Larry Johnson

[arenk]

He was a fabulous ball-handler and IMO, probably the best defensive guard I've seen at UK since I began following the team in 1966. He really didn't have a conventional jump shot, but he could take you off the dribble and score and occasionally hit some shots inside about 15 to 18 feet, although his shot was very awkward. Overall though, his ability to run the team, distribute and stop his man from scoring was a huge asset to the team. He was also a great guy to talk to on campus.

 

[UNIVKY]

He was a good player, but unfortunately what I remember most is I attended (at age 16) the IU/UK game at Freedom Hall in Dec 1975 when IU was #1. UK was going to win, but Johnson took a very very bad shot at the very end. IU tied the game and ended up winning in OT to go on to be undefeated in 1975-76.

The other thing I remember is that Kent Benson used his fist to knock in a basket late in the contest. It was a great game that UK coulda, shoulda won.

 

[Emarc]

He was a good player, but unfortunately what I remember most is I attended (at age 16) the IU/UK game at Freedom Hall in Dec 1975 when IU was #1. UK was going to win, but Johnson took a very very bad shot at the very end. IU tied the game and ended up winning in OT to go on to be undefeated in 1975-76.

The other thing I remember is that Kent Benson used his fist to knock in a basket late in the contest. It was a great game that UK coulda, shoulda won.

I remember the fist tip. 🤬

 

[wildcatwelder]

I had a family member who was very good friends with Larry, and I was able to meet him several times and even got to play hoops with him a couple of times. Super cool dude.

 

[yes_takeaside]

Against Providence in the NIT he took it the length of the floor for the winning basket after the Cats blew a huge lead due to faltering against all-court pressure.

 

[blue cincy]

Didn't Johnson end up playing in Japan and became a legend over there. Ended up owning property and all kinds of stuff if I remember.

 

[L.O.D.]

He was great at UNLV in early 90s

 

[CatFanInIlliniLand]

He was great at UNLV in early 90s

Also played RB for the Chiefs in the NFL. What an athlete.

 

[L.O.D.]

Also played RB for the Chiefs in the NFL. What an athlete.

Never underestimate Grandma ma.

 

[blue cincy]

He was great at UNLV in early 90s

Grand ma-maw! Great commercials!

 

[docholiday51]

I

He was a good player, but unfortunately what I remember most is I attended (at age 16) the IU/UK game at Freedom Hall in Dec 1975 when IU was #1. UK was going to win, but Johnson took a very very bad shot at the very end. IU tied the game and ended up winning in OT to go on to be undefeated in 1975-76.

The other thing I remember is that Kent Benson used his fist to knock in a basket late in the contest. It was a great game that UK coulda, shoulda won.

was at that game, the accidental tip-in was awful to see in person .I remember a call late in regulation involving Johnson that cost us the game. I think he was called for a foul on a clean steal.

 

[SemperFiCat]

I saw the UNLV Larry Johnson at the Greenwood, IN mall, when the Hornets (maybe during his first or second year time frame) were in town to play the Pacers. He was wearing a Gumby green suit on, and was just swarmed by little kids. He was loving it, and seemed like a pretty kind hearted dude and had a lot of fun messing around with the kids.

 

[jeffky]

Defensive

That 77 ball team was really good should have won it all got beat by unc than Marquette who caught fire late in the season wins it unbelievable

 

[Smashcat]

Union Co. gave us three excellent bb players. Freddie Cowan, Johnson and Dwane Casey.

 

[Kycatspaws]

Larry Johnson

Hometown: Morganfield, KY (Union County)
Drafted #24 Overall in the 2nd Round of the 1977 NBA Draft by Buffalo

 

[TeoJ]

Remember the Benson tip in to win what a lucky shot.

 

[Cawood86]

Johnson was my first favorite player.