This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/10/2023
These iconic, pre-Nike Jordan game-worn sneakers are a true piece of basketball history as they are the earliest career photo matched Michael Jordan game worn sneakers in existence and they were worn on his journey to his first Team USA gold medal. Originating from the 1983 Team USA graduate assistant men's basketball coach, these sneakers were originally thought to have been worn solely in practice. However, upon further examination of images from the 1983 Pan Am games, it was discovered that these very sneakers were also worn by Jordan during two crucial contests that ultimately led to his first gold medal. The shoes are conclusively photo-matched and come with a letter of provenance from the Team USA men's graduate assistant coach, and a photo match LOA from Real Game Used (RGU) and an apparent photo match LOA from Resolution Photo Matching certifying their authenticity and making them a must-have for any serious collector or Jordan fan. These sneakers are not just a mere pair of shoes, but a tangible link to a defining moment in the career of one of basketball's greatest legends.
Michael Jordan's name echoed through the annals of basketball history after his iconic game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA national championship game sent the crowd into a frenzy. But little did the world know, that was just the beginning of his ascent to basketball immortality. The 1983 Pan American games marked his debut on the international stage and he left a lasting impression with his dominant performances, leaving his opponents in awe of his extraordinary talents. It was here, on the grand stage of international basketball, where Jordan truly announced himself to the world as a force to be reckoned with.
The U.S. basketball team embarked on a golden journey in Caracas, as they marched towards the pinnacle of glory, winning game after game against the toughest competition from the Americas. The 12-day period was nothing short of a basketball clinic put on by the Americans, as they outscored their opponents by a staggering 12 points on average. At the forefront of this relentless pursuit of victory stood none other than the incomparable Michael Jordan, who led the team in scoring with a remarkable 17.3 points per game and secured his first international gold medal in the process.