Jordan's Rise: From College to Legend

0:00On April 23, Patrick Ewing recently reflected on Michael Jordan's early days, saying back in college, MJ was talented and athletic, but not THE, stand out, guy on the floor. They crossed paths at the McDonald's All-American game and Ewing even visited North Carolina while MJ was already committed there. Everything shifted in the 1982 NCAA championship when Jordan drained the game-winning jumper with 15 seconds left to beat Ewing's. George Town Hoyas, 63-62. That shot launched MJ's legend, even though his three years in North Carolina produced solid stats like 17.7 points and 5 rebounds. Per game. Critics back then doubted Jordan's outside shot and passing, but what set him apart was his unbreakable self-belief and drive. Drafted third overall in 1984 behind Hakim Olajuan and Sam Bowie, he exploded as a rookie with the bulls, averaging 28, 0.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.

1:03Ewing went first overall the next year, snagged rookie of the year, and aimed to bring titles to the nicks. Instead, Jordan became his biggest roadblock in the 90s, dominating their playoff matchups. They teamed up for Olympic gold in 1984 and 1992, but their bond stays tied to that fierce rivalry, proving the skinny. From college, turned into the greatest ever.