When Magic Johnson walked onto the Michigan State campus in 1977, the Spartans basketball team was coming off a tough season. They went from dominating the college domain to struggling on the court; all it took was one season. It was the season when Jud Heathcote flaunted the hat of a coach for the first time. But Johnson’s arrival felt like a breath of fresh air amidst the troubling times. The fortunes for MSU changed, good times were in sight, and the NBA Legend stood tall with all the attention on him. But this glory couldn’t have been possible without his teammates, some of who he continues to hold dear to him.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend grabbed the attention of the basketball community from the get-go. The community knew that Michigan was blessed with a phenomenon that could lead a team to victories that involved lifting trophies like the Big Ten Conference title. Johnson averaged 17 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. However, the glory brought to MSU was courtesy of Johnson and his other teammates. This team shared a close bond and pushed each other through the highest of highs and lowest of lows. They worked together, providing Magic with the support to explode. Years later, they seem to have stayed in touch as Magic announced that he was devasted earlier in the day.

Magic Johnson meets with devastating news

Amidst the All-Star Weekend celebration and excitement, the Johnsons were left mourning the loss of a friend, brother, and teammate. Magic took to Twitter to share his grief. He wrote, “I’m devastated over the loss of my MSU teammate Bob Chapman.” He added that his wife, Cookie (who he met at MSU), and he, “are praying for the entire Chapman family.”  

According to a story in The Sports Notebook, Bob Chapman was a senior at Michigan State University when Johnson arrived. Over the course of Chapaman’s four years at MSU, he held an average of 13.3 points per game and shot 49.6 percent from the floor. Most importantly, he and their other teammate Jay Vincent, “were double-digit scorers”. This benefitted MSU for it perfectly complimented Johnson’s natural game.

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Chapman and Johnson reached the NCAA final four in 1978-79 and won the tournament. They beat the Indiana State team led by Larry Bird. As history notes, this game became the most-watched game in college basketball history back in the day.

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The five-time NBA Champion bagged the Most Outstanding player away while MSU lifted the trophy with Johnson and Chapman on the podium.