Jeff Jordan, most famous for being Michael Jordan's son, has decided to hang up the high-tops -- at least as far as competitive play goes. The 6-foot-1 incoming junior has decided to stop playing basketball and stay at the University of Illinois to concentrate solely on his academics. Jordan, a player who won over the Illini coaches with his heady play and strong work ethic, was set to be a part of the Illinois rotation this coming season. He, unlike his Dad, was not an offensive threat, concentrating more on being a defensive stopper. Illinois head coach Bruce Weber offered some kind words for their now dearly departed.
"Jeff was an invaluable member of our team the past two seasons and I thank him for his contribution to our program," Weber said. "He brought great work ethic to the gym and pushed himself as well as his teammates. We will miss him, but we fully support the decision he has made."Even though Jordan was set to get some solid minutes, he was never going to be a star in college and certainly would not have had a shot at the NBA. He is to be commended for following his heart and choosing to step out of the immense shadow and pressure created by the fact that he is offspring of the greatest player in the history of basketball.
Jeff Jordan has decided that his current academics and professional life after college are more important than basketball. There is no doubt he's done, and will continue to do, both of his parents proud -- even without that little, orange sphere.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
6-25-2009 @ 1:13PM
chris20l said...
You rarely hear about young men doing this. Especially from a family background of a legend basketball player. Good luck to him in whatever he is taking in school.
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6-29-2009 @ 10:21AM
donna roberts said...
You're right...as a former teacher, I remember how hard it was for students to "break the mold"...Dad was a football player in high school, but Son had different plans/wants for his life. Am sure Dad will back his son, becuase, after all, he did try and found it wasn't for him. School is for the educational aspects as well as sports, and if you must make a choice, be sure it's the right one. It's tough here because everyone is watching him make the decision. He's a strong young man and wish only the best for him!
6-25-2009 @ 1:17PM
parrisloc said...
That's positive
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6-25-2009 @ 1:39PM
bennroman said...
Bravo! What a smart kid! I'm impressed.
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6-25-2009 @ 2:04PM
edu14life said...
I am happy for Jeff Jordan making his decision to call it quits. He can follow the beat of his own drum. Good for you kid. I am quite sure he has the support of his dad.
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6-25-2009 @ 3:05PM
acr4845755 said...
Basically he wasn't that good on the court and wasn't that good in the classroom
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6-25-2009 @ 10:34PM
mepco2104 said...
A ridiculous comment.
6-27-2009 @ 4:33PM
truepleasurers said...
this comment is totalyy off base. He could never live up to the legend his dad is/was he would always be in MJ shadow. HE can now make his own life and i wish him luck he made a wise choice
6-27-2009 @ 10:38PM
agranon2 said...
true.
6-25-2009 @ 3:15PM
mjr15 said...
Thats a good role model for young guys. Such a few can make the NBA. This guy has his head on straight
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6-25-2009 @ 5:46PM
Michael said...
When POP is a gasilinaire who cares what you do.
You might as well get an education, that is a step way ahead of most of the college athletes who don't know how to talk without a bunch of jibberish.
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6-25-2009 @ 8:00PM
abreasattic said...
Now that is a Roll Model, I tip my hat to you jeff
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6-25-2009 @ 8:42PM
anano68997 said...
Good luck to you. !
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6-25-2009 @ 8:49PM
mirfaein said...
Good for him!
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6-25-2009 @ 9:53PM
GamblingMan said...
If he was going to be a potential lottery picked i'm sure he would've kept playing ball...he decided to keep it real...no future as a defensive stopper...who doesn't have his dad's hops...hopefully he hasn't been taking recreational sciences like a lot of these ball players do.
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6-25-2009 @ 10:25PM
JamminBen24 said...
mom
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6-27-2009 @ 2:36PM
arwwhoru said...
This makes him a bigger hero than his father could ever dream to be. Good luck Jeff!
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6-27-2009 @ 2:53PM
Jonitia Johnson said...
Kudos to him. If he continued with basketball, he would have constantly been compared to his father, Michael. Pick a career, become successful in your OWN right. Do not live in the shadow of anyone, even if it is your father.
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6-27-2009 @ 3:07PM
nickcherryl said...
With all the cash his old man has he is in fat city.
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6-27-2009 @ 3:24PM
mikey said...
That's impressive, so many times you see kids leave school without an education. Never realizing that they had nothing to fall back on after pro sports.
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