Originally Posted by
dball
It was uncommon for sophomores to play varsity ball during that era. It would have been more of a story if a 5'9"" guard had been put on the varsity of the really good team (playoff contender the year before with both starting guards returning). Jordan's coach did pull one 6'7'' guy out of the 10th grade though since the varsity lacked height. Jordan was a superstar on the JV but it was the norm for 9th and 10th graders to play JV with the varsity being 11th and 12th graders. (Much like freshmen couldn't play college ball. Arbitrary, but customary.) Though, of course, this really supports your comment about how much the game and the approach to the game have changed.