SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts -- Earvin "Magic" Johnson, whose fluid play and uncanny court awareness allowed him to win titles at every level from high school to the NBA, was inducted on Friday into the basketball Hall of Fame.

Joining Johnson in the class of 2002 were late Croatian star Drazen Petrovic; longtime college and pro Coach Larry Brown; University of Arizona Coach Lute Olson; North Carolina state women's Coach Kay Yow; and the Harlem Globetrotters -- the first team elected since 1963.

The electees, representing the 44th group since the Hall of Fame process began in 1959, required 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee, Reuters reported.

This group christened the opening of the new $45 million Hall of Fame, which will be holding its inaugural ceremonies on Saturday.

Johnson and the Globetrotters were elected in their first year of eligibility. A native of South Lansing, Michigan, Johnson wound up winning championships at the high school, collegiate, professional and international levels.

He led Michigan state to the 1979 NCAA championship in a classic battle against Indiana state's Larry Bird.

That rivalry continued in the 1980s with Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers and Bird with the Boston Celtics.

Johnson initially retired in 1991 after contracting HIV, the virus that causes aids, but he has kept it under control through a variety of medications.

A 12-time NBA all-star in his 13-year pro career, he led the Lakers to five NBA titles.

"I had a great time," said Johnson about his playing days.

"It was special with Larry Bird on the other side. He kept me on top of my game. I was about winning first and I was doing it while entertaining fans at the same time. Whatever it took to win, I would do. It was never about me, but always about the team." "Yeah, we were friends," noted Bird, "but once we got on the court, we were enemies."