By: Derek Hanna/ ESPN reporter

When people think of Michael Jordan, they often think of the greatest player of all time. It wasn’t as easy as some people probably think. One of his greatest challenges came his sophomore season in high school, when he tried out for the Emsley A. Laney High School varsity basketball team. At the time, Jordan was only 5’10”. Jordan was not one of the fifteen chosen to be on the team. Although this was a crushing blow, this motivated him to prove his coach wrong that told him he was too short and wasn’t good enough.

            “I’ve never thought about giving up on basketball. Obviously, it has gotten hard at times, but this is the game I love and will always love. This made me realize I wasn’t that good, and it motivated me to become a better player,” Jordan stated.

Over his career Jordan put countless hours into basketball and getting better. He had to make many sacrifices along the way.

            “Every day I just went into the gym and worked hard. I knew I’d have to strictly focus on basketball and I couldn’t let other things distract me or get in my way,” Jordan said.

He had many obstacles and roadblocks in his way throughout his career. He was faced with different challenges, but he persevered and worked to get better.

            “It’s like anything, you can’t just give up when it gets hard. I was in the gym everyday getting shots up and in the gym getting stronger,” Mike said.

Not many players have the opportunity to win back to back Finals. Jordan and the Bulls prepared themselves to do so, and completed the task in the ’97 season.

            “Our coaching staff prepared us every day to be ready and made sure we worked hard. I give credit to all the guys on the team for pushing themselves every day at practice and never quitting,” Jordan said.

Going into game 5 of the NBA Finals, Jordan was battling the flu. Was he going to play? Of course he was. How does it feel to play in an NBA finals game with the flu?

            “I was exhausted going into the game. I felt like I was gonna throw up. I could barely keep my head up, but I had to deal with it and play since it was a crucial game 5 of the Finals and the series was tied 2-2.”

When fans think of incredible playoff performances, they often think of Jordan’s, showing that he can overcome anything thrown at him in game 5 of the NBA Finals. Battling the flu, Jordan played and had a magnificent game.

            “I just went out there and played the best I could. We got the win so that’s all that matters,” said Jordan.

            Jordan put up 38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in this huge game 5 victory. This game put the Bulls up 3-2 over the Jazz in the finals, and moved them one win away from a championship.

Different theories and stories have been going around that Michael wasn’t actually battling the flu. Some say people poisoned his pizza that he ordered, or that he was hungover.

Jordan laughing said, “Of course the flu game was real. Next question.”

Michael fell short of the NBA MVP in the ’97 season. Karl Malone edged him out this year. When we asked him what he thought about it, he didn’t seem to care.

            “We won the finals, right? I think that’s all that anyone really cares about, and that’s all I care about,” Michael said.

Despite the intense game 6, Michael Jordan didn’t buckle under pressure. He kept his cool and found Steve Kerr open for the shot with the clock ticking down.

 “I was trying to get a good look. I tried driving to get a shot, but then I saw the double team come over… I spotted Steve wide open just above the foul line… I was hoping he would be able to get the shot off,” Jordan said.

            The shot was then made by Kerr, and Jordan was credited with the assist. This ultimately won the Bulls the game, and the NBA Finals. This completed the back-to-back championships for the Bulls. The ’97 season was incredible, like every season has been for Jordan. Is there anything else the NBA legend hasn’t been able to prove over the course of his career? I guess we’ll see what else he can accomplish the rest of his career.