Michael Jordan is known widely for his achievements in the NBA, widely regarded to be the greatest player of all time for what he was able to achieve at the highest level of basketball. However, even before MJ made it to the league, he was already a champion. During his college career with the Tar Heels at the University of North Carolina, Jordan won the 1982 NCAA championship.
One of the assistant coaches at the time, Roy Williams, who would go on to coach the Kansas Jayhawks team and then return to be the Head Coach at UNC for 18 years, was honored on Saturday at half-time during the Tar Heels game against their state rivals North Carolina State. Several players were present from the team that won the championship in 1982, including the great Michael Jordan himself.
Jordan was also present at the event for the 40th anniversary of the 1982 championship win, with the team being honored alongside Williams. Coach Roy was the main story on the night though, seeing his jersey lifted to the rafters of the Tar Heels’ home arena.
Throughout his spell as head coach of UNC, Williams led his team to win the National Championship on 3 different occasions, a really impressive feat. He was named the AP Coach of the Year twice along with being named the ACC Coach of the Year two times as well. Players like Cole Anthony, Coby White, Harrison Barnes, and Reggie Bullock all played for Coach Williams at UNC.
The game on the night itself ended in victory for the Tar Heels, comfortably beating NC State by a score of 100-80. The players then got to celebrate in the locker room in the presence of Michael Jordan, which has to have been a surreal experience for the youngsters. While he will always be known for his NBA legacy, the Tar Heels will always hold their place as Michael Jordan’s alma mater.
