Larry Johnson

American college basketball power forward who dominated at UNLV, winning the 1990 NCAA Championship and 1991 Naismith Player of the Year Award.

Larry Johnson was born in Tyler, Texas in 1969. He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas under coach Jerry Tarkanian and won the national championship in 1990. He was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. He won the Naismith Award as national player of the year in 1991. He averaged 22.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game across two UNLV seasons. The 1990 championship team — which defeated Duke 103-73 in the most lopsided title game in tournament history — was considered by many the greatest college basketball team ever assembled, featuring five eventual NBA draft picks and a system that overwhelmed opponents before the game began. He was selected first overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1991 NBA Draft. His professional career produced the Rookie of the Year award and two All-Star appearances before a back injury disrupted his effectiveness. His UNLV career — two seasons that produced a national championship and a national player of the year award — is the most decorated two-year career in Runnin' Rebels history and one of the finest in the Mountain West region.

Johnson was a powerful inside player who combined exceptional strength with surprising athleticism for his 6'7" frame. He dominated the paint with his physical presence, using his muscular build to overpower opponents while also displaying soft touch around the rim and reliable mid-range shooting.

Johnson's back-to-back Player of the Year awards and role in UNLV's championship run helped cement the program's legendary status during Jerry Tarkanian's era.

• National Championship (1990)
• Naismith Award (1991)
• Tournament MOP (1990)
• First overall pick 1991