ESPN REPORT: UNC Legends Michael Jordan and James Worthy Named No. 3 Greatest Playmaking Duo in College Basketball History — Announce Multi-Million Dollar Endowment to Power Youth Development at Chapel Hill
Byline: Chapel Hill, NC — August 13, 2025
In a moment that blends legacy, leadership, and long-term impact, ESPN has officially ranked University of North Carolina icons Michael Jordan and James Worthy as the No. 3 greatest playmaking duo in college basketball history. Known for their dazzling synergy, clutch performances, and championship pedigree during their time together at UNC in the early 1980s, the legendary tandem continues to make waves—this time off the court.
To honor their place in history and give back to the program that launched them into basketball immortality, Jordan and Worthy have jointly announced a $25 million endowment to the University of North Carolina basketball program, with funds specifically targeted toward youth development, academic support, and leadership training for student-athletes.
“Carolina made us who we are.”
At a packed press conference held at the Dean E. Smith Center, Jordan—widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time—spoke passionately about the impact UNC had on his life.
> “Carolina made us who we are. It gave us the foundation, the discipline, and the brotherhood,” Jordan said. “This gift is about more than basketball. It’s about creating leaders, empowering young people, and ensuring that future generations of Tar Heels have the tools to succeed—on the court and beyond.”
Worthy, a Hall of Famer in his own right and the 1982 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, echoed that sentiment.
> “When I look back at that 1982 championship run, it wasn’t just about talent—it was about trust, vision, and sacrifice,” said Worthy. “That’s what made Mike and me such a force. We want today’s student-athletes to experience that same growth—not just in basketball, but in life.”
The Endowment: Legacy with Purpose
The Jordan-Worthy Endowment for Excellence will be one of the largest private donations in the history of UNC Athletics. The fund will support:
Youth basketball development camps in underserved communities across North Carolina
Mental health and wellness services for student-athletes
Leadership seminars and mentorship programs led by UNC alumni
State-of-the-art training and recovery facilities
Academic tutoring and career development resources
Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham called the endowment “transformational,” noting that it reflects the values UNC strives to instill in every athlete: excellence, service, and legacy.
A Duo for the Ages
Jordan and Worthy played just one collegiate season together—1981–82—but their chemistry was instant and electric. Worthy’s dominant post presence combined with Jordan’s fearless freshman brilliance culminated in UNC’s national title, sealed by Jordan’s iconic game-winning jumper in the championship game against Georgetown.
Their bond extended into NBA stardom—Worthy with the Showtime Lakers and Jordan as the cornerstone of the Bulls dynasty—but their roots remain firmly planted in Chapel Hill.
ESPN’s Historic Ranking
ESPN’s list, compiled by a panel of college basketball historians and analysts, ranks Jordan and Worthy at No. 3 among all-time NCAA playmaking duos, citing their “elite court IQ, unselfishness, and the championship pedigree they brought to the game.”
Ahead of them? Magic Johnson and Greg Kelser (Michigan State), and the legendary UCLA duo of Bill Walton and Jamaal Wilkes. But no pairing, the report said, matched the “raw competitive fire and charisma of Jordan and Worthy.”
Looking Ahead
With the endowment in place, the future of UNC Basketball looks even brighter. Head Coach Hubert Davis called the gift “a symbol of what it means to be a Tar Heel—unwavering pride, unrelenting effort, and a commitment to those who come after you.”
And for Jordan and Worthy, the message is clear: greatness isn’t just measured in banners—it’s built through giving back.
Tar Heel Nation is not only celebrating two of its finest but also witnessing a new era of investment in its future—fueled by the very legends who defined its past.
