Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. He had several dominating seasons in the NBA as well as during his college career. However, the first moment that amazed everyone was from his college days when he was a member of the Tar Heels national championship team in 1982
According to recent reports by ESPN, Jordan, who was recently praised by Kevin Garnett, revealed that he was called “Mike Jordan” before the 1982 NCAA championship game between North Carolina and Georgetown.
“That was the birth of Michael Jordan. Before Then, I was Mike Jordan.” Jordan said to Craig Sager of the Turner.
Jordan didn’t score the most points in the game, but he clinched a game-winning jumper in the final moments that amazed everyone in the crowd. The 14-time NBA All-Star’s memorable shot changed the outcome of the game and earned praise from players, fans, and analysts. Jordan mentioned that this stellar shot converted him from Mike Jordan to the legendary Michael Jordan and became a major turning point in his basketball career.
Michael Jordan’s Dominance after that Game-Winning Jumper
During his three seasons with the Tar Heels, Jordan averaged 17.7 points per game on 54.0% shooting while also contributing 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. The Chicago Bulls selected Jordan as the third overall pick of the 1984 NBA draft, where his real dominance started. The former NBA player was honored with the Rookie of the Year Award despite the Bulls losing in the first round of the playoffs in the 1984-85 NBA season.
Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA for two teams: 13 seasons for the Chicago Bulls and two seasons for the Washington Wizards. Throughout his professional career, the Bulls legend achieved 6 NBA championships, 5 NBA MVP awards, NBA Finals MVP awards, NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1988, and 3-time NBA steals leader.
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