CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — It took a while, but Michael Jordan is finally a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
The Wilmington native and former University of North Carolina star who went on to become a six-time NBA champion and the Charlotte Bobcats’ owner was inducted Tuesday at halftime of his team’s game against the Toronto Raptors.
Jordan, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, was elected to his home state’s hall in 1993. But he never got around to attending an induction ceremony in Raleigh. So the hall came to him.
Jordan came onto the court after a video tribute with retired North Carolina coach Dean Smith. It was a rare public appearance for Smith after it was announced he’s experiencing memory loss.
In brief remarks, Jordan said it’s “truly a pleasure” to join the 274-member hall.
