Two seasons at Michigan State produced a national championship and the most watched college game in history.
Earvin Johnson Jr. was born in Lansing, Michigan in 1959. He earned his nickname Magic at 15 after a 36-point, 18-rebound, 16-assist performance covered by a local sportswriter. He attended Michigan State for two seasons and transformed the Spartans into a national power. His freshman season (1977-78) produced the Big Ten title. His sophomore season (1978-79) produced the national championship — defeating Indiana State and Larry Bird 75-64 in a game that drew the highest television ratings in college basketball history, launching both players' rivalry and professional careers simultaneously. He was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after averaging 17.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game in the tournament. He was the Big Ten Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. He declared for the 1979 NBA Draft after his sophomore season. Los Angeles Lakers selected him first overall. His two Michigan State seasons established the foundation of a career that would produce five NBA championships and three MVP awards. His freshman year with the Spartans — a Big Ten championship — and his sophomore national title represent a perfect two-year college run that has never been replicated.
National Championship (1979)
Career Honours
- National Championship (1979)
- Tournament MOP (1979)
- Big Ten Player of Year
- All-American