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Larry Johnson received his diploma at UNLV's commencement ceremony Friday, 16 years after leaving school for the NBA.

Johnson, who received his bachelor of arts degree in social science studies, finished his degree because he promised his mother he would, and because he would like to be a teacher at the middle school he attended in Dallas.

Johnson played three years at UNLV, was a two-time All-American, won the John Wooden and James Naismith awards, and was the best player on the 1990 national championship team.

The commencement ceremony took place at the Thomas & Mack Center, where his No. 4 jersey and hangs from the rafters.