ESPN Report: Michael Jordan Makes History Again — Officially Inducted Into North Carolina Basketball Hall of Fame……
In a moment that transcends sports and cements an eternal legacy, Michael Jordan — the man widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time — has been officially inducted into the North Carolina Basketball Hall of Fame. The announcement was made earlier this week during a live ESPN broadcast, and the ceremony was held Saturday evening at the Dean E. Smith Center, just miles away from where Jordan’s journey to superstardom began.
While Jordan is already a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee — once as an individual in 2009 and again in 2010 as part of the famed “Dream Team” — this latest honor is especially personal. It celebrates not just his NBA achievements, but his roots, his college legacy, and the profound impact he’s had on the state of North Carolina and the Tar Heel basketball program.
A Homegrown Legend
Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York, but it was in Wilmington, North Carolina, where his competitive fire was forged. After being famously cut from his high school varsity team as a sophomore, Jordan returned stronger and more determined, eventually earning a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
It was there, under the legendary coach Dean Smith, that Jordan’s star truly began to rise. As a freshman in 1982, Jordan hit the game-winning jump shot in the NCAA Championship game against Georgetown — a defining moment that would become a cornerstone of college basketball history.
“That shot put me on the map,” Jordan recalled in his emotional acceptance speech. “But North Carolina gave me the blueprint — discipline, humility, and the team-first mentality that shaped my entire career.”
The Ceremony: A Night of Reverence and Reminiscence
The induction ceremony was a who’s-who of basketball royalty. Roy Williams, Vince Carter, James Worthy, and Coach Hubert Davis were all in attendance, along with Jordan’s former UNC teammates Sam Perkins and Kenny Smith. Also present were Jordan’s family, including his mother Deloris and his children, who watched with pride as the icon was enshrined.
Former Tar Heels coach Roy Williams introduced Jordan, highlighting his leadership, relentless drive, and deep loyalty to the Carolina family.
“Michael has given back more to this university and this state than we could ever repay,” Williams said. “On the court, he was fearless. Off the court, he has been just as impactful — building schools, mentoring young athletes, and representing what it means to be great and grateful.”
Jordan, now the owner emeritus of the Charlotte Hornets, gave a heartfelt speech laced with emotion and humor. “It feels full circle,” he said. “From a young kid trying to make varsity to standing here as a Hall of Famer in the place that started it all — it’s surreal.”
More Than Just Basketball
Beyond the hardwood, Jordan’s influence on North Carolina is monumental. He’s helped raise millions for educational causes, launched community development projects, and provided mentorship to countless young athletes across the state. His “Jordan Brand” remains a dominant force in global sports culture, but his philanthropic work in his home state often speaks louder than sneakers or championships.
The North Carolina Basketball Hall of Fame described Jordan as “an icon of unmatched skill, an ambassador of excellence, and the embodiment of what it means to be a Tar Heel.”
A Legacy That Endures
Though decades have passed since his college days, Jordan’s connection to UNC and the state of North Carolina remains unbreakable. His No. 23 jersey still hangs in the rafters at the Dean Dome, and his impact echoes through every new generation of Tar Heels who lace up their sneakers and dream of greatness.
As the ceremony concluded with a standing ovation and the UNC fight song ringing through the arena, it was clear — this wasn’t just about honoring a player. It was about celebrating a legacy that began on Carolina soil and grew to inspire the world.
Michael Jordan has made history many times — but for North Carolina, he’s always been more than a legend. He’s one of their own.