Amanda Knapp
Michael Jordan is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the game. Jordan's unmatched athleticism and competitive drive revolutionized the sport while winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, and entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1981. As a child, Jordan played baseball, basketball, and football, with baseball being his preferred sport at the time. However, after he began spending a lot of time on the basketball court, his outlook changed. Jordan's older and taller brother, Larry, kept beating him when they played one-on-one, and this motivated him to improve his game. Jordan's ever-growing popularity began at UNC, where he made a last-minute game-winning shot in the 1984 NCAA championship game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1963 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Childhood Place | Wilmington, North Carolina |
| School | Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina |
| College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Year of College Entry | 1981 |
| Preferred Sport in Childhood | Baseball |
| Year of Transition to Basketball | 1978 |
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What You'll Learn
Michael Jordan's early life and introduction to basketball
Michael Jordan, born Michael Jeffrey Jordan, came into the world on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. He was raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, and is the fourth child of Deloris, a bank teller, and James, a maintenance worker turned manager at General Electric. Jordan had an early introduction to sports, with his father introducing him to baseball, and the family even had a basketball court in their backyard. Jordan idolised his older brother, Larry, and the two would often play basketball together, with Jordan always striving to win.
Jordan's competitive spirit and physical growth (he grew from 5'11" to 6'3" between 10th and 11th grade) helped him make the varsity basketball team at Laney High School in Wilmington. By the time he finished high school, he had grown to 6'5" and earned a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina. Jordan's popularity began to soar at UNC, where he made a game-winning shot in the 1984 NCAA championship game.
In the summer following his freshman year, Jordan played on the US Men's Olympic Basketball Team, coached by Bobby Knight. He scored notable points against China (14), Canada (20), and Uruguay (16). Jordan's college career was impressive, and he was named College Player of the Year in both his sophomore and junior years. He left college after his junior year and joined the Chicago Bulls in 1984 as the third overall draft pick.
Jordan quickly rose to stardom in the NBA, showcasing his prolific scoring and defensive skills. His leaping ability, demonstrated by his slam dunks, earned him the nickname "Air Jordan." He also signed a deal with Nike in 1984, leading to the launch of the iconic Air Jordan basketball sneakers in 1985. Jordan's unmatched athleticism and competitive drive revolutionised basketball, and he became a global cultural icon, helping to popularise the sport worldwide.
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Jordan's college basketball career
Michael Jordan's love for basketball began at an early age, and he went on to become one of the most celebrated athletes of all time. Jordan's college basketball career started at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he enrolled in 1981 on a basketball scholarship. Jordan's talent was recognised from the start, and he was named ACC Freshman of the Year, averaging an impressive 13.4 points per game.
Jordan's freshman year also saw him make a game-winning jump shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, which he later described as a turning point in his career. This win also marked the start of a rivalry with Georgetown's Patrick Ewing, who would go on to become a prominent NBA player himself. Jordan's performance in this game showcased his natural talent and competitive spirit, which would become his trademark throughout his illustrious career.
During his three seasons with the North Carolina Tar Heels, Jordan averaged 17.7 points per game, along with 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. His consistent performance and impact on the team earned him the recognition of being named College Player of the Year in both his sophomore and junior years. Jordan's time at North Carolina was instrumental in shaping his skills and mindset, setting the foundation for his future success in the NBA.
Jordan's college career also included representing the United States in international competitions. He was selected to play for the US national team during his college years, winning gold medals at the 1983 Pan American Games and the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. These early achievements further solidified Jordan's potential and placed him on the path to becoming a global basketball icon.
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His time with the Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players in history, played for the Chicago Bulls from 1984 to 1998, with a brief hiatus from 1993 to 1995. During his time with the team, Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998) and was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player five times (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, and 1998).
Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls in 1984 as the third overall draft pick and quickly became a league star, known for his prolific scoring and defensive skills. His leaping ability, demonstrated by performing slam dunks, earned him the nicknames "Air Jordan" and "His Airness". Jordan stood at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) tall, and his unmatched athleticism and competitive drive revolutionized the sport of basketball.
The 1995-96 season was particularly successful for Jordan and the Bulls. The team started the season with a 41-3 record and went on to achieve a then-record 72 regular-season wins. The addition of rebound specialist Dennis Rodman strengthened the team, and Jordan's aggressive training regime following the playoff defeat to Orlando in 1995 further fueled their success.
Jordan's popularity and cultural influence extended beyond the basketball court. His signature Air Jordan basketball sneakers, launched in collaboration with Nike in 1985, became a milestone in the history of sneakers and continue to be a best-seller decades later. Jordan's fame also brought increased attention to the NBA, with television ratings soaring during his time in the league.
Jordan retired from the Bulls in January 1999, but his impact on the team and the sport of basketball is still felt today. He remains a global cultural icon, with his achievements celebrated through merchandise, exhibits, and documentaries, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game.
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Jordan's brief baseball career
Michael Jordan's love for basketball began at a young age. He played the sport in high school, starring in Laney's junior varsity team and averaging more than 25 points per game during his final two seasons. However, Jordan's passion for sports extended beyond the basketball court, and he also played baseball and football during his school days.
Jordan's time in baseball was short but eventful. He played for the Birmingham Barons, the White Sox's Double-A affiliate, during the 1994 season. In his third professional game on April 10, 1994, Jordan recorded his first professional hit, a single to right field. He showed steady improvement throughout the season, impressing those around him with his dedication and respect for the game. Terry Francona, who managed Jordan with the Barons, recalled Jordan's mindset and competitive spirit as key factors in his ability to take on the challenges of a new sport.
Jordan's baseball career lasted only one season, as he returned to the NBA in March 1995. His brief stint in baseball became a source of curiosity, with some poking fun at his pursuit. However, those who worked closely with him during this time recognized the significance of his endeavour. Despite the jokes, Jordan's time on the baseball diamond showcased his unwavering determination and his ability to excel in a sport that demanded a different set of skills.
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Business ventures and philanthropy
Michael Jordan is considered the greatest NBA player of all time and the richest former professional athlete in the world, with a net worth of $2 billion. Since retiring from basketball in 2003, he has built a lucrative career and uses his wealth for philanthropic purposes.
Business Ventures
Jordan has a diverse portfolio of business ventures, including:
- Sports: Jordan has had an extensive career in sports, both as a player and in management. He was a part-owner and president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards from 2000 to 2001. In 2010, he purchased the Charlotte Hornets for $275 million and owned a 97% stake in the team. He sold a minority stake in 2019 and later sold most of his remaining ownership for $3 billion. In addition to basketball, Jordan has also been involved in baseball. He spent a year playing minor league baseball with the Chicago White Sox organization in 1994 and joined an investor group that bought MLB's Miami Marlins for $1.2 billion in 2017.
- Branding and Endorsements: Jordan has been a prominent endorser of various products, including sneakers, cars, and cereal. He has had a long-standing relationship with Nike, signing a five-year deal worth $500,000 annually in 1984. The Air Jordan shoe line, in collaboration with Nike, has been a massive success, with wholesale revenue of $3.1 billion in the fiscal year ending in May 2019.
- Restaurants: Jordan is a partner in the Cornerstone Restaurant Group, which runs five Jordan-branded restaurants.
- Beverages: Jordan co-founded the super-premium tequila brand Cincoro, with the most expensive bottle in the line retailing for $1,600.
- Other Ventures: Jordan has invested in various other ventures, including a car dealership and DraftKings. He also owns a secret golf course, dubbed "Slaughterhouse 23," which he built in 2019 for $3 million.
Philanthropy
Jordan has been actively involved in philanthropy and charitable initiatives throughout his career. Some notable examples include:
- Donations: Jordan has donated to numerous charities and organizations supporting children and families, such as Friends of the Children, the American Red Cross, the Foundation for the Carolinas' Hurricane Florence Response Fund, Make-A-Wish, and the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America. He has also supported relief efforts during natural disasters, such as Hurricane Florence, and contributed to communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Community Initiatives: As the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Jordan has been committed to strengthening the Charlotte region through partnerships, charitable giving, and social projects in areas such as education, wellness, hunger, and military care. Annual events like Cornucopia provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need, and the team's Day of Service includes refurbishment projects for nonprofits and basketball clinics for organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte and the Special Olympics of North Carolina.
- Documentary Proceeds: Jordan donated the proceeds from the successful documentary "The Last Dance" to help families in need, with organizations such as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund, and Direct Relief's Fund for Health Equity benefiting from his generosity.
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Frequently asked questions
Michael Jordan started playing basketball as a child, along with baseball and football.
Michael Jordan started taking basketball seriously when he entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1981. As a freshman, he made the winning basket against Georgetown in the 1982 national championship game.
Michael Jordan was drafted to the NBA in 1984.
Michael Jordan started playing for the Chicago Bulls in 1984.
