Ayrton Oneill
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Jordan's journey to the top began when he was just a young boy, playing basketball with his brother, Larry, in his driveway in Wilmington, North Carolina. Jordan started playing basketball in high school during his sophomore year in 1978 at the age of 15. Despite setbacks, such as being cut from the varsity team, Jordan's talent shone through and he went on to dominate the high school basketball scene. Jordan's college basketball career at the University of North Carolina further solidified his reputation as a rising basketball star, and he was selected third overall in the 1984 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, marking the start of his iconic professional career.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Michael Jordan's age when he started playing basketball | Between 5 and 9 years old |
| Year Jordan started playing basketball | 1978 |
| Age when Jordan joined the varsity team at Laney High School | 15 |
| Jordan's professional basketball career | 1984 |
| Age when Jordan's professional career started | 21 |
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What You'll Learn
Michael Jordan's early basketball years
Michael Jordan's journey to basketball stardom began in his early childhood. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1963, Jordan and his family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, when he was a young child, between the ages of five and nine years old. It was here that Jordan first started playing basketball, in his driveway with his older brother, Larry.
Jordan's father, James, was a big baseball fan and encouraged his children to play the sport. However, he also installed a hoop in the family driveway, and Jordan and Larry would regularly play basketball against each other. At the age of nine, Jordan reportedly told his mother that he would one day play basketball in the Olympics, a promise he would later fulfil.
Jordan continued to play basketball throughout his youth, and by the time he was in high school, he had joined the varsity team at Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. This was during his sophomore year in 1978, when Jordan was 15 years old. Despite being cut from the varsity team that year, Jordan persevered and worked on his skills. He grew five inches before the next season, positioning himself for future success.
In his junior and senior years, Jordan dominated the high school basketball scene, and his talent attracted the attention of college recruiters. He chose to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he continued to excel at basketball. Jordan played for three seasons at the University of North Carolina, and his achievements solidified his reputation as a budding basketball star.
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High school basketball
Michael Jordan's journey to basketball stardom began in high school. In 1978, during his sophomore year at Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina, the 15-year-old Jordan tried out for the basketball varsity team. However, standing at only 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m), he was considered too short and was cut from the team.
Undeterred, Jordan joined the junior varsity team, where he excelled and tallied some impressive 40-point games. Motivated to prove his worth, he trained rigorously, and the following summer, he grew four inches (10 cm). This additional height, combined with his dedication and talent, positioned him for future success.
In his junior year, Jordan earned a spot on the varsity roster, and his hard work paid off. Over his final two seasons of high school play, he averaged more than 25 points per game (ppg), dominating the high school basketball scene. His remarkable performance did not go unnoticed, and he soon attracted the attention of college recruiters.
Jordan's talent and determination during his high school years laid the foundation for his future success. His journey in high school basketball taught him the value of perseverance and hard work, which would become defining characteristics of his legendary career.
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College basketball
Michael Jordan's journey to basketball stardom began at a young age. He started playing basketball sometime between the ages of five and nine, in his driveway with his older brother Larry. Jordan's father, James, was a baseball enthusiast and had a hoop installed in their driveway, where Michael and Larry played against each other.
Jordan's passion and talent for basketball became evident when he started playing in high school during his sophomore year in 1978 at the age of 15. Despite initial setbacks, such as being cut from the varsity team, Jordan persevered and worked on improving his skills. He experienced a growth spurt of 5 inches before the next season, positioning himself for future success. In his junior and senior years, Jordan dominated the high school basketball scene, attracting the attention of college recruiters.
Jordan's college basketball career at the University of North Carolina served as a crucial stepping stone to his legendary professional career. He began his college basketball journey in 1981, making an immediate impact with his skills and athleticism. Under the guidance of coach Dean Smith, Jordan was a key contributor to the Tar Heels' success, including winning the national championship in 1982. His achievements at North Carolina solidified his budding reputation as a basketball star and caught the eye of the NBA.
Jordan's talent and dedication shone through during his college years, setting the stage for his iconic professional career. In the 1984 NBA draft, he was selected by the Chicago Bulls as the third overall pick, marking the beginning of his remarkable journey in the NBA.
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The 1984 NBA draft
Michael Jordan's basketball journey began in 1978 when, as a 15-year-old sophomore in high school, he joined the varsity team. Despite initial setbacks, Jordan's talent shone through, and he went on to dominate the high school basketball scene in his junior and senior years. This caught the attention of college recruiters, and he went on to play college basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1981.
Jordan's college basketball career served as a crucial stepping stone to his legendary professional success. In 1984, he was selected by the Chicago Bulls as the third overall pick in the NBA draft, marking the start of his iconic professional career. The 1984 NBA draft was the 37th annual draft and is considered one of the greatest in NBA history. It was held at the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 19, 1984, before the 1984-85 season.
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Chicago Bulls and beyond
Michael Jordan's career in the NBA began in 1984 when he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. At 21, he entered the NBA as a rookie and quickly established himself as one of the league's most talented players. Jordan's impact was immediate, and he played a key role in building the Chicago Bulls into the legendary franchise it is today.
During his rookie 1984–85 season with the Bulls, Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game on 51.5% shooting. He helped the Bulls improve from 27–55 to 38–44 and qualify for the postseason for the first time since the 1980–81 season. In his debut, Jordan played 40 minutes and recorded 16 points, seven assists, six rebounds, four blocks, and two steals.
Jordan won his first NBA title with the Chicago Bulls in 1991, followed by two more consecutive titles in 1992 and 1993. Before the 1993–94 NBA season, he abruptly retired from basketball, citing physical and mental exhaustion, to play Minor League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox. He returned to the Bulls in March 1995 and led them to three more championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
Jordan retired for the second time in January 1999 but returned for two more NBA seasons from 2001 to 2003 as a member of the Washington Wizards. Over his career, Jordan achieved numerous milestones, including six NBA championships, a then-record 72 regular-season wins in the 1995–96 season, and five regular-season MVP awards. He was a 14-time All-Star and a 10-time scoring champion.
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Frequently asked questions
Michael Jordan started playing basketball as a young child in North Carolina sometime between the ages of five and nine years old.
Michael Jordan started playing basketball in high school during his sophomore year in 1978 at the age of 15.
Michael Jordan started his college basketball journey at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1981.
Michael Jordan's professional basketball career officially took off in 1984 when he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls at the age of 21.
Michael Jordan played in the NBA from 1984 to 2003.
