Jordan's Basketball Heroics Began in Carolina

CLEVELAND - Michael Jordan's legend truly began in 1979 when, as a high-school sophomore, he decided not to quit basketball after not making his high school team.

The world however, didn't find out about him until 1982.

Today marks the 27th anniversary of Jordan's famous jump shot in the NCAA title game between his North Carolina Tarheels and the intimidating Georgetown Hoyas. Jordan's historic shot put the Tarheels ahead with 17 seconds to play. An untimely turnover by the Hoyas' Fred Brown followed and UNC escaped with a nail-biting 63-62 victory.

The game, played in the New Orleans Superdome became a flash point in MJ's career. The 19-year old freshman had already made history by being a starter on the team. Head coach Dean Smith had a strict policy against first-year players being in the starting lineup. Jordan in fact wasn't even the star of the team. James Worthy was Carolina's signature player and was even named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

The devastating Hoyas were coached by the great John Thompson and led by the "Hoya Destroya," shot-blocking maniac Patrick Ewing. None of it mattered as the Tarheels used their formidable talent (which included Sam Perkins) to counteract Georgetown's physical play.

Jordan's legendary shot was featured on the cover of the 1982-83 Wilmington, N.C. phone book and his overall status expanded from there. This was Worthy's final collegiate game, as he entered the NBA draft afterwards, which opened the door for Jordan to become the Tarheels' flagship player.

Of course, the entire planet knows what happened after that. Jordan went on to become the greatest basketball player in history, thanks to a wildly successful pro career. He'll always be remembered as the basketball giant in Chicago red, but the roots of his legend will forever be hued in Carolina blue.

And it all started in '82.