It was the first big shot of his illustrious career.
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players, if not the greatest, in history. But fame didn’t come early or easily.
Jordan struggled academically and found solace in sports. Jordan’s first love was baseball; he loved the game and played it as a kid. He also played basketball but was cut from his high school basketball team. He didn’t give up. Jordan worked hard on his game, improved academically, and eventually made the varsity team.
Jordan went from being left out to a standout, and that status enabled him to receive a scholarship to play basketball for the prestigious University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
The Tar Heels did well in the 1982 regular season, losing only twice (both in the Atlantic Coast Conference) before making a run to the 1982 National Championship game. It was UNC vs. big man Patrick Ewing and a very tough Georgetown Hoyas team.
Then “it” happened.
With thirty-two seconds left and the score Georgetown 62, North Carolina 61, the Tar Heels inbounded the ball to Jordan. He took a few dribbles and passed the ball. Georgetown was in man-to-man coverage, and the ball came back to Jordan. He got the ball and took a jump shot from the deep corner. Swish!
North Carolina won the National Championship, and “that shot” put Jordan on the national radar.
Of course, he went on to have a stellar career with the Chicago Bulls, and he is now considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time.
“from left out to standout” !!! Go Matthew!
Well done!
Love the story! I’ve been a Jordan fan for many years. So, I know all this info. I still enjoy reading and seeing videos on MJ. He’s the GOAT and always will be. Thank you Matthew Paris for bringing this information out again. I never get tired of it.