Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan leaping from the foul line (http://hoopedia.nba.com/index.php?title=NBA_Slam_Dunk_Contest)

To me, Michael Jordan is one of the best basketball players of all time. Michael Jordan is a retired professional basketball player. He is a basketball legend that will never be forgotten. Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York, one of the five children born to James and Deloris Jordan. At UNC in 1981-82, Jordan earned a spot on the basketball team as a starter. During the 1982 NCAA championship game against Georgetown University, Jordan earned national fame by scoring a last-second jump shot from the baseline, closing a 63-62 UNC victory and the national championship. Jordan also played on the United States national team at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California. Jordan was chosen by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA draft with the third pick. Jordan's status as an NBA star was made when he won the slam-dunk contest during the 1988 All-star game. His leap from the free-throw line increased his popularity beyond the expectations of the league. "On the eve of the 1993-94 seasons, Jordan shocked the sports world by announcing his retirement from basketball, declaring that he had lost his desire to play the sport. Many consider that the death of his father, who had been murdered in the summer of 1993, contributed to his decision." Jordan decided to become a professional baseball player. He signed a contract with the White Sox organization in 1994. "When major league players went on strike that spring, Jordan decided to quit baseball instead of being a replacement player." Jordan ended his retirement from basketball and rejoined the Bulls. After a couple of years, the Bulls won the NBA championship against Utah. Following the championship, Jordan retired from basketball again. During the 1999-2000 seasons, Jordan returned to basketball again when he was named president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards. His new position gave him authority over all basketball-related aspects of the franchise.

I chose Michael Jordan as my hero because of his many wonderful characteristics. When he failed to make his high school's basketball team, he didn't give up. He kept on practicing and finally made the basketball team the following year, and was a very valuable addition to the team. This teaches me to never give up and keep trying and maybe you'll succeed. Jordan also tried to be the best in everything he did. For example, even though Jordan played baseball when he was young, he tried basketball and became very good at it. Then when he was a professional basketball player, he tried to become a professional baseball player.

Michael Jordan has been a great inspiration, role model and basketball icon for the entire world. People also use a saying, "... Be like Mike" to motivate their kids. He has achieved many awards such as six NBA MVP awards. Even though he is always busy he finds time to help out the community and people less fortunate. These are some of the reasons Michael Jordan is my hero and to many other people around the world.

Jordan and dream team win gold at 1992 olympics (http://hoopedia.nba.com/index.php?title=Michael_Jordan)