Michael Jordan, the best known athlete in the world, is a leading scorer in the National Basketball Association (NBA), who led the Chicago Bulls to many recent NBA championships. He is, by far, and will be for a time to come, the best basketball player in the history of the game. Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina. He accepted a basketball scholarship from the University of North Carolina and as a freshman scored the winning basket in the 1982 NCAA championship game against the Hoyas of Georgetown. Jordan was selected college player of the year for the 1983-1984 season, and in 1984 he led the United States basketball team to a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Jordan left college in 1984 to play with the Bulls. He finished his first season (1984-1985) as one of the top scorers in the league, with an average of 28.2 points per game. He was also named rookie of the year and made the first of his nine All-Star game appearances. Jordan finished the 1986-1987 season as the second player, after Wilt Chamberlain, to score more than 3000 points in a single season. He led the NBA in scoring for seven consecutive seasons (1987-1993), tying Chamberlain's record, and averaged more than 30 points per game in each season. He also became the Bulls' all-time leading scorer and set numerous scoring records, including most points in a playoff game (63 points against the Boston Celtics in 1986); and highest scoring average for an NBA championship series (41 points per game in the 1993 NBA finals). He led the Chicago Bulls to their first NBA championship title in 1991; with Jordan, the Bulls won again in 1992 and 1993. In addition to his three league Most Valuable Player awards (1988, 1991, 1992), Jordan won the All-Star game MVP award twice (1988, 1996) and a record three-consecutive NBA championship series MVP awards (1991-1993). Jordan was also a member of the United States Olympic basketball team, known as the Dream Team, that captured the gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Stating that he had lost his desire to play professional basketball, Jordan announced his retirement prior to the 1993-1994 season. Initially noted for his scoring, his tenacious defensive play had made him one of the greatest all-around basketball players in NBA history. He had also become a worldwide celebrity due to his success in the NBA and the Olympics, and his numerous commercial endorsements.
Early in 1994 Jordan returned to professional sports, this time as a baseball player. He signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox of the American League (AL), reported to spring training, and was assigned to the team's minor league system. That summer he batted .202 with the Birmingham Barons, a class AA affiliate of the White Sox. Later in the year he batted .252 with the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League. Jordan ended his retirement from professional basketball by rejoining the Bulls near the end of the 1994-1995 NBA regular season. In the 1995-1996 season he enjoyed another great year, leading the NBA in scoring with 30.4 points per game and being named league MVP. The Bulls also became the first NBA team to win 70 games in a season, finishing with 72 victories, and they went on to win the NBA championship title. Jordan was named MVP of the NBA finals, becoming the first player to earn the honor four times.

Latest news about Michael Jordan  Stars

Jordan Brand and Carmelo Anthony Launch the Jordan Melo M5 - Business Wire (press release)

Business Wire (press release)

Jordan Brand and Carmelo Anthony Launch the Jordan Melo M5 Business Wire (press release), CA - 8 hours ago ... Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. ...

Jordan Knight loves the '90s - Canada.com

Jordan Knight loves the '90s Canada.com, Canada - 12 hours ago Chicago Bulls vs. Dallas Cowboys: "The Bulls for sure, for sure. I was nuts over them. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen."

Not convinced? Drive a few miles in their shoes - Sacramento Bee

Not convinced? Drive a few miles in their shoes Sacramento Bee,  USA - 14 hours ago But Johnson's achievements are on par with anything Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods has accomplished. It's just that Johnson's sport uses a bigger piece of ... Johnson enjoying his place in NASCAR history Seattle Post Intelligencer Celebrity Chase Tracker results Motorsport.com Steelers TE Miller could return Thursday Sports Network Kansas City Star - Seattle Post Intelligencer all 98 news articles

Mike & Mike show is a hit: As Jordan looks on, Davis throws his ... - Herald & Review

Herald & Review

Mike & Mike show is a hit: As Jordan looks on, Davis throws his ... Herald & Review, IL - Nov 17, 2008 His 20 points and 14 rebounds were almost as big of an attraction as Michael Jordan, top, who made a surprise appearance in the Illini’s parents section. ... Davis' big day lifts Illini to victory Chicago Tribune Davis, McCamey work hard for starting roles in defensive victory Daily Illini MJ and D-Rose in the Hall Chicago Daily Herald Aurora Beacon News - Herald & Review all 72 news articles

USA TODAY Super 25 boys basketball rankings - USA Today

USA TODAY Super 25 boys basketball rankings USA Today - 16 hours ago Outlook: The Dolphins are led by Purdue signee F Anthony Johnson, along with Michael Jordan's youngest son, G Marcus Jordan (11 points, six rebounds a game) ...

Bold names: Michael Jordan agrees to play in U.S. Open challenge - Chicago Tribune

Newsday

Bold names: Michael Jordan agrees to play in U.S. Open challenge Chicago Tribune, United States - Nov 14, 2008 Michael Jordan has played with Tiger Woods in a pro-am at the Wachovia Championship and competed in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. ... Michael Jordan Is In! GolfDigest.com Michael Jordan Playing in Next 'Golf Digest' US Open Challenge About - News & Issues Jordan confirmed for Bethpage Black challenge Golfbidder Limited MSU State News all 115 news articles

Is NASCAR's Jimmie Johnson a dynasty? - Minneapolis Star Tribune

SkySports

Is NASCAR's Jimmie Johnson a dynasty? Minneapolis Star Tribune, MN - Nov 17, 2008 A look: Yes: Both teams had to make spectacular plays at times—Michael Jordan's buzzer-beaters, Johnson's race-saving move. They were unstoppable in the ... Rare NASCAR 3-peat for Johnson Southtown Star Jimmie Johnson – The Good. The Bad. And, the Ugly. Kansas City Star Time for NASCAR fans to embrace Johnson Savannah Morning News Yahoo! Sports - SI.com all 1,607 news articles

Excuse me, Mr. West. - University Daily Kansan

Excuse me, Mr. West. University Daily Kansan, KS - 17 hours ago AP put out an article a few days ago in which Kanye claimed to be this generation's Michael Jordan. The article cited a few more bombastic statements in the ...

Ex-Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis dishes on golf, beating ... - ESPN

Ex-Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis dishes on golf, beating ... ESPN - Nov 16, 2008 By Matt Ginella Jerome Bettis, aka "The Bus," played running back in the NFL for 13 seasons and is fifth on the list of all-time leading rushers. ...

Jordan Brand Awards $1 Million to America's Unsung Educational Heroes - WELT ONLINE

Jordan Brand Awards $1 Million to America's Unsung Educational Heroes WELT ONLINE, Germany - Nov 14, 2008 ... Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. ...