Magic Johnson

American basketball player who led Michigan State to 1979 NCAA Championship before legendary NBA career with Lakers, winning five NBA titles.

Earvin Johnson Jr. was born in Lansing, Michigan in 1959. He attended Michigan State University for two seasons before declaring for the 1979 NBA Draft. His college career culminated in the 1979 NCAA Championship Game against Indiana State and Larry Bird — a game that drew the highest television ratings in college basketball history and launched a rivalry that would define professional basketball for the following decade. He was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. His Michigan State career produced averages of 17.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game — numbers that showcased the complete all-around game that would make him an NBA legend. He led Michigan State to the Big Ten title in 1979. He was the consensus All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year. His departure after two seasons — and Bird's after four at Indiana State — means that one of college basketball's greatest individual games remains the only time these two legends faced each other in college competition. The 1979 championship game remains the most watched college basketball game in the sport's history.

Johnson was a revolutionary point guard who combined exceptional size at 6'9" with incredible court vision and passing ability. He possessed an innate ability to make his teammates better through precise passes and unselfish play. His basketball IQ was extraordinary, allowing him to control the tempo and flow of games.

Johnson's college rivalry with Larry Bird in the 1979 NCAA Championship game is widely credited with transforming college basketball into a major television spectacle and launching the modern era of March Madness popularity.

• National Championship (1979)
• Tournament MOP (1979)
• Big Ten Player of Year
• All-American