Michael Jordan draft: Taking a look at MJ's player profile when he was drafted No. 3

Michael Jordan was the third overall pick selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft. Fresh from North Carolina, the league expected many great things from the young Jordan. MJ was a star player on his college team and even went up against some other NBA greats in the collegiate league. But what exactly did Jordan's player profile look like before getting drafted into the big leagues?

Michael Jordan won the ACC Freshman of the Year award in his first college season, scoring 13.4 points on 53.4% FG per game. His most memorable moment was when Jordan hit his game-winning jump shot against Georgetown in the 1982 NCAA Championship game. Georgetown was led by Patrick Ewing, a future NBA rival of Jordan's. MJ considers this moment a major turning point in his career.

During his sophomore and junior seasons from 1983-84, Jordan had a couple of NCAA All-American First Team selections. MJ also won both the Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year awards in 1984 before leaving North Carolina. Jordan decided to retire from his college team a year earlier so he could enter himself into the 1984 NBA Draft. He then returned a year later for graduation.

Jordan averaged 17.7 points, five rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game during his three seasons with the Tar Heels. His best season was in his sophomore year when Jordan averaged 20 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.6 assists.

---

Looking back at Michael Jordan's opening Rookie Season

Michael Jordan Rookie Season

Michael Jordan made his NBA debut on October 26, 1984, when the Chicago Bulls faced the Washington Bullets. Given that there were some high expectations for Jordan, he successfully lived up to them. MJ produced an amazing all-around game on his debut, tallying 16 points, seven assists, six rebounds, four blocks, and two steals.

Jordan proved again two games later that he would be an NBA superstar for a very long time. MJ put on an explosive performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring and defending. He finished with 37 points, six steals, five assists, four rebounds, and two blocks in the game. These were incredible numbers for a rookie.

Despite being the new kid on the block, MJ was a fearless player who didn't mind whether he was up against a veteran superstar or another rookie. He was there to play and wreaked havoc on the court. Many basketball fans and players of this generation adore him because of his intense and competitive energy.