Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson got exposed by Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo, as the latter gave out details on how Johnson would recruit for the Spartans.
In his appearance at The Dan Patrick Show, coach Tom Izzo revealed how Magic Johnson had helped him when it comes to recruits.
“I ask him all the time,” Izzo said. “ I really don’t have to ask him because he’s always tweeting out something or he’s saying something. Now, they’re actually allowed to help you legally. If you come to campus and they get there.”
“It used to be where we’d be at a football game, and it’d just happen that Magic’s seats were right behind the recruits’ seats.” 😅
– Tom Izzo on Magic Johnson helping to recruit players to Michigan State. pic.twitter.com/pnluKsAH1i
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) March 25, 2025
Izzo also shared details on meetings Johnson would go to with recrtuits, and how it would usually go.
“It used to be where we’d be at a football game,” Izzo said. “And it’d just happen that Magic’s seats were right behind the recruits’ seats. Magic’s been great, and a lot of the former players that I coached have been great.”
Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans have entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed and have advanced to the Sweet 16 after victories against New Mexico and Mississippi.
Did Magic Johnson Play for Michigan State Spartans?
Magic Johnson, renowned for his extraordinary basketball career, played college basketball at Michigan State University from 1977 to 1979. His freshman-year statistics were impressive, averaging 17.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.
Standing at 6’8″, he was a unique point guard, combining size, athleticism, and exceptional court vision, demonstrating his versatility and significant impact on the game.
During the 1979 NCAA Tournament, Johnson led the Spartans to the national championship, where they defeated Indiana State (led by Larry Bird) 75-64. Johnson’s leadership and skill were instrumental in Michigan State’s victory, earning the Spartans their first NCAA title and Johnson the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
Johnson’s college career at Michigan State paved the way for his celebrated NBA career. During his time at Michigan State, he averaged an impressive 17.1 points, 7.9 assists, and 7.6 rebounds per game over two seasons.
His success in college showcased his ability to redefine the point guard position, which he continued to do with the Los Angeles Lakers, achieving greatness. Johnson’s legacy at Michigan State remains a significant part of his basketball journey and a point of pride for the Spartans’ program.
Magic Johnson played 13 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, he was a five-time NBA Champion, three-time Finals MVP, and 12-time All-Star, among many other accolades.
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