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1991 Larry Johnson UNLV John Wooden Award Trophy Presented to Coach Tarkanian

(Tarkanian Family Provenance • HoF LOA)

SOLD FOR $15,600
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$5,000
15

Larry Johnson’s 1991 John R. Wooden Award Trophy: A Symbol of Basketball Excellence

A Season of Dominance

The 1990-1991 NCAA basketball season was a remarkable chapter in the history of college basketball, dominated by the indomitable UNLV Runnin’ Rebels. Under the leadership of the legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian, the team achieved an astounding 34 consecutive victories, extending their winning streak to an impressive 45 games over two seasons. At the heart of this success was the formidable Larry Johnson, whose performance on the court was nothing short of extraordinary.

Larry Johnson: A Basketball Phenomenon

Larry Johnson’s prowess was evident as he averaged an impressive 22.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. His exceptional skills earned him numerous accolades, including being the #1 pick in the 1991 NBA Draft. Johnson was named a First Team All-American, Big West Conference Player of the Year, Tournament MVP, and Naismith College Player of the Year. His crowning achievement was receiving the prestigious John R. Wooden Award, a testament to his outstanding contributions to collegiate basketball.

The John R. Wooden Award Trophy

The John R. Wooden Award is revered as the equivalent of college football’s Heisman Trophy, bestowed annually upon the most outstanding men’s and women’s college basketball players. In 1991, this esteemed trophy was presented to Larry Johnson’s coach, Jerry Tarkanian, following Johnson’s senior season at UNLV. An identical trophy was also awarded to Johnson himself, symbolizing his remarkable achievements.

  • Dimensions: The trophy stands 18 inches tall and weighs 16 pounds.
  • Design: It features five basketball players atop a five-sided wooden base.
  • Inscription: The plaque on the base reads, “THE LOS ANGELES ATHLETIC CLUB – JOHN R. WOODEN AWARD – PRESENTED ANNUALLY TO THE OUTSTANDING COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL PLAYER IN THE UNITED STATES – 1991 – LARRY JOHNSON – UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA AT LAS VEGAS.”
  • Condition: The trophy is in excellent condition, with a minor repair to one of the basketball player statues at the ankles.

A Legacy of Excellence

This trophy is more than just a piece of basketball memorabilia; it is a testament to Larry Johnson’s enduring legacy and his indelible mark on the sport. The trophy is accompanied by a copy of a letter of provenance, attesting to its lineage and authenticity. This piece is a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a fragment of basketball history.

For those interested in exploring more exceptional sports memorabilia, Grey Flannel Auctions offers a wide array of items that celebrate the rich history of sports. Whether you are looking to consign sports memorabilia or sell game-worn items, our platform provides unparalleled opportunities to connect with the world of sports collectibles.

Embrace the legacy of Larry Johnson and the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels by acquiring this iconic trophy, a symbol of excellence and triumph in the world of collegiate basketball.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.

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