We all have heard the most bizarre stories of Michael Jordan from the NBA through chronicles and first-hand accounts passed down over the years. However, the Hall of Famer’s greatness dates back to his early days in college. In fact, a Houston Rockets legend, who played alongside the 6x NBA champion at the University of North Carolina in the early 80s, recently revealed a jarring incident marking Jordan’s All-time ability. 

A fun-loving and highly entertaining member of the Inside the NBA crew on TNT, Kenny Smith recently appeared on Draymond Green‘s podcast. Among other things, the 2x Champion, in one of the segments, talked about his stint at UNC alongside Michael Jordan. While doing so, he shed light on an unbelievable story of ‘His Airness’. 

College star Michael Jordan used to torch NBA players

Millions witnessed the magic of Michael Jordan in the NBA. However, the makings of the All-time legend were evident in his early days at UNC. Among the relatively few who witnessed Jordan torch his competition at the amateur level, Kenny Smith, who played alongside him, enjoyed a more exclusive experience. 

During his appearance on the Draymond Green Show, Smith shed light on his stint with the Tar Heels in the early 80s. Consequently, the Golden State Warriors veteran brought up MJ and asked Smith whether he foresaw the career Jordan would have down the line. The eminent host on Inside the NBA replied in the affirmative and also shared some first-hand accounts to back it up. 

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Smith harped on how Jordan had an insane work ethic compared to the rest. In the off-season, UNC alums who made a name for themselves in the NBA used to come and play with the college players. However, the fanboy in Smith witnessed a young Jordan get the best of these professional players. While recalling the incident, he said, “…In the offseason, when the pros, at that time, we probably had like 22 guys who were in the NBA from North Carolina, and they all would come back and play, and he would just dominate guys. These are guys who were NBA All-Stars and I want to get their autographs and he would just dominate.”    

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Besides the impressive feat, Jordan’s heroics in college heralded him at the top of the rankings in the nation. Consequently, his on-court dominance got him drafted top 3 at the 1984 NBA draft.

Jordan’s legendary college stint

Apart from having one of the greatest NBA careers, the Chicago Bulls legend went down as one of the greatest college players of all time. In his three seasons with the UNC Tar Heels, from 1981 to 1984, Jordan had an impressive average of 17.7 points and five rebounds and over 54% FG%. Moreover, he willed his team to a dominant run while boasting an insane 88-13 record during those three years. Incidentally, he also had a sandwich named after him.

However, Jordan’s defining moment of his college career came during the 1982 national championship when, as a freshman, he hit a game-winning shot over Georgetown to bring home the title.

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By the time he was eligible for the NBA draft, he was one of the most sought-after prospects in the country. Consequently, in the 1984 NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls drafted MJ with the 3rd overall pick; and as they say, the rest is history.