Having Led LeBron James’ Redeem Team to ‘Gold Medal,’ Coach K Claimed Michael Jordan Was a ‘Bionic Guy’

Nithin Joseph | 10/07/2023
Having Led LeBron James' Redeem Team to 'Gold Medal,' Coach K Claimed Michael Jordan Was a 'Bionic Guy'

Mike Krzyzewski better known as Coach K is one of the greatest coaches in the history of college basketball. Having served as head coach of the Duke blue devils for 42 years, he has coached some incredible players. In fact, he has had the pleasure of coaching both Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Two of the greatest players of all time. The five-time NCAA champion led The King to Olympic gold in 2008 as Head coach of the Redeem Team. But 16 years prior, he worked with Jordan as an assistant coach on the Dream Team in 1992. And, it was here upon witnessing His Airness’ routine that he described him as bionic in the 2012 documentary The Dream Team.

MJ had an incredible work ethic. A work ethic that helped deliver him six NBA championships during his time in the league. But playing basketball wasn’t the only part of his routine. Jordan also enjoyed the occasional golfing session and game of cards. All of which lead to coach case assessments.

Coach K described Michael Jordan as bionic after witnessing his everyday routine

There are few coaches who have had the pleasure of coaching some of the greatest players of all time. Well, Coach K has had the experience of coaching undoubtedly the two best. LeBron James and Michael Jordan are the two men who many consider to be the GOATs of basketball.

However, His Airness was a bit different. To hear Coach K describe him, Jordan was “bionic”. The Hall Of Famer had a set routine, one that involved basketball, golf, and playing cards. And, having witnessed this routine firsthand as an assistant coach on the Dream Team, Krzyzewski doubted if MJ even managed to get any sleep.

In fact, Jordan’s Olympic teammate Charles Barkley claims that he, MJ, and Magic Johnson often played cards till five in the morning. But, this lack of sleep did not deter Jordan. By the end of the 1992 campaign, Jordan had led the team to a gold medal. All while averaging an incredible 15 points, five assists, and 4 steals per game.

“He’s like a bionic guy. Play cards. Play golf. Play basketball. I don’t know when he ever slept!”

He truly was a player who strived for greatness. Nevertheless, even the GOAT needed a break once in a while. And, while there were questions regarding his sleeplessness he managed to sneak in some shut-eye here and there.

When Jordan finally got some sleep everyone was surprised

To hear Coach K say it, Michael Jordan was pretty much an insomniac during the US Olympic team’s 1992 campaign. But that was not entirely true. He did manage to find Jordan sleeping once after a game, and upon witnessing this, all he could think was that it was the first time he had seen him sleep on the whole trip.

It just goes to show that Jordan was relentless even at the cost of his own well-being. And, while many may question his routine, it was one that helped make him a winner.

Post Edited By: Utathya Ghosh
coach k LeBron James Michael Jordan

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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