second behind the legendary Michael Jordan.
In September 2013, Kersey married his longtime girlfriend, Teri. Together, they had a daughter named Kiara and a granddaughter named Harley Rae. Kersey was known for his philanthropic efforts in the community, supporting various charitable organizations and giving back to those in need.
Jerome Kersey will always be remembered as a beloved member of the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs. His impact on the court was undeniable, and his sudden passing in February 2015 shocked the basketball world. Despite his untimely death, Kersey's legacy lives on through his family, friends, and fans.