Most people love Michael Jordan. He ’ s the NBA’s No. 1 player who can run fast, jump high and shoot well. All these things are true, but there are other truths about Michael that are not so easily seen: his understanding of teamwork, his competitive spirit and his love for the game. It is these truths that form the deepest connection between Michael and me. After coaching him for eight seasons, I still wonder at Michael’s love for the game that moves us, even in practice games. I mean, he never takes a day off. One thing about Michael is that he takes nothing about his game for granted . When he first came to the NBA back in 1984, his outside shooting was not perfect, and he began to practice shooting hundreds of shots each day. In the end , he became a real three-point shooter. Playing outstanding defense didn’t come straight to him, either. He had to study his opponents , learn their usual moves and then try hard to learn the skills necessary to stop them. He worked extremely hard to perfect his footwork and his balance. Today, so many young people come to the game with the thought that talent is all they need for success. Michael thinks the other way. He knows his weaknesses, and for me, one of the signs of Michael’s greatness is that he has turned his weaknesses into strengths. Another of the qualities I respect most about Michael is his performance on the court. Whilst he is very competitive, he always respects the other players, whether they are on his team or on the other side. Often, he gives a hand to an opponent who falls down. He is definitely not the type of player who would try to build himself up by tearing someone else down . This is an act of leadership. Through his outstanding performance on the court, he has won love and respect from both his teammates and opponents. Every season, Michael makes himself available to groups of children with serious diseases. He puts them at ease , lets them have a laugh, and makes it possible for them to enjoy basketball. When Michael retires , I only hope that young players like Grant Hill and Kobe Bryant will be influenced by his performance and by his sense of fair play. I hope that people will remember him for much more than just his championship rings. Being Michael’s coach has been a great joy . But more importantly, I consider Michael to be a friend.