“They did not put my name on the list. I made them remember it for the rest of their lives.”
— Michael Jordan
Based on Jordan being cut from Laney High School varsity in 1978. Coach chose Leroy Smith instead. Jordan made varsity next year, then became the greatest NBA player in history.
Fall 1978. Walked to the gym to check the varsity roster. Read every name twice. Mine was not there. Went home, locked my door, cried. Fifteen years old. Next morning I trained before sunrise. Made varsity next year. Then North Carolina. Then six championships. That list on the gym wall was the best thing that ever happened to me. If someone decided you are not good enough, good. Now you have something to prove. Proving people wrong is the most satisfying feeling in the world.