(LOT 199)
1979 Larry Bird Indiana State "Pre-Rookie" PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Malcolm W. Emmons Photo – Measures Approx. 8" x 10"
On March 26, 1979, the collegiate world brace themselves for one of the most celebrated all-time matchups for the NCAA Basketball Championship. The undefeated (33-0) Indian State Sycamores led by the great forward Larry Bird would be playing the Michigan State Spartans (25-6) who just happened to be spearheaded by the majestic guard Ervin "Magic" Johnson. Indeed, this significantly "talked-about" event would be played at the Special Events Center (now the Jon M. Huntsman Center) at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Michigan State would ultimately win the game by a 75-64 score and secure the schools inaugural National Championship, with this event having the highest Nielsen ratings of any basketball game in American history.

After the season concluded, the June 1979 draft would see Los Angeles Lakers select Magic Johnson while the Boston Celtics would choose Larry Bird. Ironically, these two Hall of Fame icons were only just beginning their intense rivalry as they would meet each other three times in the NBA Finals, with the Celtics winning the first match in 1984. Magic Johnson's Lakers would take the next two Finals (1985 & 1987), and it is no secret that the NBA Finals between these two legends arguably suffice as the most fiercely competitive and historical matches in NBA history. As a grand testament for Larry Bird's final collegiate game against the Spartans, presented here is a PSA Type 1 image taken during the 1979 NCAA Basketball Championship game.

Larry Bird highlights this outstanding photo as he defends against Michigan State's star forward Greg Kelser. The well-centered illustration exhibits magnificent contrast and registration, with no glaring flaws whatsoever and a verso that includes the critical MACOLM W. EMMONS credit stamp. An immensely significant "pre-rookie" keepsake from Larry Bird's final collegiate game against Magic Johnson, it serves as a sheer reminder of how this remarkable forward was about to embark on an NBA career that would easily place him as one of the ten greatest basketball players of all-time!

MIN BID $300
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