Jeff Jordan to rejoin Illinois basketball team

By DAVID MERCER, Associated Press Writer Oct 17, 1:41 am EDT

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP)—Junior reserve guard Jeff Jordan, son of Michael Jordan, will rejoin the Illinois team after leaving following last season to focus on school.

“Jeff recently indicated his interest in coming back to the team,” coach Bruce Weber said Friday night as the Illini officially opened practice. “After meeting with him and discussing the situation, we are pleased to give him this opportunity.”

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Jordan was given a scholarship before the 2009 spring semester. In all, he appeared in 59 games, totaling 58 points, 42 assists and 24 rebounds. A defensive specialist, the oldest son of Michael Jordan averaged 8.4 minutes as a sophomore after playing 5.3 minutes per game as a true freshman.

“He has obviously missed a great deal of time away from the program the last six months, and he has a lot of work ahead of him,” Weber added. “There are conditions Jeff must meet to fully earn his way back. At this time, his focus needs to be on his academic work and catching up to his teammates in practice. Jeff is a determined young man, and he has expressed to us that he is willing to make the total commitment necessary for a successful return.”

Jordan starred in high school at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, a Chicago suburb, but wasn’t heavily recruited. He chose to walk on at Illinois rather than accept a scholarship from Valparaiso.

Illinois, which won 24 games last season and reached the NCAA tournament, opens the regular season Nov. 13 against Southern Illinois-Ewardsville.

Updated Oct 17, 1:41 am EDT
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93 Comments

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  1. mike
    93. Posted by mike Tue Oct 20 1:51pm EDT

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    I think its good for him to be back, he will bring stability to the point position as the new guys come along, there is a lot of talent but needs work at the point.Just read where indiana and north carolina were voted the top states for b ball. Are you jerking me around? where would either of them be without illinois players on their rosters? You can load up both of them with their best players and then play the best in illinois and we would kick their butts. the two best states for hoops is illinois and new york.,with nc and ind fighting for third place with california.
  2. josh m
    92. Posted by josh m Sun Oct 18 12:13pm EDT

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    For the record jeff was on scholarship even before this year. He was on a full ride academic scholarship. He doesnt need to play basketball in case u dont know his dad owns a business that is fairly successful maybe you've heard of it. JORDAN INC. lol the kid is set for life
  3. Neil
    91. Posted by Neil Sun Oct 18 3:11am EDT

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    Sometimes things just run in the family, but son and father, can definitely be either better or worse than the other, but good genes definitely help. Kobe Bryant's dad was pro basketball journeyman and his son is possibly the best or second best 2 guard of all time, Patrick Ewing's son plaid at Georgetown and has been trying to catch on with a pro team. I really wonder what percentage of Professional athletes fathers or mothers played pro or college ball? That would be a really cool statistic to find out.
  4. IHeartCavs
    90. Posted by IHeartCavs Sat Oct 17 9:23am EDT

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    Good luck. Must be a lot of pressure to measure up to his dad - but by walking away he proved he was kind of over it. I wish him the best of luck.
  5. Big Ali
    89. Posted by Big Ali Sun Jun 28 10:35am EDT

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    with all the pressure of being "The Heir" to the throne, you almost had to see it coming!!!
  6. Alfonzo
    88. Posted by Alfonzo Sat Jun 27 12:46am EDT

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    real talk, he was really good. He earned a scholly a big ten school after he was walk on. How many people can really do that. Bet none you even could get considered for a basketball scholly. He's even more of a man by walking away from it, cuz he'z got his priorities straight.
  7. Dantea
    87. Posted by Dantea Fri Jun 26 5:01pm EDT

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    You had to see it coming..., it's hard to put on let alone walk in shoes that you know the "Media" is going to force you to wear which you'll never fit or size up too.

    Kid's that have "Famous" parents get a lot press/responsibilities put on there shoulders. He made an "Executive" decision which I'm sure "Dad" had some say on...lol! Now let's let this young man focus on other "Jordan" avenues if he goes that route...LMAO!

    Luckily he didn't grow-up to be 6'6" or taller..., then "We" as well as "The Media" would have "Shredded" this young man because he doesn't compare to "M.J.!" Then we could be looking at a rebellion or suicide which happens fare to often!!!

    And now the youngest(Marcus) is off to college(not N.C.), Central Florida...?

    Just goes to show you what Michael had in his "Talent Pool" to choose from as well as what he actually had to past on. Basketball wasn't his first love nor his game in the beginning. His Sophomore teacher told him "Math is were the money is...!" You can't inherit everything...; motivation, the "Drive" to want to be the best or just playing-o-basketball skillz!

    "HiMSeLF and I'M OUT! E-Z...!"
  8. Ifeelsoyoung
    86. Posted by Ifeelsoyoung Thu Jun 25 11:11pm EDT

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    Sometimes people automatically assume because your parents are great at something, that means you should too, but do you ever stop to think, that maybe he played because he was expected to and not because he wanted too? He is still getting the education HE wanted and only now he could break away from something he didn't want to do in the first place!
  9. Bell09
    85. Posted by Bell09 Thu Jun 25 11:34am EDT

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    Those of you talking that s**t that he sucks I think not! I am pretty sure you aren't any better then he is. Keep your nasty comments to yourself.... Not only is he smart but he is sexy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just thought I would add that in there ummm ummm ummm lol
  10. <i>captaincarl8</i>
    84. Posted by captaincarl8 Thu Jun 25 9:18am EDT

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    83. Posted by GoDevils1 Thu Jun 25 12:12am EDT Report Abuse
    Elway's kid quit ASU. Jordan's kid quit Illinois. Great players rarely have kids who make it in the same sport. Winslow is the only one that comes to mind. But Winslow, Sr. was way better.

    That Griffey kid was not too shabby....
  11. GoDevils1
    83. Posted by GoDevils1 Thu Jun 25 12:12am EDT

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    Elway's kid quit ASU. Jordan's kid quit Illinois. Great players rarely have kids who make it in the same sport. Winslow is the only one that comes to mind. But Winslow, Sr. was way better.
  12. Dan A
    82. Posted by Dan A Wed Jun 24 8:31pm EDT

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    Let him be! He's in tremendous pressure to play like his dad. He does not need to be like his dad. He's his own person and I applaud him for that. All of you who are calling him no talent are so wrong! Why don't you go and try out and see if you have got any talent yourself? Nobody is perfect. If he's going to concentrate on his studies, then more power to him! Better to have an education and a degree than not having one! I'm happy for him and wish him nothing but the best!
  13. N8
    81. Posted by N8 Wed Jun 24 8:11pm EDT

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    Dynomite!!!
  14. Knightmare Lloyd
    80. Posted by Knightmare Lloyd Wed Jun 24 7:52pm EDT

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    Good move be a man first, and then from there you can make your own life the way you see fit. no one can tell you what to do with your life.......
  15. <i>nrapp41</i>
    79. Posted by nrapp41 Wed Jun 24 7:06pm EDT

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    Yes, an open scholarship! So pumped about the future of Illinois basketball.
  16. Shirley
    78. Posted by Shirley Wed Jun 24 6:57pm EDT

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    sorry but michaels sons suck bottom line. they are no where the athlete pops was.i think they wanted to keep poppy happy , even tho their hearts werent into playing.the other kid in central florida wont amount to a player either.
  17. Brandon B
    77. Posted by Brandon B Wed Jun 24 6:39pm EDT

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    first of all Jeff Jordan was going to be on a scholarship in 2009, he was not on scholly for the past 2 years, the family was paying for him to sit on the Illinois bench for 2 years. He should have took the scholarship to Valpo, he might have played more and blossomed as a player, like Stephon Curry at Davidson. but he chose to try to walk onto a Big 10, D1 program. Not a smart move when you play high school ball in their backyard and they dont offer you a "scholly", what was Jeff thinking. I remember when he came out of high school and reading articles about how he didnt even play in the most competative division in high school. He is smart to quit Basketball now and focus on his major because he was not going pro, and being a "practice dummy" is no fun for anyone who really loves playing a sport. The University used Jeff and his family to hype the fact that MJ's boy was on the team to boost attendance at games probably. Get your degree, enjoy your familys millions and have a great life Jeff.
  18. tubb
    76. Posted by tubb Wed Jun 24 6:37pm EDT

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    Jeff, now thats looking at the big picture.The media will never give him a fair shot.They will have unreal expectations ,because MJ is the best all around talent of all time.(not perfect or even close,its being from chi-town and playin sports all my life sometime we turn the light off to late.Good job jeff jordan....jp
  19. Al
    75. Posted by Al Wed Jun 24 6:26pm EDT

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    why is everyone whining about the scholarship, you worthless piece of $hits, jeff earned every bit of that scholarship. Good for jeff for wanting to make something of his life. And Michael Jordan doesnt owe anyone one penny.
  20. Suga B
    74. Posted by Suga B Wed Jun 24 6:18pm EDT

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    Good for him Those are some pretty big shoes to feel even for players compared to his father (kobe)
    (Lebron) Maybe he want be a Great Basketball Player like his Father May become a better GM then his Dad and wont draft another Kwame Brown with the #1 pick lol or an Adam Morrison!
  21. James M
    73. Posted by James M Wed Jun 24 6:12pm EDT

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    Actually a 3.5 GPA is outstanding if it's in college and not high school BUT... athletes are more exploited than favoured - they earn a lot for the school and most get little out of it. Most won't go pro or get much of an education. Jeff Jordan shouldn't be resented. And let's not turn this into a dumb political discussion. This is about a smart kid who made a smart call and showed tremendous perspective. Most people can't see outside the bubble that has to have been around him to some extent, but he did. I wish him all the best. Let the story be about him.
  22. Dave
    72. Posted by Dave Wed Jun 24 6:07pm EDT

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    Jordan earned an athletic scholarship on Illinois, just because he has a rich dad means that no school should give him a scholarship? Why the socialist thinking? Now his averages were far from great, so maybe his dad's name got him the scholarship - whatever, doesn't matter since Jeff realized his heart wasn't fully into basketball and he wasn't going to BS the remaining years playing ball. What about Lil'Romeo at USC, who is a player at probably the same level (if not worse) than Jeff, getting a basketball scholarship just because he was friends with Derozan? (romeo might actually start at USC next year, given their current situation LOL).
  23. Greg P
    71. Posted by Greg P Wed Jun 24 6:02pm EDT

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    Low on talent huh? maybe he is Charles boy and not Mike's!!!!
  24. Freddie Kool
    70. Posted by Freddie Kool Wed Jun 24 5:51pm EDT

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    Fk who da thunk it?????????????
  25. JR
    69. Posted by JR Wed Jun 24 5:51pm EDT

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    #51 must be a socialist.
    Yeah! Let the rich take care of the bill.

    What happened to the old America? The one where you take responsibility for your own life, and make sacrificies for what you want (earn it).
    btw. A 3.5 GPA hardly puts you in the top 35% of college students, anywhere.
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