Earvin “Magic” Johnson changed the way professional basketball is played and he is now almost guaranteed a place in basketball’s hallowed walls.
Johnson, who played 13 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, was one of 14 players, coaches and teams nominated Wednesday for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
During his two-year career at MSU, Johnson put up record numbers. He ranks fifth all-time in assist with 491, seventh all-time in steals with 146 and 10th all-time in scoring average with 17.1.
He also holds the single season record for free throws made during the 1978-79 season with 202, and attempts with 240. In assists, he’s ranked second and third with 269 and 222, respectively, and he’s ranked first and third in steals with 75 and 71, respectively.
“He’s a very important alumnus,” mathematics senior Nathan Dixon said. “He has put a lot back into the university.”
Dixon said bringing his basketball team back to campus and opening up the Starbucks Coffee Company, 401 E. Grand River Ave. in 1999, is what made him such a class act.
Dixon said he also remembers the way he played the game with fierce competition and respect. As a kid growing up in Detroit, he remembered his rivalry with Isiah Thomas.
He said Johnson made the game fun with his unique style and versatility.
“He revolutionized the point guard position at his size,” Dixon said. “And he was one of the first to play all five positions.
“Now everyone does.”
Advertising sophomore Andrew Fifer said although he isn’t a big basketball fan, he still has respect for Johnson.
“He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame because he was so resilient,” Fifer said. “He’s been through a lot and he’s still playing.”
