Amanda Knapp
Michael Jordan is known as the greatest basketball player of all time. However, his high school basketball career is famous for what didn't happen. In 1978, Jordan, then a 15-year-old 5'10 sophomore, did not make the varsity team at Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. Jordan has repeatedly claimed that he was cut from the team, but this is a myth. Instead, he played for the junior varsity team, which was common for sophomores at the time. Jordan's experience of not making the varsity team served as a motivation for him to improve, and he went on to become a dominant player in high school, college, and the NBA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1978 |
| Age | 15 |
| Height | 5'10" |
| School | Laney High School, Wilmington, N.C. |
| Coach | Clifton "Pop" Herring |
| Team | Varsity |
| Reason | Height disadvantage |
| Fact | Jordan was not cut from the team but sent to the junior varsity team |
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What You'll Learn
Michael Jordan's height as a high school sophomore
Michael Jordan is a legend in the world of basketball, with six NBA championships, five NBA MVPs, and 14 NBA All-Star appearances under his belt. However, his journey to the top was not without setbacks. One well-known story is that of Jordan being cut from his high school varsity basketball team during his sophomore year due to his height.
During his sophomore year, Jordan tried out for the Emsley A. Laney High School varsity basketball team. At the time, he was only 5 feet 10 inches tall or 5 feet 11 inches tall and could not yet dunk a basketball. He was deemed too short for the varsity team, and it was decided that he would be placed on the junior varsity team instead. This decision was made by the coach, Clifton "Pop" Herring, who had a roster with many seniors and needed someone taller for the varsity team. Jordan's close friend, Leroy Smith, who was 6 feet 7 inches tall, was chosen for the varsity team instead.
Jordan's height was a concern during his early basketball days. He took the concerns about his height personally and used them as motivation. Fortunately for Jordan and the sport, he decided not to quit basketball after being cut from the varsity team. Instead, he became the star of the junior varsity team, honing his skills and working tirelessly to improve. The following summer, he grew four inches and worked out constantly, eventually securing his spot on the varsity squad.
Jordan's growth spurt and dedication to his craft paid off, and he instantly became Laney High's best player, averaging more than 20 points per game. He continued to excel in basketball throughout his high school and college careers, eventually becoming one of the greatest players in NBA history.
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Jordan's high school basketball coach, Clifton Pop Herring
Clifton "Pop" Herring was Michael Jordan's high school basketball coach at Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. In 1978, Jordan, then a 15-year-old sophomore, tried out for the varsity basketball team but was not selected. Jordan was only 5'10" at the time and could not yet dunk a basketball. Instead, he spent his sophomore year as the star of the junior varsity team.
Herring has often been referred to as the coach who cut Jordan, with the decision being dubbed the Great Cutting Myth. However, this is not entirely accurate. While Jordan did not make the varsity team, he was placed on the junior varsity team, which was common for sophomores at the time. In fact, Jordan was the only sophomore Herring selected for the varsity team during his time as coach.
Herring had three main reasons for his decision. Firstly, he had a lot of seniors on the roster. Secondly, he needed a taller player like the 6-foot-7 Leroy Smith to remedy his team's height disadvantage. And thirdly, he wanted to give Jordan more playing time as a starter on the junior varsity team rather than a benchwarmer for the varsity team.
Herring's decision ultimately paid off, as Jordan went on to lead the varsity team in his junior and senior years. During his senior year, Jordan averaged a triple-double and led Laney High to a 19-4 record, capping off his high school career in style.
Clifton "Pop" Herring passed away in 2019 at the age of 66 or 67. Despite the "Great Cutting Myth", Herring's decision to place Jordan on the junior varsity team was not an oversight but rather a strategic move that allowed Jordan to develop his skills and ultimately shine on the varsity squad.
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Leroy Smith, Jordan's classmate and friend
In 1978, Michael Jordan and his classmate Leroy Smith, who was also his friend, both tried out for the Emsley A. Laney High School varsity basketball team. Jordan was 15 years old at the time and 5'10" (1.80 m) tall. Leroy, on the other hand, was 6'7" (2.01 m) tall. Leroy was selected for the varsity team because of his height, while Jordan was placed on the junior varsity (JV) team.
Jordan was upset about not making the varsity team and later recalled that he went home, locked himself in his room, and cried. However, he used this setback as motivation to improve his game. He worked out constantly and, over the next year, grew four inches. By the summer of 1979, Jordan had made the varsity squad and became a star player for the team, averaging more than 20 points per game.
Leroy Smith, meanwhile, went on to play basketball professionally abroad. In an interview, he recalled that he and Jordan were close friends and that their competitive nature motivated them both. Smith also attended Jordan's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, where Jordan again brought up the story of how he was cut from the varsity team while Smith made it.
The story of Jordan being cut from the varsity team has become a legend, often used as an inspirational tale of perseverance and hard work. However, some have argued that it is not entirely accurate, as Jordan was not really "cut" from the team but simply placed on the JV team, which was common for sophomores at the time.
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Jordan's growth spurt before his junior year
Michael Jordan's growth spurt before his junior year is often regarded as a pivotal moment in his career. In the summer of 1979, Jordan experienced a significant growth spurt, growing about 4 inches and reaching a height of 6'3" (1.80 m). This physical transformation, combined with his unwavering dedication to the sport, secured his spot on the varsity squad at Emsley A. Laney High School.
Jordan's height advantage allowed him to showcase his skills and talent more effectively. In his junior year, he instantly became Laney High's best player, consistently averaging more than 20 points per game. This impressive performance continued into his senior year, where he averaged a triple-double and led Laney High to a remarkable 19-4 record. Jordan's stellar play during these two seasons solidified his position as a standout player and earned him recognition as a McDonald's All-American.
Jordan's growth spurt not only provided him with a physical advantage on the court but also boosted his confidence and motivation. No longer deemed "too short," Jordan seized the opportunity to dominate the game and showcase his abilities. His relentless work ethic, combined with his newfound height, transformed him into a formidable player who would go on to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Jordan's rapid growth and subsequent success on the court served as a testament to his determination and resilience. It demonstrated that setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for growth and improvement. This pivotal moment in Jordan's high school career set the tone for his future accomplishments, paving the way for him to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
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Jordan's success in basketball after high school
Michael Jordan is one of the most celebrated basketball players of all time. However, his journey to success was not without setbacks. Jordan's success in basketball after high school is a testament to his hard work, determination, and unwavering passion for the sport.
During his sophomore year of high school, Jordan faced his first major setback when he was cut from the varsity basketball team due to his height. Standing at only 5'10"'', Jordan was deemed too short for the varsity squad. This rejection fueled his motivation, and he channeled his disappointment into becoming a star player on the junior varsity team.
In the summer before his junior year, Jordan experienced a growth spurt, adding several inches to his frame. This, coupled with his relentless work ethic, earned him a spot on the varsity team. He instantly became a standout player, averaging more than 20 points per game during his junior year. Jordan's success continued into his senior year, where he averaged a triple-double and led his team to a remarkable 19-4 record.
Jordan's stellar performance in high school basketball caught the attention of top college basketball programs across the country. He was recruited by prestigious universities such as Duke, North Carolina, South Carolina, Syracuse, and Virginia. Ultimately, he accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina, where he continued to excel and refine his skills.
Jordan's success at the college level paved the way for his illustrious professional career. He was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft, marking the beginning of his legendary career in the NBA. Jordan went on to become a six-time NBA champion, five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and a 14-time NBA All-Star. He revolutionized the game with his incredible athleticism, scoring prowess, and iconic style.
Jordan's impact extended beyond the basketball court. He became one of the most effectively marketed athletes of his generation, with product endorsements that fueled the success of brands like Nike. The Air Jordan sneakers, introduced in 1984, remain a highly sought-after shoe line even today. Jordan's fame and influence helped propel basketball to global popularity, inspiring countless young athletes to pursue their dreams.
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Frequently asked questions
Michael Jordan was not cut from his high school basketball team. However, he did fail to make the varsity team as a sophomore, instead playing for the junior varsity team.
Jordan's coach, Clifton "Pop" Herring, had one spot for a sophomore and filled it with 6-foot-7 Leroy Smith, opting to add some much-needed size to the team. Jordan was 5-foot-10 at the time.
Jordan was embarrassed and upset by not making the varsity team. He later said that he used the snub as motivation to improve his game.
