Michael Jordan Basketball Career

Introduction

Did you know that Michael Jordan was cut from the basketball team during his sophomore year of high school? This fact is not widely known, just as many are unaware of his early life before superstardom. Robert Lipsyte, a legendary sports reporter, award-winning young adult novelist, and an outspoken critic of the sports world, sheds light on this story. As a young reporter, Lipsyte covered boxing for The New York Times. In 1971, he left the Times to focus on writing books. His sports books for young people include “Free To Be Muhammad Ali” and the “Superstar Lineup” series, which document the lives of famous sports heroes. One of the books in the “Superstar Lineup” series, Michael Jordan: A Life Above The Rim, explores how Michael Jordan achieved an unparalleled level of success as a basketball player and as a dominant figure in commercial endorsements. This underscores one of the new roles of athletes in our society today (Lipsyte, 1994).

Michael Jordan's Basketball Career

The title A Life Above The Rim refers to Michael Jordan’s nickname “Air Jordan,” which he earned due to having one of the highest vertical leaps in the NBA. Just as people didn’t know Michael Jordan was cut his sophomore year, many also didn’t know about his life before he became a superstar. At the beginning of the story, Lipsyte portrays the humbling life of Michael Jordan before he went viral. Michael was a late bloomer, cut from his high school basketball team in his sophomore year. He wasn’t offered the most prestigious college scholarships available.

The true Jordan phenomenon didn’t really begin until his freshman year at the University of North Carolina, when he played for Dean Smith and announced his presence with a spectacular 17-foot swish that brought his team the NCAA title. Lipsyte covers Jordan’s college and pro careers, including the two Olympic gold medals that he won. Lipsyte provides not merely the facts but a sophisticated social and historical analysis of the game of basketball and Jordan’s place in it. Jordan managed not only to be the greatest basketball player ever but also to do it at a time when basketball was at its most popular, with corporations eager to cash in on marketable stars (Lipsyte, 1994).

Commercial Success

Many corporations were ready to cash in on the marketable superstar. Lipsyte writes about Michael’s success with advertisement deals with the corporations, “When he went pro, Jordan signed with Proserv, the biggest sports agency in the country. They negotiated his contracts, handled his money, and landed him endorsement deals. They had no doubts about his marketing potential, and they immediately offered him to various companies. Nike was the first to take a chance, and the payoff continues to exceed the corporation’s wildest dreams” (Lipsyte, 1994, p. 45). This passage illustrates how much Michael Jordan’s life changed after he became a superstar. When you’re a superstar like Michael Jordan, people would be eager to meet you and associate with your brand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Michael Jordan’s journey from being cut from his high school basketball team to becoming a global icon is a testament to his perseverance, talent, and strategic partnerships. His story is not just about sports but also about how athletes have transformed into influential cultural and commercial figures. Robert Lipsyte’s work effectively captures the essence of Jordan’s legacy, making it a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of sports, society, and business (Lipsyte, 1994).

References

Lipsyte, R. (1994). Michael Jordan: A Life Above The Rim. New York, NY: HarperCollins.