John Travolta -- I'm a Big Basketball Fan ... Balled Out In High School!!

Did you know ... John Travolta was a jock in high school?

Turns out, back before he was a world famous movie star ... Travolta says he was a member of his high school hoops squad back in Englewood, New Jersey.

In fact, Travolta says he's got a solid 5 years of experience under his belt ... and still considers himself a pretty big basketball fan.

So, we had to ask about some pretty shocking poll results that came out over the weekend -- 34% of people believe 52-year-old Michael Jordan would beat LeBron in a 1-on-1 game RIGHT NOW!!!

Check out Travolta's answer -- it makes sense.

Meantime, here's some footage of Travolta hoopin' at Rydell High ...