Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all-time, turns 53 on Wednesday.
That is the same day that Jordan’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina, takes on the Duke Blue Devils. This is the first time Carolina and Duke have met on Jordan’s birthday.
Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski recruited Jordan. Jordan considered several schools including Duke, South Carolina, Virginia and Syracuse.
After Michael Jordan told Coach Krzyzewski that he was no longer considering Duke, the Blue Devils coach sent the letter you see above.
It reads:
“Dear Mike:
I am sorry to hear that you no longer have an interest in learning more about Duke University, however I do want you to know that my staff and I wish you the very best in your college career. You are a fine young man and you should make an immediate impact on whatever you choose.
Take care, and best of luck.
Sincerely,
Mike Krzyzewski”
Michael Jordan shares a moment with Dean Smith. Displayed in the Carolina Basketball Museum.
The letter is displayed at the Carolina Basketball Museum. It is dated “October 29, 1980.”
Another letter, sent two months before Krzyzewski’s, came from UNC basketball coach Dean Smith.
ESPN’s Darren Rovell shared that one and its story.
It reads:
Dear Michael:
Our staff surely enjoyed visiting with you and your family there at your beautiful home. It was a delightful evening and one which we were able to use to get to know you better. Hopefully you felt more comfortable with us also and that you will seriously consider the University of North Carolina for your college education.
If there are any questions which came up following our departure, please give me a collect call and I will be happy to discuss them with you. Otherwise, we may give you a follow-up call before too long just to touch base.
We do think you are a tremendous young man and are impressed not only with your obvious basketball talent but the way you have been a leader at school and done well academically. We look forward to following you closely this year and hope to see you frequently in Chapel Hill.
I am writing your parents separately since they were so very hospitable to us. Enjoyed seeing you, Michael, and hope that beginning in September 1981 I can be your coach.
Most sincerely,
Dean E. Smith
Michael Jordan signed his Letter of Intent to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels in February of 1981. A little more than a year later, he helped Dean Smith win his first National Championship.
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