Basketball requires from athletes not only good physical preparation and fitness but also a well-coordinated team game and a high level of motivation. Not all athletes can withstand such high requirements, but those who were able to prove themselves on the basketball court often win the hearts of fans and are very popular. Let’s take a closer look at the real legends, whose names every sporting fan knows.
The Best Basketball Player in History
The most titled and triumphant number 1 contestant is undoubtedly Michael Jordan. His name is familiar even to those people who are not at all interested in sports.
He was born in 1963 in Brooklyn and grew up as a rather lazy and unpromising child. Basketball was not Michael’s main passion, he preferred baseball. Jordan was fond of baseball since childhood and at the age of 12, he played in the youth league and became the finest athlete in the state. At that time, Michael was determined to connect his life with baseball and become a professional pitcher. Michael soon took up basketball and showed great diligence in training to make up for his relatively short stature for a basketball player. In 1978, his height was only 175 centimeters.
He began his ascent to the sports Olympus at the University of North Carolina, where he was given an athletic scholarship. Successful performances for the university team led him to the big sport, where he quickly began to take a leading position.
During his career, Michael twice became the gold medalist of the Olympiad in 1984 and 1992, became the best player in the NBA six times in 1991,1992,1993,1996,1997,1998. Michael was also named to the All-Star Team 11 times. In addition, Michael also produces famous sporting shoes.
The Real Giant of the Basketball World
Another legend that the vast majority of people who are far from the sport know is Shaquille O’Neal. He was born in 1972 in Newark. His father was in the military and often took Shaquille to play basketball with his colleagues. Shaquille at the age of 15 was already a very large teenager. His height at that time was more than two meters. His father often teased O’Neal, which really hurt him and motivated him to train. Shaquille won his first title while still in high school and became a state champion. He started his serious career at Louisana State University, where he proved to be a masterful player. After 3 courses of study, he was selected to participate in the Orlando Magic team.
Throughout his career, Shaquille became the top dog of the 1996 Olympics, became the NBA champion four times in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2006, the best athlete in the world championship match in 1994. In addition, Shaquille was forever included in the list of the 50 best NBA players in history.
After finishing his sporting activity, Shaquille became actively involved in music, show business, and boxing. Currently has his own spoken sports show on ESPN.
Discover Amazing Athletes from the World of Basketball
As you can see, just two athletes make a strong impression, but there are many more! Several hundred high-class players have played or still set records on the basketball courts. Follow the matches and don’t miss the appearance of a new star!