USA - College the name of the game for Jordan

CHICAGO (NCAA) - There's a certain amount of expectation on you when you're the son of Michael Jordan, but Jeffrey Jordan is determined to make his own way in college basketball.

A senior at Loyola Academy in Chicago, the 18-year-old Jeffrey has confirmed his intention to head to college next year.

The 6ft 1in point guard tends to get singled out for special treatment from opponents given his famous lineage, but has nevertheless proved himself capable while starting for the Ramblers.

"I think it could have hurt my recruiting more than it helped, just having the name," Jeffrey said in Chicago Magazine. "The only thing I can do is work harder."

Loyola, ranked fourth in Illinois, started the season on a 20-game winning streak, but suffered a first loss against Indianapolis North Central last week - a game covered on national television partly because of the draw of Jeffrey.

Michael is always in the crowd, and Jeffrey`s younger brother, Marcus has now made the team as a sophomore.

Jeffrey wears number 32, the reverse of his father`s legendary 23 jersey.

He will get another chance to impress on the national stage in April after being named as a participant on his father`s All-American game which takes place in Madison Square Garden on April 21.

Jordan, ranked a three-star prospect by recruitment website Rivals.com, is yet to make a decision on which college he would like to attend.

Miami-Florida is reported to be his first choice, but he is also being watched by powers like Illinois and Kentucky.

Ian Parker
FIBA