Michael Jordan’s Early Life

Michael Jordan had a very interesting early life, and he faced obstacles.

The Early Years of Michael Jordan

On February 17, 1963, Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York. He has four siblings: two older brothers, Larry Jordan and James R. Jordan, Jr., one older sister, Deloris, and one younger sister, Roslyn. His family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, when Michael was still a toddler. He attended Emsley A. Laney High School, where he excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. His athletic prowess was evident from a young age, setting the stage for his future success.

College Career

After high school, he went to the University of North Carolina for college and played a significant role on the basketball team, averaging 13.4 points per game. He was asked about what his favorite shot or most important shot was in the 1982 NCAA Championship when he made the game-winning shot. Jordan stated that this shot was pivotal, marking the moment he believed he could make it to the NBA (North Carolina State University, 1982).

Professional Career

In 1984, he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls as the 3rd pick in the 1st round. Tragically, in 1992, he retired for the first time due to the murder of his father. MJ pursued minor league baseball for one year, demonstrating his athletic versatility, before returning to basketball in 1994 to play again for Chicago (Smith, 2010).

Olympic Success

He also played for the USA Olympic basketball team, winning gold twice. His Olympic achievements further solidified his status as a global sports icon, admired by fans worldwide (International Olympic Committee, 1992).

Final Years and Legacy

Jordan retired, then in 2001, made a comeback to play for the Washington Wizards. Jordan played his final NBA game on April 16, 2003, in Philadelphia. After scoring only 13 points in the game, Jordan went to the bench with 4 minutes remaining in the third quarter, with his team trailing the Philadelphia 76ers, 75–56. Just after the start of the fourth quarter, the crowd began chanting “We want Mike! We want Mike!” After much encouragement from coach Doug Collins, Jordan finally rose from the bench and re-entered the game, replacing Larry Hughes with 2 minutes left in the game. Jordan was intentionally fouled by the 76ers and stepped to the line, making both free throws. After the second foul shot, the 76ers inbounded the ball to rookie John Salmons, who was then intentionally fouled by Bobby Simmons, stopping time so that Jordan could return to the bench. He received a three-minute standing ovation from his teammates, opponents, officials, and the crowd of 21,257 fans. Michael Jordan is, in my opinion, one of the greatest to ever play the game (NBA, 2003).

Conclusion

Jordan's journey from a young boy in Brooklyn to a global basketball legend is a testament to his dedication and resilience. His influence extends beyond sports, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams against all odds.

References

• International Olympic Committee. (1992). Olympic Games Gold Medals.
• NBA. (2003). Michael Jordan's Final Game.
• North Carolina State University. (1982). NCAA Championship Highlights.
• Smith, R. (2010). The Life and Career of Michael Jordan. Random House.