With less than three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and down by two points, the San Antonio Spurs decided to give the ball to an Eastern Michigan University alum known for his poise, finesse, and a signature finger role.
It was March 27, 1984. The Spurs were playing the Golden State Warriors. Spurs coach Cotton Fitzsimmons made the call: Get George Gervin a three-point shot for the win. Seconds later, the blare of the final buzzer was interrupted by the sound of swishing nylon. Gervin let out a small grin, exemplifying the cool demeanor that earned him his nickname, “Iceman.”
Eastern Michigan University students hoping to channel that same poise and finesse -- by nailing their final exams this week -- can catch a new documentary film about Gervin, titled “ICEMAN: A George Gervin Story,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, at the Student Center. GameAbove Entertainment is hosting the screening specifically for the EMU audience.
Gervin, a four-time NBA scoring champion, had worked his magic that night in 1984, giving the Spurs a 117-116 buzzer-beater victory over the Warriors.
Khalid Walton, president of GameAbove Entertainment, said he hopes the film about Gervin's life provides Eastern students with a little magic as well: a finals-week breather; an opportunity to enjoy the amazing story of one of their own; and a little pride in seeing an alum in the spotlight.
“As great of a basketball story that George has, his story goes beyond what fans have seen on the court,” Walton said. “His story is one of trials and tribulations, but ultimately triumph over these challenges."
Walton said GameAbove EMU is hosting the special viewing to provide hard-working Eagles with a much-needed study break, as well as motivation and inspiration. Free popcorn, candy, and soda will be provided, and all attendees will be eligible to receive LBC credit while learning of Gervin’s journey from the streets of Detroit to NBA superstardom.
Partnering with Michael Tollin, executive producer of “The Last Dance,” a 10-part Emmy-winning documentary series on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, Walton and GameAbove Entertainment sought to honor Gervin’s legacy by examining his lasting influence on the game.
“His peers really had some amazing things to say about him, which is just testament to his character,” Walton said. “We got Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, and Jalen Rose giving flowers to George Gervin as one of the greatest scorers of all time, but also for his work in
the community, establishing education academies and community centers in San Antonio.”
Of course, the documentary features plenty of highlights from Gervin’s 14-year professional basketball career, with special focus on his signature, delicate, finger roll. While most other players used the finger roll on short layups close to the basket, Gervin’s effectiveness with the
shot extended 15 feet from the basket to the free-throw line.
“A lot of basketball fans have forgotten about George Gervin’s greatness and scoring prowess,” Walton said. “But if you look at guys like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or Steph Curry, you can see George’s influence, and this documentary demonstrates that by connecting the present and
future while honoring the past.”
Initially hesitant to work on the documentary due to his desire to stay out of the spotlight, Gervin agreed to the project when told his story would inspire those struggling like he did early in life.
“The George Gervin story is for anyone facing a challenge they don’t know how to get out of or see the light,” Walton said. “In ‘ICEMAN,’ George shows them how to get out and celebrate the beauty of perseverance.”
On Dec. 11, 2021, the university's basketball arena building, then known as the Convocation Center, was renamed after Gervin and the GameAbove organization. Not quite two years later, on Aug. 31, 2023, just outside the GameAbove George Gervin Center, university officials unveiled a 16-foot-tall bronze statue of Gervin near the center's entrance. Gervin and his family were there for the event.
"To look at myself now and see how far time has went by, and I have a statue now at a beautiful university that I can see, and the world can see," Gervin said at the time. "There ain't nothing like it. I'm thankful."
One of the all-time best EMU players, Gervin led the then-Hurons to the 1972 NCAA College Division Tournament Final Four, averaging 29.5 points and 15.3 rebounds on the year. At the end of the 1971-72 season, he was named NCAA College Division First Team All-American by United Press International and the National Basketball Coaches Association.
Gervin then played in both the American Basketball Association and the NBA, and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1996. Back at EMU, Gervin's No. 24 jersey was retired Jan. 17, 1986, the first one retired in program history.
For students unable to attend the screening, “ICEMAN” can be streamed for free on the official NBA app or website and will be premiering on NBA TV this Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. after Gervin’s Spurs take on the Los Angeles Lakers.
