Magic Johnson holds court at Pendleton - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Magic Johnson holds court at Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — As members of the basketball team here watched, former NBA great Earvin “Magic” Johnson took the basketball in his hand, stepped to the 3-point line and let it fly.

“This is not what I do. I’m a passer,” the 6-foot-9 Johnson had announced to the crowd before his first attempt.

The retired Los Angeles Lakers point guard didn’t disappoint, of course.

Johnson — who, at 48, is still a formidable force on the court — hit 16 of 25 shots during an unofficial 3-point shootout round Wednesday at the Abby Reinke Community Center.

That was enough for the former pro to beat out the nearest competitor, Sgt. Derek “Snake” Northington, who tallied 12 shots, outpacing the eight hit by Lance Cpl. Derek Gray and four by Sgt. Willie Nathan.

“It’s something that just doesn’t happen too often. I’m just here to have some fun,” said Gray, a 6-foot-6 data technician with Combat Logistics Regiment 15 and former collegiate player.

Gray joined members of his team and coach Chris Carter, a retired sergeant major, for a short session on the court with the basketball star. “They’re tall. They’re big. They’re strong and quick, especially compared to an old guy like me,” Johnson said, glancing at the players during a practice session.

Johnson came to Camp Pendleton for a meeting with base officials and a short clinic with about five-dozen military children, part of an Armed Service YMCA program at the base.

“Make sure that you educate your mind because it will pay off,” Johnson told the kids after recalling how he grew up poor as one of 10 children but eventually became a successful businessman. He recently partnered with Sodexo, Inc., the Corps’ contractor for garrison food services.

Among Johnson’s holdings are 32 franchises of Burger King.

“Guess what? I can have as many Whoppers as I want,” he said, to laughter, but added with seriousness: “It’s because I got my education.”

He credited his parents and family with instilling in him a good work ethic and passed along some tidbits of encouragement. Among his anecdotes: “When you’ve got a family of 10, you can’t be late to the dinner table.... all the food would be gone.” And another: “I did my homework and took care of my business in school.”

Johnson’s appearance marked his first visit to Camp Pendleton. In recent years, he’s traveled to various military bases and held basketball clinics for troops and military youth.

During his midday visit at Pendleton, he posed for photographs, signed autographs and distributed Lakers ball caps to the basketball team and kids, who wore “Sodexo Magic” T-shirts.

“This is all about the men and women and the kids,” he said. “I’m just happy that I can spend a couple of hours today and maybe say thanks.”