6/27/2016 basketball Edit

No. 4: Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is the greatest NBA player of all time, and his college career nearly achieved similar distinction at UNC.

Andrew Jones • TarHeelIllustrated

Publisher

Andrew Jones has covered sports for 26 years, including all major college & professional sports for daily newspapers & national sites. He's done radio and TV & is entering his seventh year at THI.

Name: Michael Jordan

Position: Guard

Jersey #: 23

Years: 1981-84

Honors: 1983 and 1984 National Player of the Year; 2-time consensus All-America; ACC Player of the Year in 1984; ACC Male Athlete of the year in 1984; ACC Rookie of the Year in 1982; Naismith Hall of Fame; Jersey No. 23 is retired by UNC.

Notable Stats: Averaged 17.7 points and 5.0 rebounds for his career; Averaged 20.2 points per game as a sophomore; Led ACC in scoring with 19.4 points per game in 1984; 78 steals (4th highest total) in 1983; shot 54 percent from the field; 181 career assists; 71 career blocked shots;

In Closing: As a freshman, Jordan hit the game-winning shot with 17 seconds left to lift the Tar Heels over Georgetown in the 1982 NCAA championship game. Had a flare for the dramatic, often making game-changing plays at key moments on either end of the court. He was a great defensive player, relentless competitor, and a player who elevated everyone’s game around him. Jordan helped the Heels to an undefeated ACC mark in 1984. Many of the fiber in his game that the rest of the world later came to know was infused and woven during his three years in Chapel Hill. Named by ESPN at the No 1 make athlete of the 20th century and by the ACC as its No. 1 Male Athlete in its first 50 years in 2003. Part of UNC’s brand is because of Jordan, who is regarded by many as the greatest player to ever live when also accounting his NBA and international (Olympics, et at) career. His association with UNC continues to help the program’s image and reputation.

Prior Ranked Heels

30 - Brice Johnson

29 - Ed Cota

28 - Pete Brennan

27 - Mike O'Koren

26 - John "Hook" Dillon

25 - J.R. Reid

24 - Bobby Jones

23 - Brad Daugherty

22 - Raymond Felton

21 - Jerry Stackhouse

20 - Sean May