Marcus Jordan changing high schools

[NYWarrior]

surprising news?  Seems like it, but the younger (and more talented) Jordan is transferring from Loyola to Whitney Young.   No mention of MU in his early list, but who knows - -

Marcus will join Chris Colvin at Whitney Young, another elite class of 09 guard nationally. This will mark the first time that two of Illinois' top five players have been in the same backcourt in recent history,  and the first time that two top 5 players will be on the same team since Kevin Garnett and Ronnie Fields at Farragut, with the exception of Demitri McCamey and Evan Turner at St. Joes this year,.  "Marcus is that last great piece to the Whitney Young puzzle," said Colvin," and now we are definitely ready to get downstate."

Details here
http://www.illinoishsbasketball.com/

[muarmy81]

Anyone else remember the days when you just went to high school where you grew up?  High School has become like the NBA and college were "blue chip" talent can pick and choose where they go to play.  Isn't high school supposed to be an institution for learning not a developmental league for D-1 sports?

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

If you ask me, both the Jordan kids are somewhat over-hyped because of their lineage.

[MU Chi_IL]

   http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-070419jordan,1,519492.story?track=rss

By Bob Sakamoto
Tribune staff reporter
Published April 19, 2007, 9:58 PM CDT

Illinois might have moved to the top in the recruiting of Loyola Academy basketball standout Jeff Jordan.

The oldest son of Michael Jordan spent Tuesday in Champaign with his mother, Juanita, checking out the campus and playing in a pickup game with Illini players.

The unofficial visit came one day after Jordan was at Valparaiso, which has offered him a scholarship. Illinois has no scholarships left, but Jordan would be a preferred walk-on if he were to enroll there.

Jordan is in New York to play in the Michael Jordan All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. He indicated to Illini coach Bruce Weber that he would contact him after the weekend.

The Illini's incoming class features St. Joseph All-State guard Demetri McCamey and shooting guard Quinton Watkins of Compton (Calif.) Dominguez. Backcourt returnees include Chester Frazier, Jamar Smith and Trent Meachem.

Also on the roster are senior Chris Hicks and sophomore Jeremiah Wise, the former Proviso East guard who sat out this season after transferring from Indiana State.

A source close to the Illini program said Jordan would not have an immediate impact but could be a contributor in a couple of years. The source said the Illini were impressed with Jordan's improvement from his junior to senior year.

"Illinois has shown interest in Jeff all along," Loyola coach Bryan Tucker said of the 6-foot-2-inch guard who averaged nearly 15 points last season. "Illinois was interested even before Eric Gordon wound up at Indiana and Derrick Rose at Memphis.

"This is Jeff's state school, and it's a big-time program. He likes the coaches there, and he can definitely play at a big-time school."

Jordan had been heavily recruited by Loyola but dropped the Ramblers from consideration in February. Loyola wound up signing 6-4 Geoff McCammon of Conant.

Valparaiso would seem to offer a better opportunity for immediate playing time.

On a related front, rumors persist that Jeff's younger brother, 6-3 sophomore Marcus Jordan, is considering transferring from Loyola to Young.

Young has the most talented underclassmen in the city and could be ranked among the top five teams in the Chicago area heading into next season. Marcus Jordan is rated among the top sophomores in the state by recruiting services.

"I've heard so many rumors about the Jordans these last several years," Tucker said. "I just talked to Marcus [on Thursday]. He said he's heard the rumors too. He told me he is happy here and really likes the school.

"I know he's got friends [at Young], and some people think it's going to happen. Who knows?"

[NavinRJohnson]

If he isn't going to go to Wisconsin where Michael can cause problems for Bo Ryan, I suppose Illinois will have to do.

[BigSky]

If he isn't going to go to Wisconsin where Michael can cause problems for Bo Ryan, I suppose Illinois will have to do.

Why would Michael Jordan cause problems for Ryan or Illinois?

[NavinRJohnson]

The guy has control issues that would make Elvis Presley blush. By most accounts, his son (Jeffrey) isn't really all that good and isn't likely to play much (or at least deserve playing time). Personally, I would have no interest in having Michale Jordan around MU's program in that scenario. Of course he could have realistic expectations, but if he/his son doesn't get what he feels he is entitled to, he will be a first class pain in the butt and a major distraction.

[herboturbo]

The guy has control issues that would make Elvis Presley blush. By most accounts, his son (Jeffrey) isn't really all that good and isn't likely to play much (or at least deserve playing time). Personally, I would have no interest in having Michale Jordan around MU's program in that scenario. Of course he could have realistic expectations, but if he/his son doesn't get what he feels he is entitled to, he will be a first class pain in the butt and a major distraction.

I don't think a kid who hasn't recieved a high major offer thinks he's entitled to anything if he has to walk-on wherever he's going to go.  Plus, by all accounts MJ appears to have left his kids HS coach to do what he needs to do without interference.  Do you have some sort of inside info to change that perspective??

[bartmiller#1]

Again, the Jordan haters have no idea what they're talking about.

1.  Jeff Jordan has no sense of entitlement.  He's a very good high school guard with good size.  He's looking for the school that will be the right fit and he is at least somewhat interested in looking to be a preferred walk-on somewhere (possibly Illinois). 

2.  If you read the article from the Chicago Tribune, you'd realize that MJ isn't even with him on his visit to Valpo and U of I, so it doesn't appear he's poking his nose into the coaches offices and demanding PT for his son. 

3.  There are no accounts of MJ ever interfering in the coaching of his kids.  He's a normal parent in this respect. 

4.  If Marcus transfers, he transfers.  I think it is still undecided and I trust the Tribune over the website report.  He certainly wouldn't be the first HS ballplayer to change schools-- including many good players and good guys we've had in our program over the years. 

5.  If you guys don't think Jeff Jordan is a kid who can play college ball, you're not watching the same games I am.  I don't think he's Eric Gordon, but few are.  He's certainly capable of being a contributor-- think Tony Young from Southern Illinois.  He's that type of player (in my opinion). 

There's not a chance in hell that a coach like Bruce Weber is going to recruit, much less give PT, to a kid who doesn't earn it.  Regardless of his lineage.  What does he have to gain?  The PR won't be much, and it's not worth the trouble. 

6.  I don't know what basis anyone has for saying MJ will be a "first class pain in the butt" if Jeff Jordan doesn't get what MJ thinks he's entitled to.  No basis for that.  No history of that.  No evidence. 

[NavinRJohnson]

6.  I don't know what basis anyone has for saying MJ will be a "first class pain in the butt" if Jeff Jordan doesn't get what MJ thinks he's entitled to.  No basis for that.  No history of that.  No evidence. 

Ever heard of the Washington Wizards? Of course that has nothing to do with his son, but the track record of Michael needing to get what he wants is most definitely there. Again, I am not saying it is a certainty, but with Jeff apparently a marginal High D-1 talent, I don't see the risk being worth the reward. If his son was Greg Oden...different story.

Again, the Jordan haters have no idea what they're talking about.

There's not a chance in hell that a coach like Bruce Weber is going to recruit, much less give PT, to a kid who doesn't earn it.  Regardless of his lineage.  What does he have to gain?

Oh, I don't know, maybe his brother, who most agree is a far better player. The interest, respect and admiration of the many Jordan a$$ lickers throughout the state of Illinois. Nah, a coach like Bruce Weber would never try to do anything like that, especially given the direction the Illini program seems to be going, coupled with the upgrades his conference has seen in the caoching ranks the last year plus.

What does he have to gain?  The PR won't be much, and it's not worth the trouble. 

What trouble? According to you, MJ will be the invisible man, so what sort of trouble are we talking about?

[ilovefreeway]

Dad Jordan draws crowd

The senior Jordan, 44 this month, is managing member of basketball operations for the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats but still attends most of his sons' games. Wearing a tan sweater, he slipped into the gym about five minutes before tip-off Tuesday.

On road games, his appearance is greeted by a burst of flashbulbs and camera phones, but the Loyola crowd is more used to him now and only a handful of cameras were visible in the stands Tuesday.

During the game, he'll occasionally shout encouragement, but for the most part he keeps his parental emotions to himself.

"I got the feeling you were over there looking at me," he joked about his demeanor. "I'm excited about the game, but I don't want to get over-passionate about it. ... I may say something here and there, but it's a game. I want my kids to enjoy themselves. I don't want to be a spectacle here, yelling at the referee and yelling at the players."

Most of the instruction, the boys said, comes later. He watches a lot of video with them — "college, high school, NBA, everything," Jeff said — and will talk to them after the game about their play.

His best tip?

"Too many to cover," said Marcus, with a smile. "We just try to keep up with it."

"I give them pointers here and there," Jordan said. "If they ask me a question, then we'll go back and forth. Other than that, I try not to get hands-on."


http://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/basketball/2007-01-31-jordans-focus_x.htm

[BigSky]

Gotta love these people who make wild assessments, assumptions, etc...after spending zero time with the people involved or anyone close to them.  N.Johnson's comments in this thread couldn't be less informed. 

[NavinRJohnson]

Gotta love these people who make wild assessments, assumptions, etc...after spending zero time with the people involved or anyone close to them. 

Couldn't agree with you more. And which of the OPINIONS I've expressed - the long and short of which are that I would not like a guy like Michael Jordan hanging around my program, constitutes a wild assesment or assumption?

If the fact that I look at his track record outside of that which he has done as a player, and base opinions on that constitutes  some sort of wild assesment, so be it. I've not spent any time with 50 Cent, Axl Rose, Mike Tyson, or anyone close to them, but I've seen and read enough to know that I wouldn't want them moving in next door to me.


People can have opinions or be correct about something without having to read comments like yours.  Perhaps you were abused as a child, don't care.  If someone has an opinion that you do not like, it is not necessary to say they do not know the game or call them a whiner.  And that is exactly what you just did

  -- BigSky, 3/27/07

[bartmiller#1]

The guy has control issues that would make Elvis Presley blush. By most accounts, his son (Jeffrey) isn't really all that good and isn't likely to play much (or at least deserve playing time). Personally, I would have no interest in having Michale Jordan around MU's program in that scenario. Of course he could have realistic expectations, but if he/his son doesn't get what he feels he is entitled to, he will be a first class pain in the butt and a major distraction.

Navin, obviously I am not going to convince you of anything--  but your quote above is all presented as fact, not your opinion.  And you know nothing about how Jordan interacts with his kids' coaches or their teams. 

His experience as a player and executive seems to have nothing to do with how he carries himself as a father.

But what do I know?  I'm just one of the many Jordan ass lickers in the state of Illinois. 

Thanks for the objective take. 

[NavinRJohnson]

but your quote above is all presented as fact, not your opinion.

Are you kidding me? Let's take a look at just a few of the things I wrote, shall we?

By most accounts, his son (Jeffrey) isn't really all that good and isn't likely to play much (or at least deserve playing time). - Written in refernce to Illinois specifically. Is that really an outlandish statement? Most accounts I've seen, seem to project him as a mid-major talent.

Personally, I would have no interest in having Michale Jordan around MU's program in that scenario.   - That is definitely written as fact. Because the fact is, that is my opinion.

Of course he could have realistic expectations, but if he/his son doesn't get what he feels he is entitled to, he will be a first class pain in the butt and a major distraction. - Did you fail to notice the qualifier I put on that? I'd say that makes it pretty clear I am expressing my opion.

Thanks for the objective take. 

Right back at ya Slick!

[BigSky]

Gotta love these people who make wild assessments, assumptions, etc...after spending zero time with the people involved or anyone close to them. 

Couldn't agree with you more. And which of the OPINIONS I've expressed - the long and short of which are that I would not like a guy like Michael Jordan hanging around my program, constitutes a wild assesment or assumption?

If the fact that I look at his track record outside of that which he has done as a player, and base opinions on that constitutes  some sort of wild assesment, so be it. I've not spent any time with 50 Cent, Axl Rose, Mike Tyson, or anyone close to them, but I've seen and read enough to know that I wouldn't want them moving in next door to me.


People can have opinions or be correct about something without having to read comments like yours.  Perhaps you were abused as a child, don't care.  If someone has an opinion that you do not like, it is not necessary to say they do not know the game or call them a whiner.  And that is exactly what you just did

  -- BigSky, 3/27/07

Where is the rest of the context of my quote?  

Even without the conext it still applies to this situation.  I did not call anyone a name in this thread, nor say anyone wasn't entitled to their opinion, as uninformed as it is in this case by your opwn admission....   Considering I have spent time around Tucker and the Jordan's in regards to Jeff and Marcus' high school career, .....I believe I am informed on this subject.  I also believe considering the overhwhelming amount of specific documented media coverage on this topic, and discussion that contradicts your claims, on this subject, .....that opinion isn't likely to change based on some vague comments of yours.

[MUCHI814]

I think most of the people here that are ragging on the Jordans here are pretty much talking out of their asses.  Not saying I'm an expert but seems to be a lot of assuming and people just going on what they've heard.

[NavinRJohnson]

...that opinion isn't likely to change based on some vague comments of yours.

Congratulations. Not sure who it was exactly that set out to change your opinion, but I'm happy to hear that.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Navin... dude... give it up.

Your side of the argument is like carrying a knife to a gun fight.

You have an opinion (that is fine), but several people here have disagreed with your opinion and have provided articles and educated points of view on the topic (their opinion).

If you don't agree with them, that is fine... but I don't think you are going to prove to anybody that Jordan would be a problem. There is too much information out there saying that he IS NOT a problem for most people to believe that he will suddenly become a problem when his kids get to the NCAA level (as you have asserted).

There is actually another thread about this on the board if you want to read it.

http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=2940.0

[BigSky]

January 24, 2007
Nice going, Michael & Juanita


Even though their marriage of 17 years recently ended in a divorce, Michael and Juanita Jordan did a top-notch job raising their two basketball-playing sons, Jeff and Marcus. Think about that for a moment. How difficult would it be to grow up as the sons of Michael Jordan? Living up to a legend is nearly impossible, and I think Jarrett Payton has done as good a job as anyone trying to establish his own identity and just being himself despite the considerable shadow of his father, the late Walter Payton.


In my dealings with Jeff and Marcus, they seem to be a couple of regular teen-age kids who never carry themselves above anyone else. Both are unselfish on the basketball court and key components in undefeated Loyola's team chemistry. There isn't a superstar on that team, but as a unit, the Ramblers are a formidable force. Off the court, older brother Jeff is the more serious and contemplative and Marcus the more impulsive. Both are polite, courteous, fun-loving and have many of the same characteristics as any teenager in America.


Experts tell us the first five years are the most critical in the development of a child. That's when the personality is formed and the essence of that child takes shape with repercussions that will last a lifetime. In those formative years, MJ was in the midst of leading the Bulls to six NBA titles and wouldn't have been able to devote quality father-and-son time to Jeff and Marcus. Kudos to Juanita for all her hard work and sacrifice in making sure Jeff and Marcus grew up to be classy and quality young men. Being the father of a 6-year-old, I know about the demands placed on a parent. You can do as little or as much as you want in raising that child. Juanita's was an MVP performance.


Michael always had a natural affinity for children, and in the four years I spent covering him and the Bulls, he was almost child-like in his vision of the world. One Halloween when he was on a road trip, he taped a note to his townhouse front door saying: "Kids, sorry I missed Halloween. Come back in three days for trick-or-treat.'' There was this cute little 10-year-old named Josh who conned his way into Boston Garden and then talked his way down to courtside. MJ and Josh hit it off famously, exchanged phone numbers and Josh always had a seat behind the Bulls bench when they played the Celtics.

His love of children brought him in contact with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to terminally ill children. One child battling cancer made a wish to spend a day with Jordan. MJ and the kid had a fun time during the day, followed by Jordan bringing him to a Bulls' home game later that evening. The little boy spent time in the pre-game locker room and on the court watching Michael warm up. They chewed bubble gum together and MJ put on a great show for him during the game. They hung out together in the post-game locker room.

One day before another home game, Michael was in rare form, joking with his teammates and teasing front-office employees, members of the media, anyone who came within earshot. In those early years, MJ had this carefree, ebullient spirit, uplifting in the way his contagious laughter and wonderful fortune could make you feel good about yourself and life.


He had the locker room in stitches when a woman from Make-A-Wish stopped by. She gave Michael periodic updates on the little boy's condition. This time when Michael asked, she put her head down, paused and then looked up. She told Michael that the little boy had just died. I'll never forget the look of shock and anguish on Michael's face. Like most young people, 22-year-old Michael Jordan had this feeling of invincibility about him. He had most of his life still ahead of him. This was Michael-With-The-Midas-Touch where fortune smiled upon him at every turn. There wasn't anything he couldn't do, and I suspect Michael thought his magic touch would work with the little guy---that he would be one of those rare cases to beat cancer. Michael went out and played one of the worst games of his career.


After that, he politely declined any further requests from Make A Wish. "Sako,'' he said to me, "every time I do something like that, there's a good chance that child is going to die. I can't handle it.''


Jordan has taken this natural affection for kids and transformed right before our eyes from the world-famous jet-setter to a doting father. He follows his kids to the smallest of gyms in the toughest of neighborhoods to support them. He hollers advice from the stands and imparts his basketball wisdom onto them in quieter moments. He is careful not to expect Michael Jordan, Jr., but instead is letting his kids be what they want to be.

It's fun listening to Jeff and Marcus talk about their high school hoops exploits and about their father. They're both well aware of MJ's legendary accomplishments and world renown. And yet, deep down, he's still just their dad. And theirs is a perspective unlike anyone else's in the world.


-Bob Sakamato Chicago Tribune

[Avenue Commons]

I would also guess that Marcus would be moving in with his Dad downtown. MJ has a lakefront condo on the near North Side. Marcus currently lives with his mom (I would suppose) at their house in Highland Park which is not far from Loyola Academy in Wilmette. Marcus has to be a resident of the City of Chicago in order to attend Whitney Young, which is a Chicago public high school. Highland Park is pretty far from the city limits of Chicago. I wonder if he puts down his dad's place as his current residence and drives in from Highland Park everyday.