When Magic Johnson came to the NBA in 1979, the league hadn’t seen anyone like him. For his position, as a point guard, the players were generally shorter. So, when there came a 6’9″ passing phenom, the NBA had to take a pause. The man who made the unheard play was the five-time champion’s high school coach, George Fox. Recently, the former Everett High School coach passed away, and Johnson offered his condolences with a heartfelt Instagram post.

Fox won a high school championship with Magic Johnson and the NBA legend claims he made him “a better basketball player and person”

Magic Johnson mourns the loss of his high school coach

George Fox played an instrumental role in Johnson’s life. He not only guided him as a basketball player, but the NBA legend claims Fox pushed him “to be great on and off the court”. It was under his tenure that he became ‘Magic’. Despite being the tallest guy on the roster, Fox realized the Los Angeles Lakers icon’s true potential as a point guard. He handed Johnson the keys to the offense, and so began the birth of one of the NBA’s greatest.

Fox followed his student throughout his basketball career. He was there when Magic had any questions, and he was there in the times he needed him. George Fox was an impactful figure in three-time MVP’s life. Only recently, the former high school coach passed away, and Magic Johnson pinned down an emotional message.

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“My heart sincerely hurts after hearing that my high school basketball coach, George Fox, passed away,” wrote Johnson on his Instagram, “I will forever be grateful for his leadership, friendship, and influence in my life. Rest in peace Coach! Cookie and I are praying for the entire Fox family during this difficult time.”?

Magic Johnson would first announce himself to the basketball world during his time with Fox and Everett High School. It was the place where he would earn his iconic nickname ‘Magic’. He led them to a 27-1 record putting up 28.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per game, monster numbers for a point guard at the time. Under Fox, Johnson also helped Everett become state champions.

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Through the mentorship of his high school coach that he became one of the best players to come out of Michigan. Not just that, but with those principles, Johnson led a basketball revolution and carved his name in NBA history forever.