What college did Michael Jordan play for?

Michael Jordan played college basketball for North Carolina, formally the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jordan joined the Tar Heels in the 1981–82 season after accepting a basketball scholarship. Under legendary coach Dean Smith, he quickly became an important contributor. In the 1982 NCAA championship game against Georgetown, Jordan hit the late game-winning jumper that helped North Carolina claim the national title.

He played three college seasons, from 1981 through 1984, and earned several major honors. Jordan was named the 1984 Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year after averaging 17.7 points per game as a junior. He then entered the NBA draft and was selected third overall by the Chicago Bulls.

“North Carolina” is the standard short answer, while “UNC,” “University of North Carolina,” and “North Carolina Tar Heels” identify the same school. Jordan did not play college basketball for North Carolina State or Duke, two nearby Atlantic Coast Conference rivals often confused with UNC.