Larry Johnson (basketball, born 1954) facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 28, 1954 Morganfield, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | April 29, 2025 (aged 70) |
| High school | Union County (Morganfield, Kentucky) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Kentucky (1973–1977) |
| NBA Draft | 1977 / Round: 2 / Pick: 24th overall |
| Selected by the Buffalo Braves | |
| Career history | |
| 1977 | Buffalo Braves |
| 1979–1989 | Matsushita Denki |
Larry O'Neal Johnson Sr. (born November 28, 1954 – died April 29, 2025) was an American basketball player. He played for a short time with the Buffalo Braves in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Johnson also played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats.
Contents
Early Life and College Basketball
Growing Up in Kentucky
Larry Johnson was born in Morganfield, Kentucky. He was a talented shooting guard, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall. He played basketball at Union County High School.
Playing for the Kentucky Wildcats
From 1973 to 1977, Johnson played college basketball. He joined the University of Kentucky team, known as the Kentucky Wildcats. He was one of the first African-American players from Union County to be recruited by the university.
College Achievements
During his senior year, Johnson was chosen for the All-SEC Third Team. He helped his team reach the finals of the 1975 NCAA Tournament. They finished as runners-up to UCLA. This was a special game because it was coach John Wooden's last game. In 1976, Johnson also helped the Wildcats win the NIT championship. He scored 16 points in their victory over UNC-Charlotte.
Professional Career
Joining the NBA
In 1977, Larry Johnson was picked in the second round of the 1977 NBA draft. The Buffalo Braves chose him to play for their team. He played only four games for them during the 1977–78 season. In these games, he averaged 1.5 points per game.
Playing Overseas
After his time in the NBA, Johnson played basketball internationally. He spent many years playing in Japan. From 1979 to 1989, he played for Matsushita Denki. This team later became known as the Panasonic Corporation. After he stopped playing, he also became a coach for that same team.
Later Life
Larry Johnson passed away on April 29, 2025. He was 70 years old.
External links
- NBA stats @ basketballreference.com
- UK stats @ bigbluehistory.net
See also
In Spanish: Larry Johnson (baloncestista de 1954) para niños
