Former UNC coach reveals how Michael Jordan’s love for NC State helped end summer camp drought

Michael Jordan’s NBA journey is what he is remembered for today. His two iconic three-peats with the Chicago Bulls remain the best ever by an NBA franchise in terms of efficiency. However, Michael Jordan’s basketball road before joining the NBA was full of ups and downs.

In a recent podcast, the retired UNC coach revealed never-before-heard details about how UNC recruited 19-year-old Michael Jordan.

How UNC recruited Michael Jordan out of high school

Retired University of North Carolina coach Roy Allen Williams recalls the recruiting process of 19-year-old Michael Jordan. The host asked the retired coach: “He (MJ) is not a “can’t miss” prospect. He broke out the summer between his junior and senior years in high school. I think that’s when the recruiting trade started. Rumor has it that he grew up a North Carolina State fan. “

“When did you think Michael would come to UNC?” someone asked him.

The retired UNC coach and then-assistant coach replied: “We knew we had to continue recruiting that year. We have James, we have Sams, but we need another big-name player. We had summer camps and there were almost no players in the camps. You know, there are very few people like that. So, we decided to go out and make calls all over the state. We selected a group of potential clients and called them to ask if they would like to come to our camp.“.

He further added: “Michael Brown is the athletic director at Hanover County Public Schools in Wellington. He called and said, “I think we have a kid at Laney High School who has a chance to be special. That year, I went to Florida and met some other players who weren’t doing so well. Coach Gunther went to see Michael. Gunther After the coaching trip came back, he told me, “All he does is long jump shots. But he does have some tricks up his sleeve.“.

He then invited Michael to come to camp and watch him play with other potential recruits. The retired University of North Carolina coach said: “The first game I saw him play I was like, “Oh my God.” I walked up to him after the game and said, “Son, you had a great afternoon.” Do you want to stay for the next game? He (MJ) said “Yes I do”.” After all the games were over, he said this to Michael to seal the deal,”You’re going to ride back with me, son. You don’t have to walk in the sun.“

Later, when one of his colleagues asked him if he had seen anyone he could recruit, the retired UNC coach said: “I think I just saw the best 6-foot-4 high school player I’ve ever seen.”. But what makes Roy Williams so convinced of 19-year-old Michael Jordan’s potential?

What’s so special about 19-year-old Michael Jordan?

The retired University of North Carolina coach explained: “In addition to his athleticism, long arms, shooting touch, etc… Michael also had a vicious side. I tried to win every game and kill all the high school students.“.” He further said, “Coach Smith once said of Tiger Woods: “Tiger Woods and Michael are the only two guys who have all the abilities. Even Jack Nicklaus couldn’t hit a wedge.“.

Roy Williams explained that Michael’s mentality was “in place” and he kept getting better as time went on. He recalled a young Michael Jordan telling him he wanted to be the best player ever at North Carolina State. Michael Jordan made it clear to UNC assistant coach Roy Williams: “You’ll never see anyone work harder than me.“,He did it.

Michael Jordan became one of the most decorated NBA players of all time. He is considered by many to be the most competitive sports athlete of all time and continues to inspire millions of people around the world through his journey.

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