On March 29, 1982, the Americans do not know it yet, but they will discover the future best player of all time. It’s the night of the NCAA final, and it takes place at the Superdome in New Orleans in front of a record crowd at the time: 61,612 spectators!
The final of the university championship opposes the Tar Heels of North Carolina (32v-2d) and the Hoyas of Georgetown (30v-7d). Two emblematic universities of the 80s and 90s with the legendary Dean Smith on the North Carolina bench. In place for 21 years, he is playing his 8th Final Four, and his 4th final. He lost the previous three…
Precisely already a finalist in 1981, North Carolina strengthened itself with the arrival of a certain Michael Jordan, or rather then Mike Jordan, a freshman who averages 13.5 points. Opposite stands another freshman, a kingpin by the name Patrick Ewing. From the first minute, the match was tough and balanced, but spectacular. It’s the best of college basketball, and it’s the Hoyas who take the lead at the break 32-31.
Patrick Ewing gives 10 points on downswing counters!
North Carolina Star, James Worthy is at his best with 28 points at 13/17 on shots, and opposite, Ewing is the phenomenon announced: 23 points at 10/13 on shots, with 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. But Ewing is also 10 points given to the Tar Heels on downside counters. And it will be expensive…
The teams go blow for blow, and the maximum gap is four points. Three minutes from the end, Jordan penetrates and scores in front of Ewing, who has no more fault to give (61-58).
Behind, Ewing answered him, then 57 seconds from the end, Eric “Sleepy” Floyd restored the advantage to the Hoyas on a lucky basket (62-61). Dean Smith’s time-out 32 seconds from the siren, and he gives his instructions: give the ball inside to Worthy or Perkins. If that’s not possible, he warns Jordan to shoot if he’s open.
“That night Michael Jordan was born. I used to be Mike Jordan”
The Hoyas defense is focused on Worthy, the ball is circulating, and Jimmy Black finds himself to the left of the zone defense. He makes a cross pass to Jordan who is alone at 5 meters, receives and shoots instantly. It’s in and there are 15 seconds left to play. ” It’s finish throws Jordan to his teammate. He does not know it yet, but he has just offered his first title to Dean Smith, the second for North Carolina, and above all to sign the first exploit of an immense career.
Behind, Georgetown will have a ball to go back in front but Worthy, voted best player in the Final Four, receives a pass from Fred Brown, who cracks. The Tar Heels are NCAA champions, a first since 1957!
” Throughout his life, Jordan will never realize the importance of this shot ” reacts an assistant to Dean Smith after the meeting. Of course he will be aware of the importance of this shot, and it is he who will cut the net. ” That night Michael Jordan was born. I used to be Mike Jordan » he will confide about this « game winner »
Thereafter, “Mike” will put other shots, just as important, which will even allow him to win other titles. In the NBA.
