The Life Story of Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, one of the world’s greatest players anyone has ever seen. One of the most legendary moments I know is when he dunked the ball over guard Bobby Henson to a thundering roar. Utah owner Larry Miller yelled at Jordan, “Why don’t you pick on somebody your own size?” After pilfering the ball again, Jordan slammed it over seven-foot four- inch defensive Stalwart Mark Eaton and shouted back to miller, “Was that big enough (Porter 23)?”
Michael Jordan’s early life wasn’t any different from anyone else’s. Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born on February 17, 1963 in Brooklyn New York. He later grew up in Wilmington North Carolina (Johnson 203). Michael’s parents were not athletic but they encouraged their five children to excel in sports if they chose to participate. Michael’s older brother Larry was considered the athlete of the family. Michael and Larry played basketball against each other, and when Michael was thirteen, his father put in a backyard court. Michael went to Laney High School in Wilmington (Johnson 203). As a freshman at Wilmington’s Laney High School. Jordan tried out for the varsity basketball team and was cut. Between his sophomore and junior years of high school Jordan added several inches to his height. By the time he was a senior he stood at six feet six. He became one of the most widely- recruited high school athletes in the country (Phelps 87). Michael decided to stick with basketball because of his added height, broad shoulders, and amazing jumping ability. He impressed his coach, Clifton Herring, enough for him to persuade a prestigious basketball camp to allow Michael to attend (Johnson 203). With the help of Coach Herring, Michael intensified his training program to be ready for college competitions. He had grown to be six feet, six inches and had left Laney High School as an all-American. Michael went to North Carolina in 1981 (Johnson 203,204). Jordan was recruited his junior year and still made something out of himself.
When Michael Jordan went to college it took a turn on his life. He accepted a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina. Michael Jordan never warmed the bench in North Carolina. He was a starter for the tar heels from the first game of his freshmen year. He became a national celebrity later that season when he sank a winning fifteen-foot jump shot in the final seconds of the 1982 NCAA Championship. Many of the friends he made there are still his closest companions today. Basketball made college a breeze. He had a special rapport with Tar Heels coach Dean Smith (Phelps 87, 88). He averaged 30.12 points per game average (Britannica 1). His acrobatic dunks and improved defensive play made his star quality shine in the eyes of the professional scouts. Fans and experts marveled at Michael’s apparent ability to fly through the air (Johnson 204). Jordan received many awards in college. He spent two more seasons on the UNC team and was named All-American in 1983 and 1984 (Phelps 88). He was named Sporting News college player of the year in 1983 (Phelps 88). Jordan was named College player of the year in both his sophomore and junior year (Britannica 1). He was voted Atlantic Coast conference rookie of the year (Phelps 87). With his great ability he was able to succeed in college and join the Chicago bulls.
Michael Jordan’s NBA career made him famous. He became a fan favorite. Advertisers were quick to court the young star for commercial endorsements of products (Phelps 88). One of his top accomplishments was winning all stars in his rookie season (ESPN 2). He was only the second player to score 3,000 points in a single season (Britannica 1). His good looks, phenomenal athletic ability, and-perhaps most importantly- a clean, scandal-free image (Phelps 88). He accomplished many awards during his career. Jordan was named the NBA’s MVP five times. He also named Defensive Player of the Year in 1988. Michael Jordan helped the Chicago Bulls basketball team win 72 games in 1995-1996 seasons. Jordan-led Bulls again won three championships in a row (Britannica 1). Jordan scored seven points in twenty two minutes (ESPN 2). Michael accomplished many awards during his career. He was MVP five in 1988, 1991,1992,1996,1998. He ended his career with 32,292 points. Michael received a gold medal. He had 2,514 steals, the second best in history (Britannica 1). During Michael’s career he overcame many obstacles; He had the stomach flu in the 1998 finals (“Legends” 3). He had to deal with his father’s death. He had a foot injury and was sidelined for most of the time in 1985-1986. The Detroit Pistons devised a whole scheme to undermine Jordan’s productiveness during games (Phelps 88, 89). Michael faced many obstacles that stood in his way and still managed to do his best. Michael inspired many other athletes for that reason. He inspired Larry Bird after he dropped 63 points on the Celtics in their second season. After losing to the Celtics 132-131 in double overtime (Legends 3). Larry bird said that “God was disguised as Michael” (‘Legends” 3). Jordan’s impact on the game mesmerized others. When the Chicago Bulls were without Jordan they won their first three games. Michael had broken a bone in his foot in his third game. Without him the Chicago Bulls lost 43 games. On Michael’s return they made the playoffs (Grange 16). Michael brought the NBA and Basketball’s popularity to a new height. His ability to soar to the basket and do things we’d never seen captured the world’s attention. He inspired athletes to be faster and to be more athletic than ever before. Leagues changed the rules, to open things up for offenses. Michael helped make basketball a more global sport than it had ever been (Kiang 1). When it came for team play Michael’s team they did not look for him. The bull’s defense finally approved. He helped build up a reputation. Went to playoffs again against Detroit Pistons (Grange 75). Michael’s great skills led him to have a great life after. After his life of Basketball in the NBA, Jordan remained close to the sport. He bought a share of Washington Wizards. He became owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. Michael also became the first NBA player to be a majority owner. Michael became rich and famous from the millions he made on endorsements. He made a successful film called “Space Jam”. In 1996 he was named the greatest player of all time. In 2009 he was elected to the Naismith Memorial basketball hall of fame. Michael Jordan is notably known for his Air Jordans (Britannica 1). Michael Jordan’s amazing gift and skill helped him become the man he is today and now is living successfully with his legacy. Michael Jordan changed basketball forever. Athletes should look up to him and recognize his talent.

Works Cited
Grange, Michael. “Basketball’s Greatest Stars.” Buffalo: Firefly. 2010 Print.
Johnson, Rafer. “Great Athletes Basketball.” Pasadena: Salem, 2010. Print.
Kiang, Jason. “Michael Jordan’s Effect on NBA Basketball: Was it a good thing? Web. 25 Mar. 2014. “Legends Profile: Michael Jordan.” Nba.com. NBA. 4 Mar. 2013. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
“Michael Jordan Britannica School.” Web. 5 Feb. 2014
“Michael Jordan Biography”, Espn. Web. 25 Mar. 2014
Porter, David L.” Michael Jordan A biography”. West port: Greenwood, 1941.print.
Phelps, Shirelle Contemporary Black Biography Volume 21. The Gale Group Farmington Hills. MI.
Kiang, Jason. “Michael Jordan’s Effect on NBA Basketball: Was it a good thing? Web. 25 Mar. 2014.