"The more they're getting there, the angrier Michael got" - How Bulls ignited Michael Jordan's competitiveness ahead of his NBA debut
As a result, the coaching staff developed unique strategies to prepare Jordan for the physical demands of professional basketball and the mental challenges that come with it.
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This holistic approach ensured that the UNC alum was equipped to excel in the competitive landscape of the NBA, laying the foundation for a career that would eventually redefine the sport. Their commitment to nurturing his skills and enhancing his mental fortitude was pivotal in shaping Jordan into the legendary player he became.
One of the things the Bulls coaches did during practices was to make MJ switch sides in the middle of scrimmages once his team was already winning and he was already in his rhythm. Renowned NBA author Roland Lazenby noted that the Bulls coaches thus succeeded in bringing out the best in Mike as a competitor.
"It was the coaches, you know, when you coach a team, and you're assessing talent, you do things like this. They're playing to 10, they get to seven, and suddenly he flips him [Jordan] to the other side. Michael is a competitor. He's getting infuriated by this," Lazenby said on "We Study Billionaires" by The Investors podcast in 2017.
"They were witnessing this for the first time, and they were just doing an evaluation of this," he continued. "I mean, they've never seen anything like this competitiveness, and the more they're getting there, the angrier Michael got, because he would take the game to one lead and then they would flip him to the other."
MJ learned to love it
Jordan himself once reflected on the impact of his first Bulls coaches, especially the team's head coach, Kevin Loughery, whom MJ credited for making him an ultimate competitor.
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Jordan greatly valued Loughery's impact on his development as a player, attributing much of his success to the coach's influence during his formative years in the league. While the scrimmages and drills often felt exhausting and, at times, frustrating, MJ realized that these challenges were instrumental in shaping his ability to compete at an elite level.
"His Airness" expressed gratitude for how Loughery pushed him to test his physical and mental limits. The latter's coaching style helped him recognize that striving for excellence and winning at all costs were essential principles that would define his career.
While Jordan understood what competition means growing up, through his battles with his older brother Larry, the foundation laid by Loughery became a cornerstone of his relentless drive on the court.
"You know, my competitive nature went right into the pros; I get to the Bulls, which I was very proud that… And Rob Thorn drafted me. Kevin Loughery was my first coach," Jordan said during his Hall of Fame speech in 2009. "Kevin used to take practices and put me in the starting five, and he'd make it a competitive thing where the losing team would have to run."
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"So, now I'm on the winning team, and halfway in the game, halfway in the situation, he would switch me to the losing team," the six-time champion continued. "So, I take that as a competitive thing of you trying to test me – and nine times out of 10, the second team would come back and win no matter what he did. So, I appreciate Kevin Loughery for giving me that challenge – you know, providing that type of fire within me; He threw another log on that fire for me."
Related: "When I needed cash, he said, 'how much?'" - John Salley says Shaquille O'Neal loaned him $70,000 when he was broke and didn't want it back
Jordan's competitiveness never fades
Coach Loughery's approach pushed Jordan to confront his weaknesses, encouraging him to improve continually. The environment he created taught the legendary guard the importance of hard work and dedication. He also learned that success in sports, much like in life, requires resilience and a commitment to pushing beyond one's perceived limits.
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Through Loughery's guidance, Jordan ultimately developed a fierce competitive edge. He understood early on that to win, one must be willing to compete hard and face challenges head-on. This mentality would become a hallmark of his illustrious NBA career, influencing his approach to games and practices alike. It allowed him to thrive under pressure and emerge victorious in critical moments.
The lessons Jordan learned during those challenging practice sessions with Coach Loughery went beyond basketball. They instilled values of perseverance, discipline, and relentlessness that Mike carried with him even off the court and in retirement.
MJ's extreme competitiveness is well-known among those who have had the privilege of knowing him. Numerous firsthand accounts emphasize a singular truth: Jordan's entire essence revolves around competition.
They concluded that MJ's relentless drive and commitment to winning are not just characteristics — they define who he is. Whether on the basketball court or in any other aspect of life, Jordan embodies a spirit of rivalry that inspires and captivates everyone around him.
Related: "A game for sissies" - Wilt Chamberlain admitted he only started playing basketball because he was from Philadelphia
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