Fresno Pacific Advances In NAIA Tournament

Tulsa, Ok- In the first round of the NAIA Division 1 Basketball Tournament, Fresno Pacific defeated Springfield College 81-56.

The game began with each team exchanging baskets, keeping the score relatively close. Midway through the contest, the game remained fairly close as Fresno Pacific was leading only by nine point.

Lead by Moore and Amundson, the Fresno Pacific team came out at halftime and steadily began to pull away from Springfield.

"When we left the locker room at halftime, I believe we had a different mentality. We knew we were so much better than Springfield, but didn't really show it during the first half," said Moore. "I believe we came back out in the second half and proved to everyone that we are a force in this tournament."

After the game I spoke with Springfield Coach Rick Pouncey who said, "Coming into this game we were the underdogs. Obviously the game did not turn out the way we wanted to, but my boys put forth a great effort and did not give up. "

Players on each squad made a strong contribution to their teams. Leading the way for Fresno Pacific was Kareem Moore with 24 points and Ty Amundson with 18 points. The top performer for Springfield was Muldrow with 20 points

Michael Jordan's Endorsements

Known for his prowess on the hardwood, NBA legend Michael Jordan rakes in just as many dollars off the court as he does on. Sponsorships by several major businesses, including NIKE, have allowed Jordan to earn an extra $40 million a year on top of his already $500 million net worth.

Michael Jordan, even though retired, still remains a spokesperson for his most recent endorsement deal with Hanes clothing. He serves as a model for their male underwear collection. Nike is also another company that still sponsors Jordan as well.

At the start of his career, NIKE, Jordan’s top sponsor, paid him nearly $20 million dollars a year in order to put his signature logo on their products. Now that price is up to $40 million. In 2010, according to Forbes Magazine, Jordan products generated nearly $1 billion dollars in sales for NIKE.

Nike and Hanes were not Jordan’s only endorsement deals. He was also a feast for the eyes in ads by Gatorade for their drinks, and by McDonald’s, Ball Park Franks, and Wheaties. Even his scent brought him fame through sponsorship of the MJ Cologne brand

For several years of his legendary basketball career, Michael Jordan was the highest paid athlete in the world, even managing to eclipse golfer Tiger Woods, as reported in the Forbes 2007 richest athletes list.