Credited as the innovator of the modern day jump shot, a 15-foot statue of Kenny Sailors will be dedicated at Washington Park in Laramie Friday.

Green River artist, former art teacher, and basketball coach Rudy Gunter created the sculpture to honor his friend, Kenny Sailors.

Gunter stated in a release from the City of Laramie,

“This project may be my last, but it will be my most passionate. I love Kenny and I want to do this for him.”

Sailors played high school and college basketball in Laramie. In 2016, he passed away in the Gem City.

City of Laramie Parks and Rec Director Todd Feezer said, “The city of Laramie is excited to put this sculpture of the legendary Kenny Sailors next to the basketball court in Washington Park. The city is pleased to see the statue of this magnitude go in our park system. Washington Park holds most of Laramie’s large summer activities and this statue will be seen by thousands of folks every year.”

The statue is owned by Bruce Pivic of Rock Springs. Some of the costs of installing the statue are being absorbed by companies owned by Pivic, as well as GE Johnson Construction, Domino Construction, and US Engineering.

The dedication ceremony starts at 1 p.m. at the Washington Park basketball court in Laramie.

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