Marques Johnson! UCLA to the NBA: Wooden, Walton & Kareem

Marques Johnson isn’t just a 5x NBA All-Star—he’s the original MJ, a UCLA legend, and the last great to win it all for Coach John Wooden. In this episode, we dive deep into the golden era of college basketball, where Marques shares unforgettable moments from the hardwood and beyond.

We relive the legendary recruiting call from Wooden just minutes after the 1973 title game, hear about getting locked in a bus bathroom by Bill Walton, and learn how Marques became the first-ever Wooden Award winner. But it wasn’t all glory—Marques opens up about a chaotic senior year filled with pressure, paranoia, and power moves behind the scenes of the NBA/ABA merger.

From Giannis calling out his 3-point stats to wild stories of UCLA’s cheer squads, high-pressure practices, and the unseen burden of fame—this episode gives you a front-row seat to one of the most fascinating basketball journeys ever told.

🎙️ Whether you're a hoops historian, UCLA diehard, or just love great stories, you don’t want to miss this one.

⏰ Timestamps

(00:00:00) - Justin introduces Marques Johnson: 5x All-Star, UCLA legend
(00:03:55) - Marques recounts Coach Wooden’s iconic recruiting call
(06:57) - How watching UCLA’s 1973 title win changed his life
(09:07) - Early struggles at UCLA: Jamal Wilkes & Bill Walton lock him up
(12:30) - Coach Wooden calls his dad to explain lineup decisions
(16:21) - Marques’ dad stands up to Wooden—and saves him in a fight
(20:44) - Playing in Pauley Pavilion during the UCLA dynasty
(24:54) - Wild UCLA stories: fashion, fanfare, and strategy
(26:41) - Bill Walton’s legendary trash talk & naked jacuzzi scene
(33:42) - Behind the scenes of Wooden’s retirement announcement
(35:57) - Marques wins Wooden’s 10th and final NCAA championship
(42:36) - Why Wooden walked away from coaching under pressure
(46:27) - Marques’ birthday dunk ritual at age 69
(47:48) - Almost going pro early: the Pistons, ABA/NBA, and Sam Gilbert
(53:35) - Wild threats, prank calls, and FBI rumors his senior year
(57:35) - Winning the first-ever Wooden Award with 22 PPG & 12 RPG
(58:44) - Sam Gilbert’s “death” and possible escape story
(59:56) - Drafted 3rd by Milwaukee: business lessons and league politics

💡 Key Topics

📌 Coach Wooden’s legendary recruiting tactics
📌 Bill Walton’s locker room antics & leadership
📌 The pressure and politics of the NBA/ABA merger
📌 Playing during UCLA’s championship dynasty
📌 Giannis calling out Marques’ 3-point stats
📌 Winning the first-ever Wooden Award

🏀 About Marques Johnson:

Marques Johnson is a 5x NBA All-Star, NCAA Champion, and the first recipient of the John R. Wooden Award. A UCLA legend and key player in John Wooden’s final title run, Marques was drafted 3rd overall in 1977 and is now a broadcaster for the Milwaukee Bucks. His legacy bridges old-school toughness with modern-day wisdom, making him one of basketball’s most respected voices.

🏀 About Marques Johnson:

The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As a veteran broadcaster, Justin Kutcher hosts unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

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