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Magic Johnson Saddened by Passing of Former UCLA Star and NBA Champion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 4:40 PM ET

The basketball world is mourning the loss of former UCLA Bruins standout David Greenwood, who passed away this week at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer. He passed away in Riverside, California.

A member of legendary coach John Wooden’s final recruiting class, Greenwood was selected No. 2 overall in the 1979 NBA draft — one spot after the Los Angeles Lakers chose Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson.

Greenwood went on to have a 12-year NBA career, playing for the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and the Detroit Pistons, where he was part of the team’s 1990 NBA Championship run.

Following the news of his passing, Johnson shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing his sorrow over the loss of his fellow draft classmate.

"I’m sorry to hear the news about the passing of David Greenwood," Johnson said. "David Greenwood and I were drafted picks 1 and 2 in the 1979 NBA Draft. I’m praying for the Greenwood family and all of his loved ones. Rest in Peace David!"

I’m sorry to hear the news about the passing of David Greenwood. David Greenwood and I were drafted picks 1 and 2 in the 1979 NBA Draft. I’m praying for the Greenwood family and all of his loved ones. Rest in Peace David! pic.twitter.com/AkhJbSfF0Y
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 12, 2025

Greenwood was a two-time Conference Player of the Year at UCLA and played a pivotal role in leading the Bruins to the Final Four in 1976. He earned All-American honors in both his junior and senior seasons, becoming the first UCLA player to do so since the legendary Bill Walton, who achieved the distinction from 1972 to 1974.

Before the arrival of Michael Jordan, Greenwood was a cornerstone for the Chicago Bulls franchise. He later joined the San Antonio Spurs after being traded in exchange for Hall of Famer George Gervin.

David Greenwood is survived by his two children, Jemil and Tiffany, his former wife Joyce, his brother Al, and his sister Laverne.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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