Story by
"Coach Smith forced him out" - Kenny Smith says he was shocked by Michael Jordan leaving UNC early
- Story by
- "Coach Smith forced him out" - Kenny Smith says he was shocked by Michael Jordan leaving UNC early
Today, one-and-done players have become the norm. But in the 80s, most top players stayed in school for all four years, chasing conference titles and national championships instead of rushing to the NBA — especially at powerhouse programs like North Carolina under legendary head coach Dean Smith.
This is why Michael Jordan's decision to leave UNC before his senior year came as such a surprise to many around the program, including teammate Kenny Smith .
Advertisement
By the spring of 1984, Jordan had already become one of the biggest stars in college basketball, hitting the game-winning shot in the 1982 national championship game and winning multiple National Player of the Year honors. He was becoming a star for UNC, which was looking to extend its dominance in college basketball. Yet, despite all that, many close to the program still believe he would return for his senior season. And according to Smith, Jordan himself felt the same way — until he didn't.
"The way that it was back then, no one left early. Michael did not want to leave early," Smith stated .
"I was a freshman, I get a call from the basketball office. It's after the season, they're like, 'Hey are you going to come to the press conference?' I'm like what press conference? They're like, 'Michael may announce that he's going pro.' And I was shocked, I didn't even go cause I didn't think he was leaving," he added.
Advertisement
MJ made a shocking decision
Part of the reason Smith was convinced Jordan would stay was his deep investment in UNC traditions, particularly in a unique ceremony that meant a great deal to the Tar Heels.
"He had this whole thing about he wanted to have this senior speech 'cause we had this thing at North Carolina where every senior get to talk for like 30 minutes in front of all the alumni and it was a big deal. It sounds stupid, but it was such a big deal and we were all like man, I can't wait 'til my senior speech," shared Kenny.
Advertisement
The tradition was deeply important to North Carolina players, as it symbolized their entire journey through the program and their connection to the university. And Jordan cared about that tradition enough that Smith believed there was no way he would leave before experiencing it.
Still, he decided to go through with it, and Smith reveals just how sudden the decision was.
"So I was like Mike's coming back. He's not going. I didn't even go. And I'm looking on TV, they're like, 'Michael Jordan is going pro.' He never said nothing to us. He said, 'Man, I decided on the walk over. On the walk over, he was like, 'I'm going to do it.'" Smith recalled.
Advertisement
"Coach Smith forced him out. Coach was like, 'No, you got to go. Too good," he added.
It says a lot about the legendary UNC head coach's selflessness and influence that he would let Jordan, who averaged 19.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in his junior season, leave a talented North Carolina team.
Over the years, more details have emerged about Smith encouraging Jordan to pursue the NBA , recognizing his extraordinary talent and future in the league. And in hindsight, the decision was the right one.
Advertisement
A historic UNC legacy
Jordan was eventually selected third overall in the 1984 Draft by the Chicago Bulls behind Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie. He would lead the Bulls to six rings and retire as arguably the greatest player of all time.
Still, the idea of Jordan returning for one more year at UNC remains an interesting what-if scenario. Considering his dominance in his last season, the Tar Heels would have entered the 1985 college basketball season as title favorites.
Advertisement
At the same time, however, staying another year may have altered the trajectory of Jordan's career in the league. The Bulls might not have landed their generational star, and Jordan would have instead been picked by the New York Knicks , who landed the No. 1 overall pick in 1985.
But even without a senior season, Jordan left a legacy at UNC that remains untouchable to this day. His iconic shot against Georgetown in 1982 elevated the program to the top of the college basketball mountain. Ultimately, like Smith reportedly told him, he was simply too good to say.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
