UNC Tar Heels Set to Celebrate Legendary 1982 NBA Champion and Hall of Fame Michael Jordan with a Monumental Statue Unveiling This September, Honoring His Indelible Legacy and Contributions to the Franchise
In a tribute decades in the making, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is set to honor one of its most iconic alumni—Michael Jordan—with a monumental statue unveiling this September. The celebration will pay homage to Jordan’s historic collegiate career and his lasting impact on the UNC Tar Heels basketball program, as well as his unparalleled influence on the sport of basketball worldwide.
The statue, to be installed outside the Dean E. Smith Center, will capture Jordan in his Tar Heel blue, commemorating the moment that catapulted him to national prominence—his game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship game against Georgetown. That shot, taken as a freshman, remains one of the most pivotal plays in college basketball history and marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would redefine the sport at every level.
Jordan’s time at UNC was marked not only by athletic excellence but also by discipline, humility, and a fierce commitment to improvement—traits that would become the foundation of his legendary professional career. Under the guidance of coach Dean Smith, Jordan developed into a two-time All-American and the 1984 Naismith College Player of the Year. His departure for the NBA that same year was both a celebration and a farewell to one of the university’s most transformative athletes.
The decision to erect a statue was years in the making, championed by alumni, fans, and university officials alike. “Michael Jordan is not only a Tar Heel legend—he’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets drive and mentorship,” said UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz. “His legacy continues to inspire generations of student-athletes.”
The unveiling ceremony will be a marquee event, expected to draw thousands of fans, former teammates, and notable alumni. It will feature speeches from prominent figures in Jordan’s life, including former UNC coaches, NBA contemporaries, and family members. The event will also celebrate Jordan’s off-the-court contributions, including his philanthropy, business leadership, and enduring commitment to supporting educational and athletic opportunities for underserved communities.
The statue itself, created by a team of renowned sculptors, is designed to reflect both Jordan’s youth and his intensity—a reminder of the moment he took his first major step toward basketball immortality. With a pose inspired by his iconic 1982 shot, the statue aims to encapsulate not just a player, but a legacy that continues to inspire millions.
As the countdown to September begins, the Tar Heel community prepares to honor not just an athlete, but a cultural icon. The statue of Michael Jordan will stand as a permanent reminder of excellence, perseverance, and the deep bond between a university and one of its greatest sons.
