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Local kids share memories of Michael Photo by Bob Pennell Hedrick Middle School seventh-graders Orlando Sanchez, foreground, Cory Smith, rear, and Roberto Figueroa shoot a few lunchtime baskets Wednesday, the day of Michael Jordan's retirement. `I think it's about time' 7th-graders find much to admire in retiring superstar By ALEX BREITLER They loved his shoes. His jump shots left them breathless. And they fawned over his patented one-handed dunk from the free-throw line. But to the kids shooting hoops during Hedrick Middle School's seventh-grade lunch break Wednesday, Michael Jordan's retirement meant a lot more than Nike endorsements or the swish of a three-pointer. "He had a good attitude," says Daniel Knowles. "He wouldn't say a lot of bad things on TV like some other players." Many of the kids running up and down the courts say M.J. made the right decision. "I'm kind of happy about it, I think it's about time he retires," says Shayne Flock. "But he had a great attitude and he's a great player -- I think Jordan kept his team together." "Nike's going to miss him," he adds. "But Jordan has so much money, he doesn't know what to do with it." Lots of kids fondly remember Jordan's game-winning shot against Utah in the NBA Finals last year. Others are content with visions of M.J. flying through the key for a dunk. Kellin Bostwick isn't the biggest Jordan fan in town -- he says he's glad to hear of the retirement. "I think he shows off a little," Bostwick says. "He's a good player, but I think he talked (about himself) too much." And some are sick of all the hype surrounding the Chicago Bulls star's career. "I'm glad because they'll stop doing the endorsements," says Rob Chaney. Or will they? Most students agree Jordan should live in peace with his family now that he's not in the league. Stephen Olson adds another perspective: "It's good he's retiring just because he's been around for so long," he says. "He's so good, it's not very exciting to watch him anymore." But most kids remembered Jordan as a star, the best hoopster to ever play the game. "He and Dennis Rodman, they made a really good team," says Jamie Broone. "Jordan's the best player out there, I think. He could still play, but it's up to him." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA