Magic Johnson gives speech to packed crowd at UNCW

Johnson

Former NBA star, current Basketball Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Magic Johnson spoke to a packed crowd Thursday night at University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Johnson’s lecture focused on how to be successful and overcome personal challenges in life.

His appearance kicked off the Wilma Daniels Distinguished Lecture Promoting Diversity & Tolerance, a recently announced series funded by local businesswoman Wilma Daniels.

UNCW worked with local schools to bring in several hundred middle school students to hear his message. Free tickets also were given out to the public for the speech.

When asked how he changed his image from basketball star to professional businessman, Johnson said it was by remaining competitive and professional.

“For example, I was scheduled to be here at 6, and I got here at 10 to 5. It’s just who I am. And I’ve always been a competitive person,” he said. “If you want to be successful, you have to be competitive.”