Larry Johnson

Johnson arrived from outside Nevada and became one of the defining Runnin’ Rebels. Alongside Greg Anthony and Stacey Augmon, he helped UNLV win the 1990 NCAA championship. A powerful forward, he followed that season with the John Wooden Award as the nation’s leading player.

Charlotte selected him first overall in 1991, making him UNLV’s first No. 1 professional draft choice. NBA Rookie of the Year honors, All-Star appearances and a later New York Knicks career followed. His Vegas connection rests on what he achieved for the university and its supporters; his Texas origins remain distinct from his identity as a Rebel.