32 Up In This Stick That's Magic Johnson
Earvin "Magic" Johnson is one of the most legendary basketball players in history. He helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships during the '80s, and even today, his name is synonymous with basketball greatness. But how did he get the nickname "32 Up In This Stick" that's Magic Johnson?
The Early Years
Earvin Johnson Jr. was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. He was the youngest of seven children and grew up in a tight-knit family. Johnson started playing basketball at a young age, and by the time he was in high school, he was already a star player. He led his team to a state championship in his senior year and was named Michigan's Mr. Basketball.
College Days
After graduating from high school, Johnson attended Michigan State University, where he played for the Spartans for two years. In his sophomore year, he led the team to the NCAA championship, and he was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. That same year, he also earned the nickname "Magic" after a sportswriter saw him play and was amazed by his skills.
The NBA Years
In 1979, Johnson was drafted as the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. He quickly became a star player and helped lead the team to five NBA championships during the '80s. Johnson was known for his incredible passing skills, and he was often compared to another legendary basketball player, Larry Bird.
32 Up In This Stick
So, where did the nickname "32 Up In This Stick" come from? Well, it turns out that it was a phrase that Johnson himself coined. According to Johnson, the "stick" referred to his body, and the "32" referred to his jersey number. He was known for his incredible athleticism, and the phrase "32 Up In This Stick" was a way to describe his physical prowess.
Retirement and Beyond
Johnson retired from the NBA in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV. He became an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and worked to educate people about the disease. He also continued to be involved in basketball, serving as a coach and team owner. In 2008, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
Earvin "Magic" Johnson is a basketball legend, known for his incredible skills and his nickname "32 Up In This Stick." While the nickname may seem unusual, it was a phrase that Johnson himself coined to describe his physical prowess on the court. Today, he continues to be involved in basketball and is a respected advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness.