When did the NBA start awarding Finals MVP?

The NBA Finals MVP award began in 1969, with Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers becoming the first winner.

How is the NBA Finals MVP decided?

The Finals MVP is voted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters after the series, based on overall impact and performance.

Has a player from the losing team ever won Finals MVP?

Yes, Jerry West in 1969 is the only player to win Finals MVP while on the losing team.

Back to articles

College Years: A Champion Guard at Ohio State

FMVP Club

NBA

15 views07/16/2026, 13:40 ET

Havlicek played at Ohio State with Jerry Lucas and Bob Knight, winning the 1960 NCAA title and laying the foundation for his pro career.

Before the NBA, Havlicek spent a solid college career at Ohio State. The Buckeyes of that era boasted Jerry Lucas (a later NBA star) and Bob Knight (a future legendary coach), a loaded roster. In 1960 they won the NCAA championship together, with Havlicek emerging as a starting wing.

In college he was not the absolute center of attention, but was known for "doing the dirty work": defense, rebounding, pushing the break—a role identical to his later "sixth man" days in Boston. Whatever the team needed, he did.

The Ohio State title gave him an early taste of "winning culture." When he joined the Celtics in 1962, Auerbach's system felt just like college: sacrifice self for the team. Havlicek had almost no adjustment period and quickly became the crucial screw in the green machine.