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NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 24: Team 23Xi co-owner Michael Jordan on pit road prior to qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 on June 24, 2023 at Nashville SuperSpeedway in Lebanon, TN. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 24: Team 23Xi co-owner Michael Jordan on pit road prior to qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 on June 24, 2023 at Nashville SuperSpeedway in Lebanon, TN. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Widely regarded as the greatest player in the NBA, Michael Jordan has led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships. During his entire career, he achieved almost every accolade he could lay his hands on. His legacy stands as a true testament to his hard work and perseverance. But would you believe if someone told you that the legend was rejected by his high school basketball team??
The 14-time NBA All-Star player?s ambition and determination to become the best version of himself was unlike any other thing. He spearheaded the Chicago Bulls to success with his unrivaled skills and strength. His power was admired by his rivals as well. So, what do you think is the answer to the question we threw at you? Let?s find out.
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Michael Jordan names his biggest competitor
Yes, as much surprising as it may sound, ‘His Airness’ was cut from his high school basketball team during his sophomore year. When Jordan arrived at the University of North Carolina, he had to face rejection. During that time, his skills weren?t up to par. Nevertheless, he was talented and had a big competitor to battle against.?

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Golf – The 2020 Ryder Cup – Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. – September 25, 2021 Michael Jordan watches the action by the 11th green during the Four-balls REUTERS/Mike Segar
In an interview with Tony Robbins, Michael Jordan revealed his biggest competitor as himself. He shared, ?I don’t want to sound like a fake modest, but they didn’t even pick me up on my high school basketball team. Every day, I demand more of myself than anyone can imagine. I don’t compete with others, I compete with myself.?
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The athlete was then offered a spot on the junior team, where he began to do wonders. Coaches and fellow players praised the athlete?s spirit and perseverance. But they could not believe that this player would pave his way into the Hall of Fame and, most importantly, become a precious part of the basketball world.
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Michael Jordan?s competitive nature
It was his extreme obsession to do better and his competitive nature that ignited an undying spirit. About 25 years ago, fans witnessed this during a game between the Bulls and the Knicks.?
After Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy called the legend a ?con man?, Jordan pulled up an impressive win, and that too in his iconic style. The athlete scored 51 points three times in his entire career, and this was one of them. Jordan’s historic 51 points against the Knicks yet again proved that he is indeed the legend of the basketball world.
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What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments.
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