Michael Jordan's Son Earns Basketball Scholarship at Illinois

Life can't be that easy for Jeff Jordan. I mean, yes, he's Michael Jordan's son, so he never actually has to work if he doesn't want to, and he's had a pretty sweet life. (He probably has Charles Barkley drive walk to his birthday parties and stuff.) But there's also an almost certain chance he won't ever eclipse his father's accomplishments, which is a fairly heavy burden to bear.

That's why it's so nice to hear that he has officially earned a scholarship for the Illinois Illini, after walking on to the team last year.

Illinois coach Bruce Weber told reporters Thursday that the sophomore guard has proven he belongs.

Jordan is averaging almost 10 minutes a game off the bench for Illinois, which is enjoying a 16-3 turnaround season after last year's 16-19 disaster.

Jordan is averaging just over a point a game, but his specialty is defense.

Yeah, the minutes and the scoring (or lack thereof) kind of give the whole thing a "why is he getting this again, oh right because his dad was decent at basketball" vibe, but remember: Jordan has a little bit of money, so it's not like he has to worry about those out of in-state tuition costs.

On the other hand, wouldn't it make more sense for him to actually decline the scholarship offer? It would, logically, be the smartest move in terms of helping the team -- again, no money worries for his family, and Weber would have another scholly to toss around.