There have been several outstanding basketball players in the collegiate ranks over the years, but Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson feels that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the greatest of all.
Most fans of the game know of the accomplishments that Kareem racked up in the NBA. He's a 19-time NBA All-Star, 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, and a six-time champion. However, his dominance on the court began much earlier. In fact, he led his high school team in New York City to 71 consecutive wins.
Following his high school days, Kareem made his way to UCLA, where he played under the legendary direction of coach John Wooden. In his first season (1966), Abdul-Jabbar was forced to play on the freshman team. However, he later led the Bruins to three consecutive NCAA championships as a sophomore, junior and senior. And as a testament to his outstanding play, he earned MVP of the tournament a record three times.
It’s not a doubt in my mind that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the greatest college player ever! Three National Championships and if freshman had been eligible to play, he would have won four straight!!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 19, 2020
Kareem's list of collegiate accolades are longer than a country mile. He was named Player of the Year twice (1967, 1969), and was a three-time First Team All-American from 1967–1969. Furthermore, the 72-year-old still holds or shares several school records at UCLA, including those for highest career scoring average, most career field goals and most points in a season (to name a few).
Drafted by the upstart Milwaukee Bucks with the No. 1 overall pick, Kareen Abdul-Jabbar went on to become of the NBA's all-time greats, especially with the Lakers. To this day, young players around the globe often imitate his moves, including the famous skyhook.
The skyhook wasn't the only shot that Kareem had in his proverbial bag, though. He also had a strong dunking hand. In fact, due to his dominance with the shot, the dunk was banned in college basketball following the 67′ season. It wasn't until the 1976–77 season that it was finally allowed again.
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