Larry Johnson

Larry Demetric Johnson is a former professional basketball player known for his power, athleticism, and competitive drive. Before entering the NBA, Johnson established a notable collegiate record. At Odessa College in Texas, he became the only player to win the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 Player of the Year Award in both seasons he played, averaging more than 29 points per game as a sophomore. He then transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he contributed to the Runnin' Rebels' NCAA Championship, recording 22 points and 11 rebounds in a 103-73 victory over Duke. Johnson was named a First Team All-American twice and earned both the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith College Player of the Year honor in his final college season. He and his teammates were later inducted into the UNLV Athletic Hall of Fame.

Johnson began his professional basketball career as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, becoming the first UNLV player selected No. 1 overall in a professional league draft. He earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors by averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds per game. In his second season, Johnson posted career-high averages of 22.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, earning All-NBA Second Team honors and becoming the first Hornet to start in an NBA All-Star Game. His contributions in scoring, rebounding, and playing time rank among the top five in Hornets history, and his presence played a significant role in the growth of basketball in Charlotte.

Off the court, Johnson became widely recognized for his "Grandmama" persona, featured in a series of Converse commercials. He also appeared in the films "Space Jam" and "Eddie." After a back injury, Johnson adapted his game by developing a reliable outside shot, making 81 three-pointers in a single season and earning a second NBA All-Star selection. He served as a tri-captain on the gold-medal-winning United States national team, known as Dream Team II, at the FIBA World Championships.

After being traded to the New York Knicks, Johnson became a key contributor to one of the league's most competitive teams. He delivered a memorable four-point play during the Eastern Conference Finals, helping the Knicks reach the NBA Finals. Johnson concluded his ten-year NBA career with more than 11,000 points and over 5,000 rebounds, averaging 16.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game across 707 regular-season games. He has been inducted into both the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, reflecting his enduring impact on basketball.