Magic Moments: A Century of Spartan Basketball by Jack Ebling and John Farina, Limited Edition Binder's Copy, Signed by Magic Johnson, Players, and Coaches, 1998

Ebling, Jack and John Farina. Magic Moments: A Century of Spartan Basketball. Chelsea: Sleeping Bear Press, 1998. Limited Edition of 100, Binder’s Copy. Signed by Johnny Green, Jud Heathcote, Magic Johnson, Greg Kelser, Scott Skiles, Steve Smith, Tom Izzo, and Shawn Respert on the limitation page. In limited edition binding with green leather boards with blind embossing and gilt titles on the front, raised bands, gilt titles, and gilt stamps to the spine, green marbled endpaper, vellum signed limitation page, and matching green ¼ leather and cloth clamshell. 

Presented is a Limited Edition, Binder’s Copy of Magic Moments: A Century of Spartan Basketball, written by Jack Ebling and John Farina. This special printing is autographed by six of Spartan’s greatest basketball players, to include Magic Johnson, Johnny Green, Greg Kelser, Scott Skiles, Steve Smith, and Shawn Respert, as well as two storied head coaches, Jud Heathcote and Tom Izzo. The book was published by Sleeping Bear Press in 1998 in this limited edition deluxe binding. 

The book is presented with stunning green leather boards, blind embossed with the Spartans helmet and gilt titles on the front, raised bands, gilt titles, and gilt stamps to the spine, green marbled endpaper, and most importantly, the vellum limitation page with the original players’ and coaches’ signatures. Issued in a numbered edition of only 100 copies, this book is even more unique as it was the “Binder’s Copy”- gifted to Keith Felton of Felton Bookbinding, Ltd, who bound the limited editions. It also comes with a matching and archival  ¼ leather and cloth clamshell case. 

Magic Moments profiles the most memorable players, coaches, teams, and games in Michigan State Basketball's spectacular history. With two national championships and 16 Big Ten Championships, Michigan State is rightfully categorized as one of the perennially elite programs in college basketball history. The Spartans won the National Championship in both the 1979 NCAA Tournament and 2000 NCAA Tournament. The 1979 National Championship story was highly touted as Magic vs. Bird. It was achieved by a team under the coaching of Jud Heathcote that included MVP Magic Johnson, Greg Kelser, and Jay Vincent. MSU beat the then undefeated Indiana State Sycamores, led by future NBA hall of famer Larry Bird. The 2000 National Championship was achieved by Morris Peterson, A.J. Granger, Charlie Bell, Jason Richardson, and MVP Mateen Cleaves, with head coach Tom Izzo leading the team in a victory over the Florida Gators. 

Michigan State has produced many successful NBA players through the years. Thanks to the dedicated leadership of Jud Heathcote, who was head coach for nineteen years, and his successor Tom Izzo, head coach for more than twenty five seasons, MSU's players have translated their success from college courts to the professional leagues. Magic Moments profiles 29 of those talented players, across 25 dedicated player chapters. The book starts with Earving “Magic” Johnson, a once in a lifetime player, who reinvigorated America’s interest in college basketball during his time at MSU and went on to win 5 NBA titles with the Lakers, 3 MVPs, and revolutionize the point guard position. Dominant scorers like Steve Smith, Scott Skiles, and Jay Vincent are profiled, as well as shooting guard Ralph Simpson, point guard Shawn Respert, forwards Greg Kelser and Johnny Green.

The book then chronicles the team under seven different coaches, highlights team dynamics from 11 specific seasons, and details 16 key and memorable games in the team’s history. It ends with a section titled “The Numbers,” an impressive multi-chapter run down of all-time letterwinners and coaching records, season by season breakdowns, Spartan team records, as well as big names and leaders in Spartan history. Comprehensive in its scope and detail, this beautifully bound book is a must-have for any fan of collegiate or NBA basketball. 

CONDITION:

Excellent condition. In limited edition binding with green leather boards with blind embossing and gilt titles on the front, raised bands, gilt titles, and gilt stamps to the spine, green marbled endpaper, and vellum signed limitation page. Signed by Johnny Green, Jud Heathcote, Magic Johnson, Greg Kelser, Scott Skiles, Steve Smith, Tom Izzo, and Shawn Respert on the vellum limitation page. Signatures in black felt-tipped ink. Signatures are legible and crisp, without smears. Inscribed “Binder’s Copy” on the limitation line. Inside pages are very clean and healthy, without marks, toning, or defects. The book is illustrated throughout with black and white photographs. Presented with an archival ¼ green leather and cloth clamshell, to protect the book.

Book Dimensions: 11 1/4" H x 9 1/4" W x 1" D. Slipcase Dimensions: 11 1/2"H x 9 1/2" W x 1 1/2" D.