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Well everyone has they’re own opinion about Michael Jordan, but
one thing is certain, he is a phenomenal athlete with a unique combination of
grace, power, artistry and the improvisational ability. He is not only the top
player of his Era, but is quite possibly the best player to wear the uniform of
a NBA team. He is the most recognizable athlete in the world and is believed to
be the best there ever was, is, or ever will be. (NBA.com) A person to this
magnitude has obviously a success, being able to have a family of his own and,
knowing that there are thousands of people looking up to him, and being many
people’s idol. To be able to stand the pressure of being a national symbol of
greatness, you have to have a driving force. This driving force has been known
to be the edge a lot of people have needed to make it over. Michael Jordan’s
family helped him to fight and become one of the most influential, successful,
and professional sports figures ever. Body Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born on
February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, NY, to a proud Deloris and James Jordan. (Nba.com;
BioLife.com) Now this very first point may seem like no big deal but it’s
something in itself. Jordan almost wasn’t born. In 1963, when Deloris was
carrying Mike her mother died unexpectedly causing her to fall into a deep
depression and stress period. Fearing a miscarriage the family doctor ordered
her to bed rest. (Greene 12; NBA.com) “I Davis 3 always said that Michael’s
birth was like a sign. I lost my mother while I was carrying Michael, and he was
my godsend. Michael was the happiness he sent me after a very sad time in my
life.” –Deloris (qtd. In Halberstam 48) “The near miscarriage was very bad.”
–James (qtd. in Halberstam 49) Michael the Jordan’s 4th child lived in a pretty
much average house, which was on the lower end of the economic pool. When Mike
was 2 he had a really close brush with death. James (Mike’s father) was outside
tuning up his car at his parents house. The ground was still soaked from the
earlier downpour. Two extension cords let him stretch a lamp from the kitchen
outlet to under the hood of his car. During his labor he saw something out of
the corner of his eye. Mike had escaped his playpen and, was on his way to make
it a father- son- project.
James ran towards him bit it was too late. Mike
walked right into the junction of the wires and began playing with them. A
sudden surge of current sent him flying back about 3 feet, where he landed in
too much shock to cry. (Greats of the Game.com; BioLife.com) James put a net up
in the backyard and the boys played all the time. Michael’s older brother Larry
always beat him. Growing up Mike’s favorite sport was baseball, and he was quite
good too! He was the MVP of Dixie League and received a scholarship to Mickey
Owen Baseball Camp. Michael got better at basketball and, decided to try out for
the Varsity Laney High Basketball Team but, wasn’t good enough as a sophomore.
Jordan, as a sophomore, played on JV and, averaged 27.8 PPG. Jordan after junior
year was Davis 4 invited to play at the 5-star Camp where colleges recruited. MJ
won 10 trophies including 2 MVP’s. The University of North Carolina recruited
Jordan. Dean Smith the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history coached Mike.
(Greene 52; Halberstam 27, BioLife.com) Most people thought that Mike would come
and sit the bench. They were startled when they found out he was a season opener
starter. (NBA.com) Mike had a great time playing for UNC, and his nest move was
to become eligible for the NBA draft. Mike was 3rd pick behind Hakeem Olajuwon
(Houston) and Sam Bowie (Portland) (GreatsoftheGame.com) MJ of course, was
drafted by the Chicago Bulls. He was playing there and doing well.
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