Magic Johnson addresses summer tournament players

NBA great Magic Johnson addressed participants in this weekend's basketball tournament.

By BRIAN STENSAAS, Star Tribune

Last update: July 11, 2008 - 9:28 PM

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Speaking to a group of mostly high school-aged basketball players and their families Friday night in the stuffy, unairconditioned practice facility at Winter Park, former Timberwolf Chris Carr said playing in the NBA was his "front row seat to the best entertainment in the world."

Less than 15 minutes later, those seated on the artificial turf got their chance to be up close and personal with one of the those who made Carr feel that way.

Magic Johnson gave the keynote address as a part of the kickoff to the inaugural Best Buy Twin Cities Summer Classic, a national basketball tournament for 14- to 17-year-old players. Twin Cities-based 43 Hoops Academy, founded and co-owned by Carr, is playing host to the tournament.

Johnson, in town just for the address, spoke for nearly an hour. He brought with him a message of loving the game and being prepared.

"A lot of you have the (Nintendo) Wii, the Xbox, ESPN and EA," Johnson said. "But while you're at home playing with games, they're out on a basketball court. If you love the game, you'll put time in. I put time in."

The former Los Angeles Lakers star, who during his speech wandered through the crowd holding a basketball as a prop, also advised the young players to play with more steak and less sizzle.

"Get the cool out of your game," he said. "We don't want to see you go through your legs 30 times at the three-point line. Go somewhere. Jump shot. Rebound. It's easy."

Johnson then answered a few questions from the crowd. He was asked who he thought was better between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.

Johnson wasted little time in picking Jordan, who Johnson said was so good that on numerous occasions he "made me look stupid." It was one of many lighthearted moments in Johnson's upbeat speech.

The tournament runs today through Tuesday. Information can be found at www.twincitiessummerclassic.com.

Brian Stensaas • 612-673-4127