Michael Jordan University of North Carolina Practice Set Including Practice Jersey & Signed Sneakers

Property from The Collection of Charles E. Ragan, Former Assistant Equipment Manager for The University of North Carolina (1982-1985),

Sold to The Current Owner, A Private American Collector

This extraordinary set, featuring a University of North Carolina (UNC) practice jersey and a pair of signed Nike practice sneakers, is a rare and personal artifact from the early career of Michael Jordan, the basketball legend whose influence on the sport remains unparalleled.

During his time at UNC, Jordan quickly distinguished himself as one of the most promising young talents in the game. After arriving in Chapel Hill in 1981, Jordan helped lead the Tar Heels to the 1982 NCAA Championship, a feat that foreshadowed his future dominance on the global basketball stage. Jordan’s championship-winning jump shot in the final moments of the game against Georgetown became one of the most iconic moments in college basketball history. He was named ACC Freshman of the Year and, in his junior year, earned the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year Award, cementing his status as a rising star.

The practice jersey, rendered in UNC’s signature Carolina blue with the number 23—Jordan's now universally recognized number—is emblematic of the hard work and dedication that would later translate into his professional success. The accompanying sneakers, signed by Jordan, are from his college days, and per the letter of provenance were sent for Jordan to try. 

Jordan’s time at UNC laid the foundation for what would become one of the most illustrious careers in the history of sports. By the time he declared for the NBA Draft in 1984, he had not only left an indelible mark on collegiate basketball but had also set the stage for a career that would include six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals. 

The practice shirt and sneakers are accompanied by detailed letters of provenance from Charles E. Ragan, who was the Assistant Equipment Manager for the University of North Carolina’s Athletic Department from 1982 to 1985.