Monday, February 08, 1999

'Magic' at NKU: 'Believe it'

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NBA legend tosses up advice

BY SUSAN VELA
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Magic Johnson at NKU Sunday. | ZOOM |

        HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — When Earvin “Magic” Johnson asked those in an almost-full gymnasium how they were doing Sunday night, the applause didn't please him.

        “Wait a minute,” he said to more than 1,000 people gathered in Northern Kentucky University's Regents Hall, where the Norsemen play basketball. “I thought I was in basketball country.”

        When he asked again how they were doing, members of the audience — children and adults, men and women — offered up a resounding round of applause. Now, he was ready to speak.

        In his presentation, “Overcoming the Odds,” the retired NBA legend spoke as he often used to pass a basketball — in a direct and forceful manner. He was at NKU to kick off the 1999 Homecoming celebration.

        Among topics he discussed:

        • His childhood in Lansing, Mich., growing up in a poor family of 10 children.

        • His basketball career at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., where he led the Spartans to a national title in 1979 over Larry Bird and Indiana State.

        • His 12-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

        • One of his biggest challenges, being diagnosed with HIV in 1991, a diagnosis that caused him to retire from the NBA that year.

        Since then, he has focused on business interests. He told the audience that he plans to build restaurants and coffee houses, including 100 Starbucks franchises.

        He also is involved in music and entertainment management — actress Vivica A. Fox is a client — and has started to develop commercial property in minority neighborhoods across the country.

        But “life has been a challenge,” said Mr. Johnson, who credits his success to God, his parents, a stress on education and a belief in himself.

        “If you don't think you can (accomplish something), you won't,” he said. “But if you believe it, you will.”

        He said he was proof of that philosophy.

        Mr. Johnson's presentation included a question-and-answer session. During it, he reminisced about his basketball days. He said that he still works out with the Lakers. He called Michael Jordan the greatest player in the air and Mr. Bird the greatest on the ground.

        Children had some of the toughest questions.

        “How does HIV and all that affect your life?” a 10-year-old asked.

        Mr. Johnson said that he has coped with the HIV diagnosis by adhering to his prescribed medications; working out; keeping stress low; and having the support of his wife, Cookie, three children and other family members. The HIV seems to be in a dormant state, and he said there are no traces of the virus in his blood.

        But Mr. Johnson said the uncertainty can get to him.

        He stressed the need for abstinence and safe sex.

        He also reminded children that only a few people make it to the pros. He noted that there are more than 1,800 college basketball players but only 58 who get drafted into the NBA.

        Mr. Johnson also stressed education. When an audience member wanted to know about the turning points in his life, he mentioned 10th grade, when his reading level was low and he was getting C's and D's.

        A teacher told him that he was never going to college, never playing for the NBA, never going to make it in life — unless he went to summer school.

        He attended summer school, even though his friends laughed at him.

       

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