If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. ~ MJ
48. Despite not having the high profile of other prep recruits throughout his high school career, Jordan made sure he made his appearance in the McDonald’s All-American game in 1981 count. The kid from Wilmington, NC dropped 30 points, but wasn’t selected as an MVP. Here’s a bit from Dave Krider of MaxPreps:
The 1981 McDonald’s game, held in Wichita, Kan., was no exception. I saw the 6-foot-5 Jordan pour in a game-record 30 points, including the tying and winning free throws with 11 seconds left, as the East nipped the West, 96-95. He drilled 13-of-19 from the field and all four free throws. In addition, he had six steals and four assists. His 30-point record stood for 17 years until 6-11 Jonathan Bender (Picayune, Miss.) scored 31 in the 1999 game.
Incredibly, the John Wooden MVP award was shared by 6-6 Adrian Branch, who had 24 points, and 6-4 Aubrey Sherrod, who had 19.
Further motivation for a man who simply didn’t need it.
47. A lob pass across the court and Jordan delivered.
This is the jumper he hit as a freshman in the 1982 National Championship game, with UNC down one against Georgetown with 14 seconds to play, and started MJ’s historic run of clutch shots in the national spotlight. As the Tar Heels broke their timeout, coach Dean Smith knew his freshman would be looking to shoot and said, “Knock it in, Michael.”
46. Jordan conquered the ACC – and the rest of the country – winning the Conference Player of the Year, Naismith and Wooden Awards while averaging a modest 19.6 points on 55 percent shooting with 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.6 blocks, 1.1 steals and 2.2 turnovers per game.
45. If you’ve read “A Season on the Brink” featuring legendary Indiana coach Bob Knight, you will know what I’m talking about here. In 1984, back when the U.S. sent its top collegiate players to the Olympics, right before the gold medal game with the Spaniards in Los Angeles, Jordan brought the wrong colored jersey to the arena:
“These guys aren’t ready to play,” Knight exclaimed. “All they’re thinking about is going home tomorrow.” Sensing Knight’s angst, Jordan put a note on the back of the blackboard Knight was going to use for notes during his pregame speech:
“Coach,” it said. “after all the shit we’ve been through, there is no way we lose tonight.”
The final score was 101-68, and Jordan had secured his first of two Olympic gold medals.
44. “With the third pick, the Chicago Bulls take Michael Jordan from the University of North Carolina,” proclaimed a (much younger and moustached) David Stern. The Houston Rockets took Hakeem Olajuwon and the Portland Trail Blazers took Sam Bowie ahead of MJ, adding to the perpetual fire burning inside him.
43. MJ was Rookie of the Year following the 1984-85 season. Below are some highlights to enjoy His Airness’ inaugural campaign:
42. During the latter portion of MJ’s rookie season Nike decided to launch the Air Jordan I, which was the first in one hell of a sneaker line. These particular J’s were deemed finable by Commissioner David Stern. Every time MJ wore them, he was risking a $5,000 fine.
Think it was worth it? 