It’s hard to imagine that Michael Jordan could have ever had favorite players growing up given how self-motivated he’s always been. But as it turns out, there is one player that MJ did look upon fondly when he was younger.

According to Darren Rovell of The Action Network, UNC basketball legend Walter Davis was Jordan’s favorite player growing up. Davis was apparently one of the reasons that Jordan attended UNC in the first place and was a player Jordan modeled his game after.

Rovell also pointed out an interesting note. Current UNC head coach Hubert Davis is the nephew of Walter Davis.

“Full Circle: One of the reasons why Michael Jordan went to North Carolina is because his favorite player, the game he modeled his game after, played there. His name? Walter Davis. His nephew? Hubert Davis,” Rovell wrote.

Glossing over why Darren Rovell would consider that fact going “full circle,” it brings up an interesting player who some basketball fans may have forgotten.

Walter Davis played for UNC from 1973 to 1977 where he was a two-time All-ACC selection. He went on to enjoy a 15-year NBA career, making six All-Star appearances with the Phoenix Suns. Davis also won a gold medal at the 1976 Olympic games.

He’s a superb role model for almost any basketball player and it makes perfect sense that he was Jordan’s.

Are you surprised that Walter Davis was Michael Jordan’s favorite player?

The post Michael Jordan Had A Favorite Basketball Player Growing Up appeared first on The Spun.