Since his college days at the University of Carolina, there was no doubt that Michael Jordan could score. However, MJ knew that the landscape would be different once he officially played in the pros. After preceding his senior year, Jordan had a chance to prepare for his NBA jump. He was part of the United States Olympic basketball team, a great prelude to his pro basketball journey.
Black Jesus did just that, leading the US national team in scoring. He admitted that his role was similar to what he did in college. However, he knew that to get points, he had to get used to playing inside the paint equally as well.
Setting goals
By playing inside, Jordan knew that he needed to adjust to the different kinds of defenders he would go up against. He had to figure out how to draw fouls and make each penetration count by making the right play either for himself or his teammates.
When the US national team faced a team of National Basketball Association All-Stars at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina, he did just that.
"'I'm getting adjusted to it," Jordan said at the time via the New York Times . "I'm playing against a lot bigger guys. I have a little advantage with my quickness. That should prepare me well for what will happen in the NBA."
Jordan led the national team to a 96-85 win over the NBA All-Stars. He tallied 25 points on 10 of 19 shooting from the field. He got his points from scoring on follow-up shots, dunks, and layups.
The familiar faces who played for the NBA All-Stars included North Carolina greats such as James Worthy, Phil Ford, Walter Davis, and Bobby Jones.
Coming out party for MJ
When the 1984 Summer Olympics finally happened, there was no doubt that all eyes would be on "His Airness." Jordan led the US national team in scoring and put on a show for the viewing audience. He averaged 17.1 points as the Americans practically romped over the opposition to win the gold medal.
Jordan's teammates included future NBA greats Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin, and Charles Barkley. In that tournament, the Americans won by an average margin of 32.1 points.
It was a fitting last stint as an amateur for Jordan, who would play his first professional game with the Chicago Bulls in a few months. Jordan would bring his basketball wizardry to the NBA and immediately made an impact. He averaged 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.4 steals in 38.3 minutes of action in the regular season.
As most had expected, Air Jordan would stand out as expected. He would win Rookie of the Year honors and be named to his first All-Star Game in his rookie season.
From there, most know how Jordan's career transformed into one of the greatest stories in sports history. He piled up the individual awards, although his 6 NBA titles, coming off two three-peats, is something that stands out.
Related: "It's been pretty easy" - Michael Jordan had no trouble transitioning from college to the pros
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