Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan was a star player for the NBA's Chicago Bulls for many years and is often considered the greatest basketball player in the league's history. Although born in New York, Jordan grew up and played college basketball in North Carolina before entering the NBA.

BIRTH

Michael Jordan was born on Feb. 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, the fourth of James and Deloris Jordan's five children. Shortly after Michael's birth, his parents moved the family to Wilmington, North Carolina, hoping it would be a safer environment for children.

EARLY SPORTS EXPERIENCE

Although Jordan eventually became known for his basketball prowess, he was first drawn to baseball as a child. Jordan began playing basketball only after seeing his older brother Larry play the game.

HIGH SCHOOL

One of the most well-known stories about Michael Jordan is that he was cut from the varsity team as a sophomore in high school. However, Jordan excelled on Laney High School's junior varsity team, averaging 25 points per game. Before his junior year began, Jordan grew from 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 3 inches and was chosen for the McDonald's All-American Team as a senior.

COLLEGE

Michael Jordan earned a scholarship to the University of North Carolina and hit the game-winning shot in the NCAA championship as a freshman. "The Sporting News" named Jordan college player of the year during his sophomore and junior years. Jordan was drafted third overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 draft and left college before his senior year.

NBA CAREER

Jordan helped the Chicago Bulls win six NBA championships from 1991 to 1993 and 1996 to 1998. Jordan was named rookie of the year in his first season and earned three all-star game MVP awards, five regular season MVP awards and six NBA Finals MVP awards. Jordan retired in 1993 and 1999, but came back to the NBA both times, first to the Bulls and then, in 1999, to the Washington Wizards. Jordan finally retired permanently in 2001.

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