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The Magi ASSOCIATED PRESS Saying "it's now or never," Magie Johnson ended a retirement of more than four years Monday to play agaii for the Los Angeles Lakers, whom he led to five NBA championships during the 1980s. Johnson, 36, left the game suddenly on Nov. 7,1991, just before the start o the 1991-92 season after learning he had tested positive for the virus tha causes AIDS. He returned the following year, onh to retire aeain after a handful o exhibition games. That comeback wai cut short when several players anc others connected with the NB/ complained about competing agains someone who had the AIDS virus. There have been several aborte( Johnson comebacks since then, an< several other speculated comebacks Johnson continually changed his mine and finally, last summer, said he woul< never return. But Johnson changed his mind again and displaying his characteristic smile said that he was so excited abou Open Ri uiosea hi ? M |C! 13 0) CO 0) !< oj ? ^ 1 co V *' ic is back 1 returning to the game that he "couldn't 7 sleep for the last two or three nights." [ "Last night, I was just going crazy," Johnson said. "I want my (3-year-old) son to see ' me play, right here in the NBA." ' Johnson signed a contract for the remainder of the season and will play his first game back against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night at the ^ Forum. Johnson, who said he's 27 pounds heavier than when he played his last ^ game on June 12, 1991, has been 3 practicing with the Lakers on and off j for about two weeks and will play mostly ^ at a forward spot. He also admitted that he's five steps c - ii ...l?? i.? 1001 OlUWCl Llldll WIICll lie ICtUCU 111 X?7?7X, Johnson said. "I know it's going to take me some time, Fm not in NBA shape. It's going to take me a month or two. This team has other people. It's not like I have to come in and dominate." Larry Bird, the Boston Celtics star who was Johnson's friend and main rival during the 1980s, said he didn't believe Johnson would be "at the form * K-appa c Spring Rush jsh January 31, 8:3 jsh February 1, 8:3 -up will t^e January 31a \ So what... \ passed ex< J The Adverl resume th< 5 While your P more subs ? "5-minute' J > The Gamecock K)dl for NBA b he was back when he was 28 in the mid'80s, but he's still a very good basketball player. 1 think he'll make a big improvement for them," Bird said. Johnson added: "I know what to do, I know what not to do. I still know how to play this game." That was obvious in practice. Following the lormal drills, Johnson spent some time shooting long jumpers. At one point, he made nine straight and 10 of 11. All swished through the basket, barely rippling the nets. Laker spokesman Bob Steiner said at the time of Johnson's announcement Monday morning, about 2,300 tickets remained for the game. They were sold within a matter of hours, thus assuring the Laker's second sellout in 22 home games this season. The third sellout will be Friday night in Johnson's second game back when the Lakers face Michael Jordan and the rampaging Chicago Bulls. "It's now or never," Johnson said. Tm 36. If this is the last hurrah, so be it, if if s next year, well see. "I think now is the perfect time," 10-9:30 pm 10 - 9:30 pm re you ve spent about ims? What else will tising Department @ at has more than jus ' competition is bus} tantial, you will have ' interview. Student M Applications 4th Floor, Ruj For more infc 777.1184 Tuesday, January 50,1994 asketball speaking to reporters after practice Monday at Loyola Marymount University. "They're (the Lakers) committed to winning. It helps ease my comeback. "They don't have to fit in with me, I have to fit in with them. I can do that. I can help this team. I'm coming in tiptoeing, trying to learn the system and learn the guys. We have a chance to do something special." NBA commissioner David Stem said he was happy Johnson was back. "Even after his retirement from the NBA, he continued to bring joy to millions of fans around the world through his global travels," Stem said. "We're pleased that he has decided to once again showcase to NBA fans his talent and unique enthusiasm for the game." Johnson said he was "not worried" about experiencing the kind of negative reaction he received during his abortive 1992-93 comeback. Tm calm, Fm not worried if there's criticism or not," he said. Tm at peace with myself." Can You... mm m * a a m .. Motivate rour Accept The CI Pave The Wa\ Then Join... f MA.PL, an acronym ft which has been desigt college experience of m more information to gn scheduled for applicani || Golden Spur. This s< functions & goals of th< conclusion of this meet use. Criteria for being must be classified as Applications are also avail located in the Campus A The Application De; For mc 120 hours sitting in c you have to show for 1 The Gamecock offer t fluff. I using the thesaurus ) a solid track record edia Adverl available: >sell House miration, 4 3 Athletes' GPA r Staff Reports * USC student-athletes earned a 2.692 overall GPA for the 1995 fall semester, the highest GPA recorded in the last five fall grade reports. Forty percent of USC's student athletes earned a 3.0 or better last semester. Of the 347 student athletes, 140 earned a 3.0 or above. Included in that list were 62 individuals named to the Dean's List (3.5 GPA or higher/3.25 or higher for freshman) and eight student-athletes who earned a 4.0 GPA, meriting a spot on the President's List. * The department's cumulative GPA, Brothers & Sisters lallenge Of Making ' For Excellence? The Minority Assistan yr the Minority Assistance Peer proj led to attract, orient, retain, & enricl inority freshmen. Because there is so t asp, a M.A.P information session has s on January 31, 1996 at 6:15pm ir sssion will further explain the purj i Minority Assistance Peer Program. I ing, applications will be available for I a M.A.P. is a 23 GPR or better & a rising sophomore, junior, or sei able at the Office of Multicultural activities Center, Russell House, 1 adline Date is Friday February >re information, please call IT lasses, done several these four (or so) y s you the opportunit to make their part-t and something to Sc [kino npns 9 ises in Fall '95 which indicates the overall GPA of a student's entire academic history, has risen from a mark of 2.598 in 1991. A total of seven USC athletic teams posted a 2.9 GPA or better for the Ml. The women's golf team led all teams with a 3.178 GPA, followed by women's soccer (3.147), women's track (3.008), women's tennis (2.999), men's swimming (2.990), baseball (2.916) and men's tennis (2.902). Also, seven football players graduated in December, including fullback Stanley Pritchett, who graduated in 31/2 years with an overall 3.0 GPA. The football team plans to graduate six more players in May. ? irtment tfe're looking orward to hearing from YW r f ? A Difference? ice Peer Team! SHH Jpon |K|HhSi3 your you ft nior. mjMMJM Let a MA.P. be your guide. I Student Affairs, which is West Wing, Lower Level, 19,1996 at 5:00pm. '-7716. W& projects and ears or your life?. y to build a ime jobs sound ly in that