I'm American, honey. Our names don't mean shit.

Jeff Jordan is beginning to prove that basketball ability really does run in the family.

Michael Jordan's son walked on at Illinois last year, but coach Bruce Weber said Thursday that the sophomore guard has earned a scholarship.

Jordan is averaging almost 10 minutes a game off the bench for Illinois (16-3), which is enjoying a remarkable turnaround after going 16-19 last season. Jordan is averaging just over a point a game, but has become a key contributor on defense.

Jordan turned down a scholarship offer from Valparaiso to walk on with the Illini (T-24 ESPN/USA Today, No. 25 AP). He played about 5 minutes per game as a freshman.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press