The long-anticipated documentary “The Last Dance,” about Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls premiered on ESPN on Sunday, giving fans unprecedented access to the end of Bulls’ dynasty.

With sports suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, this documentary gave fans two hours of exciting basketball featuring the greatest player in the history of the game.

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the first two episodes.

Roy Williams’ Charm is Undeniable

Williams was asked about Jordan’s recruitment and time in Chapel Hill, but the head coach’s charm and southern twang stole the show.

https://twitter.com/russbengtson/status/1252047202400305152?s=20

Williams also gave perhaps the best quote of the interview, saying Jordan was the only player he coached who could truly turn his level of play on and off, but he never did.

How “Mike Jordan” Became Michael Jordan

Upon enrolling in Chapel Hill, Jordan was introduced as “Mike Jordan” as a freshman. However, the skinny kid from Wilmington quickly became known as one of the top freshmen in the country and a valuable playmaker for the Tar Heels.

Jordan credited his game-winning shot against Georgetown in the 1982 national championship as the moment he truly became “Michael Jordan.”

Dean Smith Gets Major Praise

Jordan’s upbringing was a major theme of the first episode, from his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina to his college career at UNC.

He played for legendary UNC head coach Dean Smith from 1981-84 before leaving for the NBA Draft. Although he played three years in Chapel Hill, Smith famously told Jordan to go pro and forego his final year of eligibility.

This act stuck with fans watching the documentary.

https://twitter.com/coach_strine/status/1252048236602327047?s=20

The Collection of Sports Talent in Chapel Hill was Insane

As one Twitter user pointed out, the collection of athletic talent in Chapel Hill in the early 1980’s was mind-blowing.

Apart from Jordan, the UNC basketball team also featured future Hall of Famer James Worthy (1979-82) and No. 4 overall pick Sam Perkins (1980-84). On the coaching roster was a young Roy Williams, who would go on to win three national championships with the Tar Heels as its head coach.

On the football field, future Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor (1977-81) suited up for the Tar Heels as well.

Photo via AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast.

Note: 97.9 The Hill has been Chapel Hill and Orange County’s daily source for free local news since 1953. Please consider making a donation to continue supporting important local journalism like this.

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