Before there was March Madness and big salaried NBA superstars, came Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Before their time with the Celtics and Lakers, these two talented athletes and good friends were just two college basketball players, unknowingly willing to change the face of college basketball forever.
In 1979, the NCAA championship game was between the state of Indiana and the state of Michigan. According to author Seth Davis, and as many basketball fans will agree, this game was the turning point for college basketball and its great appeal around the world. Back then there wasn’t the entire national exposure of the teams, as there were no major TV or ESPN and other sports networks to promote the games. There were only two teams per conference in the tournament and WHEN MARCH WENT MAD tells how the game became what it is today because of this particular match in 1979.
Davis does a good tally of the teams and these two will soon be star players. Larry Bird, who was shy and spoke very little to news people, and Magic Johnson was the opposite, since he loved to talk and came from downtown. Both of them, however, loved the game and were hardworking and devoted players. His talent made his entire team shine. However, more than just Johnson and Bird’s friendship, this book introduces us to the particular championship game these two star players were in and how it changed the face of college basketball forever.
Johnson played for Michigan State and Bird for Indian State. The description of the game and what led up to the finale tells how the folks at NBC used this story from the 1979 national championship game to highlight two players, engage viewers, and take off with what would become March Madness. NBC’s decision paid off, and Bird and Johnson’s David and Goliath pairing was not only entertaining but also addictive. This game and these players led to his time in the NBA and the national interest in them, which helped the popularity of not only college, but professional basketball explode as well. Davis explains the details of the players, television coverage, games and money involved in this turning point in sports.
The little college championship between two unlikely opposites who became superstars and great friends is a good story for any sports fan or one who just likes a good read. Highly recommended for people who did not live this time, especially so that they understand where all this March Madness and its adornments came from.
