I didn't really get instruction until I was a junior in high school. First, I just loved the game and I let my skills develop. So I believe in learning late, playing early but learning late.
Michael's love of the game was born in his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, during long afternoons on the play grounds. His older brother, Larry, helped Michael hone his game and their epic battles of one-on-one at their backyard hoop.
But Michael's first hard lesson would come when he tried out for the varsity team at Laney High.
When I was a sophomore in high school, like most high school kids, you get all the energy and all the motivation and excitement of making your varsity team, which is a big thing.