Michael Jordan’s Surprise Return to Laney High School
Michael Jordan stood at the window of his Charlotte home just before dawn, gazing at the first hints of daylight. Even decades after retirement, the habit of rising early never left him. The 60-year-old basketball legend sipped his coffee thoughtfully. Today, he would embark on a trip he had put off for far too long: returning to Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina—the place where he once tasted bitter disappointment as a young athlete.
On a crisp morning many years earlier, a 15-year-old Michael Jordan dribbled a basketball in Laney’s old gym. The glow from the overhead lights barely cut through the shadows. It was six o’clock—two hours before homeroom. He wiped sweat from his brow and braced himself for another attempt at touching the rim. Leaping, he felt his fingers graze the net. Not enough. He landed hard and resolved to try again.
Just days before, Coach Clifton “Pop” Herring had posted the varsity roster on his office door. Michael, heart pounding with anticipation, had squeezed through a crowd of boys to read the list—only to find his name absent. His close friend, Leroy Smith, had made the team instead, largely because he was taller and could dunk. Michael was relegated to junior varsity. Walking home that afternoon felt like an eternity. He dreaded telling his parents, James and Deloris Jordan, that he’d failed to make varsity.
But his parents offered perspective rather than pity. “So what are you going to do about it?” his father had asked. Michael’s answer was clear: practice harder, wake up earlier, push himself beyond his limits. It was a promise he kept. Every day he arrived at the gym before sunrise, determined to prove that he belonged on the main stage.
One teacher, Miss Linda Thompson, noticed his disheartened mood in English class. In her twenties and passionate about teaching, she had gently assured him that a setback in sports—or anywhere else—could fuel future success if he chose to learn from it. Michael didn’t forget that kindness or the words she wrote on his returned assignments: Our greatest growth comes from our greatest challenges.
History proved Michael’s determination was unstoppable. He not only made varsity the following year but went on to star at the University of North Carolina, then to the NBA and global superstardom. Over time, he amassed six NBA championships, five MVP trophies, and forever altered the landscape of basketball. Yet the sting of being cut as a sophomore became the legendary spark that drove his competitive fire.
Despite all the fame, Michael rarely visited Laney High after his career took off. Rumors floated: perhaps he held a grudge, perhaps he was too busy, or perhaps he simply preferred to look forward rather than revisit old memories. In truth, he was unsure how to walk back into the place that had both humbled and shaped him.
Now, older and reflective, Michael asked his assistant to quietly arrange a trip. He wanted no fanfare, but the school’s principal, Robert Taylor, had to plan a special assembly once he learned that the most famous alumnus of Laney High was returning. Only a small handful of staff knew the real reason behind the event. They told everyone else it was a “special presentation,” hoping to keep the surprise under wraps.
Michael arrived in Wilmington early, first visiting the modest house he’d grown up in. Gone was the old wooden hoop in the driveway—replaced by a newer fiberglass one—but the memories flooded back as he stood by the tree where his father used to mark the kids’ heights each summer. He touched the faint lines carved in the bark, recalling the years he lagged behind his brothers. That longing to catch up had fueled everything he would become.
By 8:00 a.m. the next day, students filled the auditorium for the surprise assembly. Teachers ushered them in with varying degrees of curiosity. Many guessed it might be a scholarship announcement or a motivational speaker. No one anticipated the Michael Jordan.
Miss Thompson, now in her mid-sixties with silver hair, guided her English class to reserved seats near the front. Her students teased her about her decades-old stories of teaching a scrawny sophomore named Michael Jordan. They joked that maybe he really would show up and validate her tales. She only smiled, having no idea what was coming.
Coach James Wilson, Laney’s head basketball coach, also sat in the front rows with his team. He’d spent years working under the school’s legend—the famous “Jordan got cut here” story that overshadowed all other achievements. Today, he was locked in a silent debate over which players to keep on varsity, including a promising but unpolished sophomore named Darius Sanders.
Principal Taylor took the stage, greeted the restless students, and spoke of Laney’s proud history. He mentioned a particular alumnus whose name was “synonymous with perseverance and greatness,” fueling a hum of excitement. Then, with a dramatic flourish, Taylor said:
“Please welcome back to Laney High School… Mr. Michael Jordan.”
An explosion of cheers and gasps rocked the auditorium. Students whipped out their phones. Teachers covered their mouths in awe. And Miss Thompson—recognizing the boy she once encouraged—found tears slipping down her cheeks.
Michael stepped forward, raising a hand to quiet the roar. After the noise settled, he began: “I’ve played in the NBA Finals, in huge arenas all over the world. But standing here, where it all began, feels different… and special.”
He told the story many knew: cut from varsity as a sophomore, relegated to JV, devastated at first. “But that disappointment,” he said, “became my biggest motivation.” He located Miss Thompson in the audience—her eyes brimming with tears—and asked her to join him on stage. In front of the entire school, they embraced.
“She believed in me when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself,” Michael said, voice thick with emotion. “Miss Thompson, you taught me the power of words and hard work.”
Trembling, the older woman recalled the essay Michael had once written after being cut—a reflection on failure and how it shaped him. “He refused to let that ‘no’ define him,” she told the crowd. “He turned it into the fuel that powered his entire journey.”
After the assembly, Michael met privately with Coach Wilson and the basketball team in the old gym, the very place he used to practice alone before sunrise. Spotting the uncertain sophomore, Darius Sanders, Michael asked him to take a few shots. Calmly correcting his form, he stressed that success demands relentless effort more than raw talent. “If you want it badly enough, you’ll outwork everyone,” he told the awestruck teen.
Before leaving, Michael requested a moment alone in the silent gym. He clutched a sealed envelope containing a significant check to fund scholarships in honor of Coach Clifton Herring—now in poor health—and a personal letter thanking him. “Cutting me,” he wrote, “was the greatest gift you could have given.”
He slipped the envelope between the bleachers for the custodial staff to find later, then placed a basketball back on the rack. One final look at the backboards and floorboards that had witnessed his early struggles, and he whispered, “I’m back… thank you,” to the memories swirling in the space.
That afternoon, the principal and Miss Thompson visited Coach Herring in a local care facility. They handed him Michael’s letter. Herring, eyes glistening, read the words of gratitude from the greatest basketball player of all time. “I only saw a spark,” he murmured. “He’s the one who turned it into a fire.”
News of Michael Jordan’s visit—and the scholarship donation—spread quickly. Yet those who were present, especially Miss Thompson and the students at Laney High, came away with more than a starstruck story. They witnessed proof that failure can pave the road to triumph, and that sometimes a single “no” becomes the seed of boundless possibility.
50 Interesting Facts About Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest athletes to grace the basketball court. Being one of the major reasons why the NBA’s popularity grew like wildfire around the world, the former Chicago Bulls legend is considered a basketball demigod by many fans from around the world.
Examining his amazing highlights and his overly-stacked resume, it is unsurprising why MJ is regarded by many as the undisputed GOAT. Playing 15 seasons in the NBA from 1984 to 2003, “His Airness” was able to build up one of the most distinguished resumes in the history of the game.
Considered to be one of the most gifted basketball superstars of all time, MJ’s trophy case included 11 All-NBA selections, 5 MVPs, 14 All-Star appearances, 6 Finals MVPs, 10 scoring titles, 1 DPOY, and 6 championships, among a long list of other accolades.
Aside from being the greatest sportsperson of all time, Mike is also a very astute businessman, a philanthropist, and even an actor.
1. The Highest Vertical Jump in NBA History
Michael Jordan holds the undisputed title of the greatest leaper in NBA history. He lived up to his nickname “His Airness” by displaying an unbelievable 48-inch vertical jump on the court. MJ’s reported hang time of 0.92 seconds meant he could adjust his body in mid-air to his advantage.
His iconic dunk from the free throw line during the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Competition cemented him as the best jumper of all time. To appreciate how special Jordan is, the free throw line is 15 feet away from the rim, and he was able to keep his vertical height intact while floating the entire distance.
Usually, if somebody is able to do that, the dunk is pretty weak at the end. But MJ could have floated another couple of feet and still been above the rim. The ability to fly runs in the family as his brother Larry, who stands at just 5’8″, has a whopping 44-inch vertical.
MJ has bigger hands than Kawhi Leonard.
2. Has Bigger Hands Than Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is well known for having one of the biggest hands in the history of the NBA. He has had several memes made about his hand size. However, it might be surprising to a lot of people to learn that MJ actually has bigger hands than Kawhi.
Kawhi’s hands, when measured from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger, is 9.75 inches. His hands, when measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinky finger with his hand outstretched, is 11.25 inches.
MJ has the same hand length as Kawhi, but his hand width is slightly wider at 11.375 inches. Jordan’s massive hand size gave him a huge advantage and was one of the reasons he was able to finish so well at the rim.
It’s mind-boggling that Wilt Chamberlain’s hands are 2.6% shorter than Jordan’s despite being seven inches taller.
3. The Worst Player Ever at the Three-Point Contest
Michael Jordan was asked to join the 1990 Three-Point Contest in Miami, which he agreed to. While Jordan was not known for his long-range marksmanship, he was having the best season of his career shooting beyond the arc.
He ended that season shooting 37.6%, going 92-for-245. Unfortunately, the Chicago Bulls star had a catastrophic time in the 1990 Three-Point Contest, knocking down five 3-point shots out of 30 attempts.
He missed 25 shots and shot just 16.7%, implanting his name as the all-time worst contestant ever. It was Jordan’s first and last 3-point competition. MJ came face to face with some of the best shooters in NBA history, including Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, Craig Hodges, and Mark Price.
His Chicago Bulls teammate Craig Hodges was victorious that year, and Hodges would go on to finish first in the following two seasons as well.
4. Didn’t Come From a Tall Family
None of Jordan’s immediate family members were above 5’9” in height. His dad was no more than 5’9″, and his mom was around 5’5″. When Michael Jordan entered E.A. Laney High School in 1979, he was only 5’8”.
He had grown to a height of 5’11” his sophomore year of high school. This made him taller than his two older brothers. He and his childhood friend, Harvest Leroy Smith, tried out for the lone sophomore opening on the varsity basketball team.
Smith, who was 6’7″, was selected because of his height, while the 5’11” Jordan was sent to the JV basketball team. Michael would astonishingly grow to 6’3″ the following summer before finally beating all odds to reach his adult height of 6’6″.
Michael had an older cousin who was 6’7″ that lived with the family shortly while he was in high school. He worked on basketball with the younger boys. This is proof that there were genes for tallness somewhere in his family line. Michael was just very fortunate to have inherited those genes.
5. Punched Steve Kerr in Practice
Michael Jordan and Steve Kerr played 231 games over four seasons together with the Chicago Bulls. They had enormous success as a pair and would win three championships together.
However, Jordan and Kerr’s relationship didn’t exactly start off in the best of ways. During a Bulls practice in 1995, Michael Jordan and Steve Kerr got into a heated argument that resulted in MJ punching Kerr in the face.
Jordan was then thrown out of practice by head coach Phil Jackson. MJ knew he crossed the line and called Kerr after punching him to apologize. It meant a great deal to Kerr for the best player in the game to call him to say he was sorry.
The two made up and went on to help the Bulls win three straight titles in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
6. Was Once Almost Cut In Half
During the summer of 1982, when Michael Jordan was just a rookie, he was once almost cut into two while attempting a fancy stunt. MJ joined former NFL player turned evangelist Bill Glass in a prison ministry tour.
To make things interesting, Glass invited a martial arts expert by the name of Mike Crain to showcase his famous sword trick. Crain requested a basketball player for his main act, and the 19-year-old Jordan confidently climbed on the stage.
A large watermelon was placed on Jordan’s belly, and Crain put his blindfolds on before proceeding with the act. Although Crain was able to successfully cut the watermelon, his sword hit Jordan’s navel, causing a gash. Jordan required three stitches just to close the wound after being quickly rushed to the emergency room.
7. Scored 38 Points With 103-Degree Fever
On June 11, 1997, Jordan awoke with a serious bout of the flu before the fifth game of the NBA championship series. He still managed to score 38 points against the Utah Jazz to help Chicago defeat the team 90-88 despite having a 103-degree fever.
Jordan has had some breathtaking performances in his career. However, what he did that night in Utah was truly inspiring. MJ was so sick that he could hardly sit up during timeouts, and he was reportedly injected with fluids and painkillers at halftime.
The basketball legend’s sudden illness had been attributed to a nasty bout of influenza or, depending on whom you ask, a nasty hangover. Jordan himself revealed in 2020 that it was bad pizza, not the flu that left him so ill during the 1997 NBA Finals.
The so-called flu game not only showcased Jordan’s tenacity but also added an unforgettable chapter to his legacy with one of the most iconic performances in NBA Finals history.
MJ went to Emsley A. Laney High School and played basketball, baseball, and football.
8. Was a Three-Sport Athlete in High School
Michael Jordan attended Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, where he stood out in three sports: football, basketball, and baseball. Because he didn’t focus solely on basketball, MJ didn’t have a lot of basketball fundamentals coming out of high school.
According to James Worthy, he was actually a better baseball player upon entering college. Jordan entered college as a raw basketball player before eventually drilling down the basics because of his dedication to his craft.
9. Had His Jersey Number Retired by a Team He Never played For
Michael Jordan never played for the Miami Heat, but the franchise retired his No. 23 jersey in April of 2003 as a token of respect to him and his accomplishments.
This made MJ the first player in the history of the NBA to have his jersey retired by a team that he never played for. Mike is considered among the greatest athletes in the globe, not just in basketball.
What he did for the game of basketball might not ever be repeated by any individual for the remainder of sporting history. It should come as no surprise that a franchise he never played for decided to bestow upon him the ultimate post-career honour.
Years later, when the superstar of the next generation would come to play for the Miami Heat, he would switch his jersey number in honour of Jordan. LeBron James, who had always played with no. 23 till then, switched to no. 6 when he became a member of the Miami Heat in 2010.
10. Started Drinking at 27 to Battle Insomnia
In the first episode of The Last Dance, Jordan recounted going unannounced to the hotel rooms of rookies only to witness his teammates smoke weed and do cocaine. MJ was straight as a die back then, and he never engaged in any illicit activities.
He didn’t even drink alcohol, and his only weakness was energy drinks and juices. Things took a turn around 1990 when a doctor recommended a couple of beers to help him fall asleep because the 6’6” guard was fighting insomnia.
Since then, MJ took up drinking and it wasn’t just to fall asleep. It’s no secret that he drank before games as well. His friend Scottie Pippen confessed that he and Jordan drank a beer or two in the locker room before some exhibition games.
According to NHL great and avid golfer Jeremy Roenick, Jordan once dropped 52 on the Cavs after drinking a ton of beer and playing 36 holes of golf.
11. Has Small Feet for His Height
Jordan is 6’6″ but wears a size 13 shoe, which is pretty small for a man his height. Andre Iguodala stands at the same height as MJ, but he wears a size 17 shoe. Interestingly, Donovan Mitchell has significantly bigger feet than Jordan despite being barely 6’3”.
The Chicago Bulls legend wears the same shoe size as Kyle Lowry, Rajon Rondo, and Trae Young, who are all no taller than 6’1”. Smaller feet (especially relative to height) allow for more nimble and graceful movement.
Surprisingly, His Airness’ left foot (size 13.5) is bigger than his right (size 13). Jordan’s unusual foot size accounts for his lightning footwork and creativity in using his feet on the court.
12. His Career Almost Ended in Just His Second Season
In only his second season, a 22-year-old Jordan had already established himself as one of the most dominant players in the NBA. Unfortunately, in just the third game of his second season, MJ landed awkwardly during the second quarter. He suffered a fractured bone in his left foot that sidelined him for six weeks.
Jordan’s status as the greatest of all time (GOAT) was nearly threatened. When doctors advised that there was a 10% chance Jordan could suffer a career-ending re-injury, Bulls ownership wanted to shut down MJ for the remainder of the season.
Jordan chose to look at this 90-10 odds as a glass-half-full scenario, rather than looking at the small chance that it might end his career.
While most NBA players would choose to err on the side of caution, Jordan was simply glad to have a 90% chance to play as usual. He went on to return for the final 15 games of that season.
Underwear worn by Michael Jordan sold for over $3K at auction.
13. His Used Underwear Sold for Over $3K
Even MJ’s personal items seem to be in high demand as any game-worn shoe or basketball trading card. One fan purchased the superstar’s used underwear for $3,340.80 at a Leland’s auction.
Remarkably, there were 19 bids for the boxers, which began at $500. According to the listing, the underwear shows signs of “definite use,” which fortunately only means there were some loose threads evident at the seams.
Funnily enough, Jordan’s used underwear was described as “about as close to greatness as one can get.” This underwear comes from a family member of Jordan’s security guard John Michael Wozniak, who many will remember from his epic scene on The Last Dance where he is pitching pennies against the GOAT.
Wozniak was given the underwear directly by Jordan along with other items, including ties, belts, and jackets.
14. Lost $5 Million in a Single Gambling Session in Las Vegas
Jordan loves gambling, which emanates from his fierce competitiveness. His intense desire to win made him try some ridiculous forms of gambling.
While waiting at the airport, MJ bet his teammates that his baggage would arrive first. Jordan won the bet, but his teammates had no idea Mike had actually bribed the airport staff to see to it that his bags came first.
However, gambling is a big risk, no matter how sly you may be. Things didn’t always work out for the Chicago Bulls legend. His gambling habits lost him $5 million in a single night in Las Vegas at the craps table.
Of course, this is peanuts for one of the highest-paid players in NBA history. Knowing the mindset the GOAT has, he was probably more bothered about losing than actually taking a hit to his bank account.
