In the Front Row | Marques Johnson: From Crenshaw to UCLA & John Wooden, All-Star NBA Career, and his Role in “White Men Can’t Jump”

Talk'n Shop · Sep 17, 2026 · 1h 12m

Growing up in Crenshaw, Johnson eventually became one of the greatest basketball players to come out of Los Angeles. He takes us back to his decision to attend UCLA and what it was like playing for legendary coach John Wooden.

Marques shares his memories of the first time he saw Bill Walton on the UCLA campus, what it was like learning from Wooden, and what it meant to become the first-ever recipient of the John R. Wooden Award. He also opens up about his personal relationship with Coach Wooden and the impact Wooden had on his life long after his playing days.

Johnson then takes us through…