Bradenton, FL –

We walked into the restaurant after our three games of 1-on-1, both living a dream.  Different dreams, for sure.  But dreams, nonetheless.

“We”, being myself and Rodney Hood of the Utah Jazz.

I had just realized a dream of mine by testing my skills against my first active NBA player, something that when I reflect on where I started with this journey, seems rather surreal.

Rodney on the other hand, a little over a month ago, finished his rookie season in the NBA and finished it strong, being named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for April.

I had to know more about the man who walked around so unassuming, yet has seemingly trained the basketball to find the net on nearly every attempt.  A skill set that I had begrudgingly just witnessed first hand.

We placed our food on the long, metal, high-top table located near the center of the establishment, sat down, and then the 23rd pick in this past year’s NBA Draft lowered his head and began to pray.

He’s come a very long way in his 22 years of living and he’s thankful.

Rodney Hood is humbly, thankful.

The Player

Rodney grew up on the east side of Mississippi, near the border of Alabama, in the town of Meridian.  He grew up, the youngest of three children, in a family that all played basketball.

His parents, Ricky and Vicky, both played ball at Mississippi State while his older brother and sister, Ricky Jr. and Whitney, played at Chattanooga.

Still, with basketball embedded in his genes, the NBA wasn’t really something young Rodney thought about.  That would come much later.

Even when he began to sprout up in height (now 6’8″) and national high school basketball rankings, being ranked as high as 16th overall during his senior year of high school, playing college basketball like his brother was at the top of his dreams.

But Mississippi’s two-time Gatorade Player of the Year wouldn’t go on to just play.

He starred at Mississippi State and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team that first year.  After his coach at Mississippi State retired following his freshman season, he decided to transfer to Duke.  He was forced to sit out that first season at Duke, due to NCAA transfer rules, but came back the following year as the Team Captain and averaged 16.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

It was while at Duke that he realized that he had a real shot at the ever elusive NBA dream.

In April of 2014, Rodney officially declared for the NBA Draft and then on June 26, 2014 the Utah Jazz made him the 23rd selection in the National Basketball Association’s Draft.

The Rookie – Overcoming Adversity

Rodney’s rookie season in the NBA most likely didn’t go exactly how he envisioned it.  It went more the way a good book reads.  Hope, promise, adversity, more hope, even more adversity and then overcoming it all to find wild success.

Hood missed 31 games this past year due to planter fasciitis in one foot, which then jumped to the other when he admittedly came back a little too soon.

But Rodney stayed strong and finished the season by averaging 16.7 ppg in April and was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month, joining Trey Burke and a guy named Karl Malone as the only Utah Jazz players to win such an award.

Me vs. Rodney Hood

httpvhd://youtu.be/RJQj26NVz_Q

(Video Link)

I met Rodney in Bradenton as he was there training at IMG Academy in preparation for next season.

As you can see from the video, Rodney made quick work of me.  He cruised to three easy wins.  Lionel Richie would have been singing in the background, if it were only Sunday.

Final scores were 15-0, 15-6, and 15-1.

He made almost every shot…literally.  Without exaggeration, Hood shot at or better than 90% in our three games.

Truthfully, I couldn’t even get him to breathe hard and I tried my very best.

I walked into the gym knowing he was one of the best 450 players in the World, and I was still stunned at his efficiency.

The few times I actually touched the ball, his height disturbed my shot, causing me to rush it.  Even when I realized he was going to let me get the shots off, it still bothered me.  It’s not every day that I get to match-up with a guy that skilled and 6’8″.  Ok, in reality I’ve never matched up against anyone like him.

But I loved every second of it.

It’s extremely inspiring to see and experience someone so great at something.

And he was just as inspiring off the court as he was on it.

The Man

He was so much more than I expected.

He was kind, every letter of the word humble, and very aware of the platform he’s been blessed to stand on.

In a world full of people so willing to shout “look at me”, Rodney Hood seems at ease letting his work do all of the talking.

After asking him some questions during lunch, Hood quickly turned the conversation to my journey.  He listened intently.  He cared.

A part of me wanted to tell him, you do realize you are one of the very best in the world, don’t you!?  That it’s ok to boast a little and that you’ve worked so very hard to get where you are.  Harder than most will ever begin to understand.

But I found myself drawn in and instead sharing how impressed I was with his 22 year old self.

I felt this great want to introduce him to everyone I know.  This hope inside that this world never changes him.

And I don’t believe it will.

He credited his family for his outlook and approach and said he understands just how fleeting his current position in life can be.

Faith

He raised his head from prayer and I somewhat jokingly asked, “Did you pray for me too?”

He smiled and said, he did.

Faith.  Oh where would I be without my faith?

This journey began so selfishly, with my singular want to play basketball with Michael Jordan and now every single conversation about mevsMJ.com turns into a conversation about God.

My time with Rodney was no exception.

Hood shared that his grandparents have played a pivotal role in his spiritual life.  His grandmother gave him a scripture that he reads before every game he plays.  It’s found in the book of Psalms and reads:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23

Battling through the adversity of his rookie season only brought him closer to God.

“Things were moving very fast in a lot of areas of my life.  I had been carrying around the Bible my Grandma gave me and one day I just decided to pick it up and start reading.  I was going through the ups and downs of my rookie season and it helped me a lot.  It’s now just become a part of my life,” he explained.

Hood fully understands and gives credit for just how far God has brought him.

He gets that there is a greater purpose at work and he’s doing his best to make the most of it.

Hard Work

“My parents taught me at a young age that anything worth having is worth working hard for,” Hood shared at lunch.

Hard work being two words that kept coming up in our conversations in between games on the court and now between bites of food.

He went on, “I’ve always, even as a kid, been able to have this extreme focus towards the things I want to accomplish.  To put my head down and just go to work.  I know that regardless of how things are going or what I’m going through, that hard work will get me there.  It may not always be easy, but in the end working through the tough times will make the end results even sweeter.”

I was fully leaning into the conversation and now smiling as I listened.  Emotions welled up inside of me.

Rodney was speaking my message back to me, even though he had only heard of mevsMJ.com a few days earlier.

I was more blown away with him as a person than I was as a basketball player, if that was even possible.

I guess I knew I wouldn’t have handled the dream he is living as well as he is…not at 22 anyway.

His outlook and maturity, so far beyond his years.

Humility

It was the summer of 2005, when a then 10 year old Rodney and his Mom were in New Orleans, visiting the sites.  They had just left the aquarium and had decided to go shopping when they surprisingly spotted Joe Johnson of the Phoenix Suns.

Rodney was beyond excited but too shy to approach Johnson.  Seeing an NBA player wasn’t something that happened in Meridian.  But Hood’s Mom did what Mom’s do and approached Johnson for her thrilled son.

Johnson was kind and so humble.  He took a picture with little Rodney and signed an envelope that Hood’s Mom happened to have.

That short encounter was huge for Hood.

“It was the biggest thing that had ever happened to me,” he explained.

“And I remember that, and how I felt,” he continued.

“When kids come up to me now, I see myself in them, because I was that kid.  I want every interaction to be as close to perfect as it can be for anyone I meet, young or old, because I know the impact that those moments can have.”

“I know that if I’m respectful, patient and kind that they will remember that.  I also know that if I brush them off they will remember that.  I want them to have a great experience.  I know they see me differently because I’m in the NBA and I take that responsibility seriously.”

“What may be a small moment of time for me, could be something they remember for the rest of their life.  I know I still remember my time with Joe,” he said reflecting.

This past season when the Jazz played in Brooklyn against the Nets, the kid got to play against the man that impacted him that day in Louisiana.  He guarded Joe and Joe guarded him.

After the game he was able to thank Johnson for being a blessing in his life, so many years earlier.

Today, Rodney is being that same blessing in lives of others.

Giving Back

Rodney and his brother Ricky have come together to form the Mississippi Express AAU basketball team.  It’s a travel team that has a goal of winning, but Hood was quick to point out that his main purpose in starting it was to give opportunity to the kids of Mississippi through the game of basketball.

Also this August, Rodney will be holding the “Welcome to the Hood” community camp, geared towards bringing the city together.  Over the two days, there will be BBQ, fun slides, food and backpack giveaways stuffed with school supplies.

“It will be a fun time.  It’s hard for a lot of people back home and I want to give them something to look forward to and hopefully make a positive impact going into the school year,” Hood said.

A Difference Maker

I’m now a huge Rodney Hood fan and I let him know as much in a phone conversation Friday evening.  I’m a fan of who he is and wants to be as a human being.

Basketball, even if he enjoys a 15 year career and I pray that he does, will be just a portion of the life that he will live.  Greater than anything he does in the NBA will be the impact he makes on society.  I believe that will be his true legacy.

We all have a platform.  Some larger than others, but we all have one.

Sometimes in cases like mine, we set out on a journey with one goal in mind and are guided in a different direction.

My greatest want in life is to be able to inspire positive growth in the lives of others.  It honestly wasn’t always that way.  This journey has changed me.  And I’m beyond thankful for that.

I pray, that I’m able to look back one day and know that my time was utilized to its fullest.  To know that I made the most of this journey I’ve been blessed to live.

It’s refreshing to meet people like Rodney that in the middle of living their dreams are doing everything they can to make a difference.

Rodney Hood is a special guy and one that I hope you all get the pleasure of meeting in your lifetime.

He’s a difference maker.  One I’m now blessed to know.

Me vs. Michael Jordan…the journey continues.

As always, thank you for your support and for following along.

Thank You!

Thank you Rodney Hood!  Thank you for taking your time and helping me on this journey.  Thank you for being a difference maker.  Your selfless act will surely inspire many.  I will wear my Jazz gear with pride!

I must also thank Morgan Jones!  Morgan, who I met four years ago during a basketball workout, has become a great friend and someone I’m so thankful to know.  She’s a special person and has been supporting me since day one.  A couple of weeks ago she reached out and said that she may have a game for me and sure enough, she did.  I can’t thank you enough MJ!  Thank you also for the great video!!!

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If you’re new here, I set out in August 2010 to get a game of 1-on-1 vs. my childhood hero Michael Jordan. This site is about that journey…through every valley, to every mountain top of triumph!

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

####

Connect: Twitter (@KennyEller), Instagram (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Page.

Pembroke Pines, Florida

Sitting near the end of the wooden bleacher just off to the side of the court, he turned to me after our game with effort still apparent on his shirt and brow, and implored, “We’ve got to stop lying.  We’ve got the tell the truth.  It’s the only way that we can truly help people.”

The sincerity and urgency of the words that former NBA All-Star Kenny Anderson shared, swept over me and the rest of the gymnasium.

He was teaching.  His words, carrying a lifetime of learning, now danced about like his legendary New York City handle.  His life now as dedicated to helping others, as it once was to the game of basketball.

His agreeing to help me and my journey after a brief exchange on Twitter, further proof of that.

The Player, The Legend, The All-Star

Kenny Anderson was born in Queens, New York.  Raised by his mother Joan, his first memories of basketball were around the age of six, where he would hangout at local parks and hoist up attempts at the goal in between the games that the older kids were playing.

But basketball loved Kenny and he loved it back.  By the time he was in the sixth grade, collegiate recruiters were already scouting the child prodigy.

He would go on to star at Archbishop Molloy High School and when he was done there he was considered the top high school basketball player in the entire country and a New York City Legend.  You name the award, he received it.  Parade All-American, All-City, Gatorade Player of the Year, New York State Player of the Year, Naismith Player of the Year, USA Today Player of the Year and of course New York State Mr. Basketball.  Keep in mind this was well before social media and basketball mixtapes used to create a buzz.

From there he took his talents down south to Georgia Tech, where he played for two years and helped lead his team to the Final Four in 1990.

Kenny then went on to win a bronze medal while playing for the US National Team in the 1990 FIBA World Championship.

Then in 1991, his childhood dream came true when the New Jersey Nets selected him with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft.  Kenny would go on to play for nine different teams during his 14 year career in the National Basketball Association.  During the 1993-94 season he was named as an NBA All-Star, with averages of 18.8 points, 9.6 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals.

How I Met Kenny

In the middle of January, Kenny Anderson, most likely half joking, sent out a tweet about giving the NBA Developmental League a try as a player/coach.

I replied, “How about playing me 1-on-1 as a tune up?”

Less than seven minutes later, I was on the phone talking about mevsMJ.com and what this journey is all about with one of the greatest point guards ever!

Kenny was all for playing and doing anything he could to help and with that we set a date to make the game happen!

Me vs. Kenny Anderson

httpvhd://youtu.be/olkb2foe968

(Video Link)

The final score 15-11.  I won!  I repeat…I WON!

While I do feel like that I am in the best shape of my life right now (down 20 lbs in the last 6 months – cut out sugars, etc.), I know when it comes to basketball, Kenny Anderson is in another galaxy.

Truthfully, I think I surprised Kenny a bit with my shooting ability and on this day, the shots fell for me.

Kenny smiled as he congratulated me after the win, and told me that I’m a great shooter.  How cool is that!?  The one and only Kenny Anderson…said that I am a great shooter!  Truly an amazing feeling.

He also set up the rematch!  More on this later.

The Humanitarian

Kenny, like all those that have helped me on my journey to play Michael Jordan, possesses a very selfless quality that is rather rare in society these days.

I better understood his willingness to help after spending some time with him after our game this past Friday.

His basketball dreams were never fueled by the NBA lifestyle and the access that it lends.  It was for his Mom, Joan.  He wanted so badly to take care of the woman that had always taken care of him.

Kenny now travels the World speaking and doing anything he can to help encourage and inspire others through the lessons in his own story.

He’s been at the top of the mountain and in the shadows of the valley and because of that he has great perspective on life.  No longer is he set on making millions of dollars because when he had millions he realized that money didn’t bring him happiness.  Instead he finds true joy in his family, friends and uplifting others.

Not Done Yet

Kenny has one last dream that he’d like to fulfill in the game of basketball, but I’ll let him share that with you when the time is right.

I know that when it happens, it will be a beautiful thing to see and I’ll be right there cheering him on!

The Rematch

Yes, there will be a rematch!  This time in Orlando, where I live.

Tentative date is for sometime in August.

Kenny has already warned me that he is determined to be in much better shape this go around.

He’s coming for redemption.  He’s coming for the win!  I can’t wait!

3-on-3 For A Difference

Last week I lived a dream by playing basketball with former NBA All-Star Kenny Anderson.  In the process I gained an amazing friend.

Kenny has already invited me to be on his team next year, as part of his 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Atlanta, which raises money for RAINN – the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and one of “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine.

Impact and Change

My prayer has been for God to use mevsMJ.com to impact others.  I’m humbled to see Him doing just that.

We all live a book, each with a story filled with its share of glory and heartache.  The theme of society has been to at all costs present the facade until our days are no more.

But Kenny was right.

Until we are truthful in our walks, we cannot truly help anyone.  Until we are no longer ashamed of our stumbles and falls, but understand that every bit of what we live is a story for the World to glean from – only then will true impact be made.

This isn’t a basketball story.  This is, as it always has been…a life story.

Believe in your dreams.  Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

me vs. Michael Jordan…the journey continues!

Thank You!

I can’t thank Kenny Anderson enough for taking time to make a difference in this journey.  His outlook on life has impacted me and will continue to impact others.

I also must thank my brother Bob, who captured all of the great video.  You inspire me as well.

And the fine folks over at TNT Elite Hoops, Gerrod and Nick, for helping me get in the best shape of my life for this game!  Appreciate it!

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If you’re new here, I set out in August 2010 to get a game of 1-on-1 vs. my childhood hero Michael Jordan. This site is about that journey…through every valley, to every mountain top of triumph!

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

####

Connect: Twitter (@KennyEller), Instagram (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Page.

Before our third game of 1-on-1 Saturday afternoon, former NBA great Chucky Atkins told me, “My goal is to hold you under 6 points this game.”  I replied, “My goal is to get 15,” to which he shot back with one eyebrow raised, “Well, that’s not gonna happen!”

I handed him the ball, crouched down on defense and said, “You gotta dream big!”

Kenneth Lavon Atkins, better known to most as Chucky, knows all about dreaming big.  Standing just 5’11” he’s by no means a big guy by NBA standards, but he’s gigantic when it comes to heart.

Chucky grew up in Orlando, Florida and starred at Evans high school.  From there the lightly recruited point guard took his talents to the University of South Florida where he played four years and tore up the conference, averaging just over 19 points and four assists per game his senior season.

Despite his stellar career at USF, Atkins went undrafted.  He never gave up though and continued to pursue his dream of playing professional basketball, first in the CBA and then overseas for two years.

Then in 1999, his lifelong dream to play in the NBA became a reality when he signed with his hometown Orlando Magic.

Atkins would go on to play 11 seasons in the NBA (retired in 2011) with career averages of just under 10 points and 4 assists.

It was while playing for Orlando where I first met Chucky Atkins – nearly 16 years ago.

Humility and Impact – 16 Years Ago

I began interning at the local ABC affiliate in 1997, just two years into my college life.  I was set on being a sports broadcaster and spent my nights and weekends cutting my teeth in video editing bays and behind the keyboard, doing my best to make the words I typed, “Sing and Dance!” as my former mentor Glen Dehmer would often say.

Those were fun times, and I learned a lot, but the real payoff for me was getting to go to the Orlando Magic games.  It was there that I sat courtside at the game I loved and to top it off, I got to do the post game interviews with the players.

I interviewed quite a few players in my day.  One of my very favorites was Chucky Atkins.

At that time, the press was allowed to interview players in the locker room, but once a player left the locker room they were in no way obligated to speak to anyone.

Chucky Atkins had a big game for Orlando that night and for whatever reason, I was late in getting to where I needed to be.

So as I’m making my way to the locker room, Chucky is leaving.  Atkins, now out the door and walking down the hallway towards me, stopped and gracefully obliged when I asked if I could possibly interview him.

With no scope of how most players would have reacted in that situation, this story may not seem like that big of a deal.

I’ve told people that story quite a few times over the last 16 years.  While I can’t remember what I asked him, the impact made on me that day was quite large.

Here was a guy at the top of his profession.  One of the best 450 in the World.  And he was so humble.  So down to earth.  So willing to help.

When others, at times, would give one word answers and seem bothered by anyone with a mic, it was refreshing to see someone on the far opposite side of the spectrum.

I’ve been a big Chucky Atkins fan since.

An Instagram Connection Leads to a Game – 16 Years Later

As I just wrote, I’m a Chucky Atkins fan, but I also believe that his journey correlates so well with every single person who has a dream.

His is a story of triumph from someone who was overlooked more than once.

His success, the direct result of his unwavering belief in himself coupled with his tremendous work ethic.

I hadn’t spoken to Chucky since his days with the Magic, as not too long after he was traded to Detroit, my time in TV ended as well.

But this past Thursday I decided to leave him a comment on one of his Instagram pictures, explaining my want for him to be a part of this journey.

To be clear – even with our interaction above, all those years ago – Atkins had no clue who I was.

Still, by 6pm that evening we were on the phone and I was sharing my journey to play Michael Jordan with him.

After just a few minutes of listening, the same humble Chucky said that he’d be happy to help!

And with that we were set for our one-on-one battle Saturday afternoon!

Me vs. Chucky Atkins

httpvhd://youtu.be/wcu0uTGBaok

(Video Link)

As you saw in the video, the games weren’t close.

We played four games in total and while I did my best, Chucky’s best was far better.

The scores were:  15-10, 15-6, 15-4, 15-0

The only times I scored were when he basically let me shoot.

Even with the beatings, I had a great time!

While playing Chucky Atkins, much like when I played DeShawn Stevenson, I couldn’t help but have moments where my mind was blown that I’m 1-on-1 on the court with him.  After a nice move by Chucky, I would find myself thinking – that was sweet and then snap back and think wait a minute that was against me, compete…haha!

It was very cool.

Straight Fire

At now 40 years of age, it took Atkins about a game to get warmed up (he did no shooting or stretching prior to checking the ball in).

But once he got in the groove, it was over.  You know the saying, “It’s like riding a bike”?  Well, Chucky Atkins’ bike is on fire!

This guy started pulling from everywhere.  Looking back, it was incredible to witness, even at my own expense.

Crafty and Strong

I wanted to be more physical than I had been in previous match-ups.

The first game I played up on him a bit more and used more arms, hands and body weight, but each time he’d use it against me.  So much so, that it changed my whole game plan.

He’s strong and has really large hands.  The kind that grab a ball off the court like it’s a grapefruit.  I was surprised how tough it was for me to move when he had a hand on me.  That, without a doubt, influenced what I tried to do and resulted in some not so great shot attempts at times.

Moves that Matter

A lot of guys do moves just to do moves.  Every move Chucky does has a reason.  His ability to handle the ball and quickly get into his shot was inspiring.

I kept thinking, how is this guy 40 years old and what was he like at 25!?!?

Still Quick

For all those that will leave a comment saying I should have played up on him more after watching him rain in three after three, thanks for the post game advice.

The reality is he is quick!  Really quick!

Competitive

He talks.  At times a lot.  It’s like a transformation once he’s on the court.  Competitive confidence at its peak.

A quick example.  After blasting me 15-0 in game 4, he yelled out in my direction, “That’s what you came here for right!  That’s what you came here for!”

I loved every bit of it!  It was all in good nature of course.  It actually made me feel like I did back in the day growing up playing on the local courts, except I couldn’t talk back too much to Chucky, haha!

Kind Words and Support from a Great Guy

After the games and the pictures, Chucky let me know that if there is anything else he can ever do to help, to not hesitate to reach out and ask.  He told me he really likes what I’m doing and is here to support!

To respond to an Instagram post from someone you don’t know and to then agree to play just two days later is absolutely amazing.

As my friend Andy Gebru, who knows Atkins, said when we talked about the happenings of the last couple of days, “That’s Chucky!”

Dreams + Faith + Hard Work = Chucky Atkins

When I look at Chucky Atkins, I see a lot of myself.  Not from a basketball standpoint of course, but as a dreamer and doer.

Chucky grew up, a kid dreaming of playing in the NBA, even though he really had limited exposure to the league until the Orlando Magic came to town.

He loved the game so much that he used to sneak into Magic games and at 14 years of age even made his way into the Orlando Magic practice facility while the team practiced.  He soon realized that as long as he sat there quietly, they would let him stay and watch.

With that the dreamer began to study the game he loved so much.

Chucky understood even as a young man, that if he was going to make his dream come true one day, he had to know what it took to get there.  So he sat there, watched and learned.  He would then implement the drills and moves that he saw during those practices into his own workouts.

And every time someone overlooked him, it just motivated him to work harder.

After being cut by the Vancouver Grizzles literally hours before the start of the regular season his first year out of college, Chucky became even more determined to realize his dream.

For the next four years he played and trained literally every single day.  That’s Monday through Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Most days at least six hours a day.  Some days, from the time he got up, to the time he went to bed.

“I’d go play ball.  Then I’d do some skill work.  Then I’d go to another court and play.  Then I’d lift weights and go play some more. My feet would hurt.  My knees would hurt.  But if I wasn’t doing something with a basketball, I just always felt that someone else was out there getting better,” Atkins said.

Chucky went on, “I took my first break from basketball after my rookie season with the Orlando Magic.  By the time the season ended I had tendinitis in my knees so bad that it was tough to walk.  But I was determined to realize my dream.“

I asked Atkins where his internal confidence to always believe – no matter the obstacle – came from.

“That comes from my Dad.  He always told me that if I do the work, the rest will take care of itself.  A lot of people say I’m cocky, but I don’t see it that way.  I just don’t see anything wrong with believing in your abilities.  I know the work I’ve put in, so why not be confident,” he said.

In a phone call Sunday night he shared, “Just like people have told you that your dream will never happen, but now look what’s happened and you’re over four years in.  So many people told me I’d never play in the NBA, and I ended up playing 11 seasons.  I always believed, no matter what.“

“And if I had a dime for every time someone said I was too short to play in the NBA, I’d be Mark Cuban right now,” said Atkins.

Still Dreaming Big

After spending the last couple of seasons coaching Evans, his former high school, I asked Chucky what he has planned next.

“Coaching at the collegiate or professional level.  I’ve had some discussions with coaches and teams,” he replied.

Loving what I heard I told him, “So you’re still dreaming big.”

Enthusiastically, he quickly responded, “Absolutely!  Got to.  I’ve got a lot still left to accomplish.  A whole lot.“

I couldn’t agree more.

Chucky Atkins is a special guy.  One that I’m happy to now call my friend and supporter!

mevsMJ.com…the journey continues!

Thank You!

Again, thank you so much Chucky Atkins for believing in and supporting my dream!  I greatly appreciate you!  Your kindness and willingness to help inspires me!

Also, I must thank my guys Avery and Anthony Brown for capturing all of the great video of our games.  You are great young men, my little brothers and I’m thankful for you.

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If you’re new here, I set out in August 2010 to get a game of 1-on-1 vs. my childhood hero Michael Jordan.  This site is about that journey…through every valley, to every mountain top of triumph!

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

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Connect: Twitter (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Page.

Since the day I began really playing basketball, some 23 years ago, I’ve dreamed of walking onto a basketball court, lacing up my Jordans and matching up against one of the World’s best – an NBA Player.

On Friday, January 17th, that lifelong Dream came true when I went head-to-head with NBA Champion, DeShawn Stevenson!

DeShawn Stevenson – The Player

At 19 years of age, DeShawn Stevenson was the 23rd selection in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz – right out of high school.  Known as a prolific scorer (30.4 ppg) with off the charts athleticism out of Washington Union high school, DeShawn became the youngest player to ever start for Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan and the Utah Jazz.

Throughout his 13 year NBA career, DeShawn has played for the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks (Won NBA Championship), New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn Nets), and the Atlanta Hawks where he spent last season.

Released by the Hawks in August, DeShawn is now staying in shape and training with Orlando Hoops, while he looks to land a spot on a championship contender’s roster sometime this season.

DeShawn Stevenson – The Person

Before I get into the dream.  Before I tell you about the games versus DeShawn, I’ve got to tell you about the man I met Friday afternoon.

I don’t type the next few words lightly – I pound the keys to share that DeShawn Stevenson is one of the NICEST PEOPLE I’VE EVER MET.

That isn’t me being kind or being thankful, which I am, for the experience.  It’s me sharing the biggest takeaway, personally, of the entire event.

I was blown away.

I asked DeShawn, after our games, if he gets approached a lot by people to play basketball.

I asked because for the 3 years and 5 months I’ve been on this journey to play Michael Jordan, I’ve been trying to figure out how to get someone in the NBA to play me.

I’ve asked over 20 NBA guys to play – in person (some on an actual basketball court) – and they’ve all declined.

I had wondered if being asked to play when you’re one of the best, was a constant.

His answer spoke volumes.

He stated that while he does get asked for pictures often at places like the airport…he doesn’t really get approached to play.  His thoughts as to why that is the case, most likely the perception that is out there about him.

When Perception – Is Not – Reality

DeShawn Stevenson is every bit of 6’5″.  He’s intimidating on the court with a strong and athletic build.  He’s got more ink than a printer cartridge, making up numerous tattoos that cover his body.

He’s got a lot of heart too.

His most recent tattoo, a picture of one of his closest childhood friends who recently and tragically passed away.

To watch him on an NBA court, he’s a ferocious, in your face, defender.  He fears no one.  Confidence spilling out of every pore.

Off the court – at least in my interactions with him on Friday, I saw a different guy.

• He’s the kind of guy that shows up a few minutes late and apologizes.
• He’s the kind of guy who, after finding out that the first few minutes of our game wasn’t recorded, says “Don’t worry, we can play a best of 5 games series so that you have plenty of video!”
• He’s the kind of guy who says, “best of 5 game series” when he knows he can beat me easily every single time.
• He’s the kind of guy that insists that I get the ball first and AFTER I make my first shot, asks where my feet were and then explains that for me the college line (which my feet were behind) will count for 2 points, but for him the NBA line will count for 2.  When I plead that I too will only count behind the NBA line as 2 pointers, DeShawn insists that I keep the 2 points (up 2-0) and continue to use the shorter distance to my advantage.
• He’s the kind of guy that willingly puts on one of my mevsMJ.com shirts and takes picture after picture to make sure it’s just right.
• He’s the kind of guy that drives over 40 minutes – one way – just to play me.  Just to HELP.

I reached out to a friend of mine in the NBA, that I’ve met through this journey, who didn’t know I was going to play or meet DeShawn, but that I later found out has known DeShawn since high school.

I shared the impact of DeShawn Stevenson’s kindness on me.

I asked, is that the guy you know as well?

He responded, “D Steve is incredible.  Best teammate anyone could have.”

Me vs. DeShawn Stevenson

– Before the Game –

I arrived at Orlando Hoops just after 11am on Friday.  There was an abnormal chill in Central Florida air.

Truthfully, I was nervous.

I warmed up with my brother, wanting to be as loose as possible, while at the same time trying to conserve every bit of energy for what was about to take place.

I didn’t know what to expect.

Would this NBA Defensive stopper jump on me and make quick work of my efforts?

Would he come to send a message?

I had no clue what his outlook would be on the game – or on my journey.

During the prior couple of days, after finding out that “G” (Coach Gerrod Trytten of Orlando Hoops) had reached out to DeShawn to set up the game – my mind flashed with random moments of DeShawn’s playing career.

From his days as a McDonald’s All-American all the way throughout his playing time in the NBA, I knew a lot about DeShawn Stevenson.  I had seen him posterize some of the best.  I had watched him lock up offensive scoring machines.  I had seen him gladly take on the challenge of LeBron, Wade, Kobe, and yes, even Michael Jordan.

When I told my brother that I was going to play DeShawn Stevenson, with an oh my goodness tone, he said, “Wow!  That’s HUGE!  Your dream is coming true man!”

We’re a basketball family, so I went into these games with much respect.

My brother left work, just to come record and watch.  He was living the dream as well!

– My Mindset Going Into the Game –

To some reading this, the next few words may sound really weak, but I honestly just wanted to score at least once.

I’ve been exposed to enough REAL basketball on this mevsMJ.com journey to know that I stand no chance against anyone in the NBA, much less someone with defensive prowess like Stevenson.

I play, with all I have, because I love this game.  Because an experience like this, as I’ve already said, is a childhood dream come true for me.  I play to hopefully inspire you, whether you play basketball or not, in your own life.  I play, to show you that anything is possible with faith and hard work!  I play, to give you a real life, go out and grab it example that dreams DO come true!

And even though I know deep down I have no shot of winning, once the ball is checked in, I play to win.

– The Game Begins – The First Shot –

DeShawn hands me the ball, crouches down on defense and the game begins!

After a couple of jab steps, I know with the space he’s giving me that I have a chance to get my shot off.

This is ideal, because shooting is what I do!

So as quickly as I can, I rise up – hopeful – from 21 feet at the top of the arc and let the dream flyyyyyyy.

SWISHHHHHHH!

At that moment, every imaginary game, every make believe buzzer beater against an NBA player when I was a kid, came true!

Sure the game was just 2-0, but to me, everything I had dreamed of as a young man, desperately learning this game of basketball, came to fruition!

DeShawn Stevenson made it come true.

– The Results –

In the end, DeShawn and I played three games of 1-on-1 Friday.

Yes, the five game series he was so kind enough to do, was a sweep, haha!

The scores of each game:

Game 1:  15-8 (The first two of my points – not captured on video)

Game 2:  15-3

Game 3:  15-4

– The Truth – He Took It Really Easy On Me –

As you will see in the video below, DeShawn’s kindness was also shown in his effort against me.

He knew he could blast me 15-0 if he wanted to.

And while I had told him before the games began, “If you can keep me from getting a shot off, I want you to do that.  Don’t take it easy on me.” – what I witnessed was that his goal wasn’t to prove how much better he was than me.  His career shows that.

Instead, I think he knew he was fulfilling a dream for a guy with BIG dreams.

He knew he would win, but I believe he wanted me to feel accomplished as well.

– Intimidated – Beat At My Own Game – But I Got Better! –

DeShawn’s size bothered me.

It made me rush shot attempts from a little further out than I probably would have liked.

Because he was cruising – I was given numerous chances to score.  But adrenaline mixed with fatigue got the better of me.

In the end, he beat me at my own game – shooting.

He rained in NBA three after NBA three.

Finally in game three, I tried to apply more ball pressure, but to no avail.

By the time I realized he wasn’t going to take me to the basket and make a poster out of me, the games were over.

I got better though because he showed me that I really need to work on shooting quicker, from deeper, and also work on getting to the basket and finishing strong against much larger defenders.

He also explained after the games, every single tendency of my game.  He knew when I was going to shoot and when I was going to drive.  He broke me down to myself in detail (I won’t share because players will use it against me) which left me amazed.  He had me figured out in a handful of minutes.

That’s one glaring difference maker in the approach of an NBA player.

It’s never been more evident that I need to work diligently on mixing up my game.

Even in defeat though, I learned a lot and thus – I got better!

So without further ado…here is Me vs. DeShawn Stevenson!

Me vs. DeShawn Stevenson (Video)

httpvhd://youtu.be/N5L61sXA-zo

 (link to video)

 Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

If you’ve been following my journey for awhile, you know about the struggle.  You know how many rejections came before this amazing YES.

I’ve been telling you that Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work for a couple of years now and THIS IS A HUGE EXAMPLE of that.

Life can be hard at times – no doubt.  There are going to be ups and downs and sometimes it seems as though there are just downs and more downs.  But you’ve got to keep believing!  You’ve got to keep pushing!

I believe we were all created to do amazing things!

My goal on this journey and through this experience with DeShawn is to motivate you to move in a positive direction.

To look at me and say IF HE CAN DO THAT, SO CAN I!

mevsMJ.com isn’t about basketball.  It’s about life.

1 game – me vs. Michael Jordan – the amazing journey continues!!!

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THANK YOU DeShawn Stevenson!  Thank you for taking the time to make a dream come true.  Thank you for being an example for so many others.  Thank you for inspiring me and those that follow this journey.  You’ve made a HUGE difference and for that I am forever grateful.

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Special Thanks to Orlando Hoops!

I have to give a special shout out to Gerrod Trytten and the entire Orlando Hoops family for constantly and consistently BELIEVING in me and my journey!  Without their willingness to HELP none of this would have been possible.

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If you’re new here, I set out in August 2010 to get a game of 1-on-1 vs. my childhood hero Michael Jordan.  This site is about that journey…through every valley, to every mountain top of triumph!

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

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Connect:  Twitter (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Page.

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 10 months since my last mevsMJ.com 1-on-1 match-up.  If you’ve been following this journey of mine to play Michael Jordan since the beginning, you know that the lack of 1-on-1 games isn’t due to a deficiency in effort on my part.

I’ll play anyone, anywhere.

I’ve had games that were going to happen, fall through and either been told no or brushed aside by more than 10 current NBA players.  It’s been extremely tough to get guys to commit to hoop, to say the least.

Maybe I just look like I’m a baller!?

Baller jokes aside, when I got the call from my friend Sean saying that he had someone that would play me, I was more than excited to get out there and do my best.

DJ Ferguson – My Opponent

This past Tuesday, I made my way over to the RDV Sportsplex in Orlando to play DJ Ferguson, the starting point guard of the IBL’s Orlando Venom.

During his junior season at Flagler college he averaged 11 points and led the entire nation in assists at over 9 per game.  He came back in 2010-2011, his senior year, and once again led the country in assists with over 9 dimes a game while averaging just over 10 points.

Before I get into my takeaways from the games, check out the video of our match-up below.

Me vs. DJ Ferguson (Video): 

httpvh://youtu.be/PMpeRQiFuGc

[Video Link]

Playing Pros (The Recap) 

The short of it, DJ Ferguson is just better than me at the game of hoops.

He’s quicker, stronger, younger (22), and most importantly farrrrrr more skilled.  As I’ve said in the past, there is a reason people get scholarships to play basketball and an even greater reason they get paid to play.

Overall, I was happy with my performance in Game 1.  From the opening play, DJ took me out of my comfort zone, which is shooting threes and forced me to create off the dribble.

In Game 2, we both started out shooting the ball poorly and before I could ever get out of my slump, DJ caught fire and beat me soundly.  Definitely one of my worst shooting performances in recent memory, but that was due mostly to his defense.

 Before I Win, I Must Lose and Through Each Loss, I Truly Win

So another three losses dealt to me by a pro (played a third game, not on video and lost that 15-4 too).

Doubters and haters may wonder, why would you want to posts videos of you losing all these games??

It’s simple.  Before I win, I must lose and through each loss, I truly win.

Being pushed excites me.

It makes me better.

In the past two weeks, I’ve beaten other players on my “regular guy” scale 15-3 and 15-0.  The first, a junior in high school and a current “player to watch” in the area according the local papers.  The second, a 26 yr old hooper with plenty of game, who has been trading games back and forth with me since that shutout loss.

Truth – Most recreational players aren’t conditioned or skilled enough to force me out of my comfort zone.  I do what I do, win or lose.  If my shot is falling and more times than not it is, I do favorably well.

Professional players figure out in 3 seconds what I want to do and then do their best to take it away.  Since we’re all friends here, I prefer to create space to get my three point shot off.  I honestly don’t feel many people can make shots like me.  Others have called the three pointer, my lay-up.

A pro, like DJ Ferguson, within a few plays knows where I like to bring the ball up during my shot, what I want to do and then forces me to do something else.  Basically, pros say, ok go ahead and try to take me to the basket 15 times…I’m not letting you shoot.

I LOVE IT!

Success: The Grown Up Version of Struggle

Success is measured many different ways, but one constant is that success is truly the grown up version of struggle.

DJ may have won based upon the score of the games, but I too felt like a winner because he gave me the opportunity to compete against him and get better.  For that I am extremely thankful.  I picked up some pointers, watched how he created space with his dribble and ball fakes and all of that will make me more prepared against the next person I face.

In life, if you’re afraid to fail, you’re never going to win.

I’ll leave you with how I explained it to a friend of mine when he asked how the games went:

I said, “He took it to me.  At the end of the day he’s just the better player.  But on a Tuesday, at nearly 35 years old, I got to lace up my Jordans and give my all against someone who gets paid to play ball.  I had a blast!  Such a blessing!”

I encourage you all to take a step towards your dreams.  I think you will find that even in the losses, you will feel like a champion!

me vs. MJ…the journey continues!

Thank You DJ Ferguson

Mad shout out to DJ for taking time out of his training schedule to play me.  If I could bro, I’d still be on that court trying to get a win, haha!

All the best this upcoming season with the Venom!  I look forward to coming out and showing some support!

**Also want to give a special thanks to Sean LeBlanc for setting up the game for me with DJ and Ryan Boodram for shooting the video.  Appreciate you guys!

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Connect:  Twitter (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Fan Page.

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If you’re new to the site, I set out in August 2010 to get a game of 1-on-1 vs. my childhood hero Michael Jordan.  This site is about that journey…through every valley, to every mountain top of triumph!

Up 8-1 in game two of our 1-on-1 match-up, I looked into the eyes of professional hoopster Andy Gebru and saw no doubt.

In games which the majority expects me to lose, the pressure is always on the pro to perform and ultimately to win.

Yet down substantially in a game to just 15 points, Andy was surprisingly calm as if he and panic had never been introduced.

The Experience Factor

All that we have to draw upon in challenging times is our life experiences.  When it comes to basketball, Andy has far more of those than I do and honestly against a much higher level of competition than myself.

Because of those experiences, he was never worried IF he would win the game.  He knew he would.  He had no doubt.

That is so powerful!

Imagine Having No Doubt

Imagine having no doubt.  Imagine being so confident in your abilities that your only option is success!

Playing against me, that’s exactly what Andy feels.  After playing against him and other players that’s now how I feel when I play regular people like myself.

In my natural grouping of players I have no doubt.  I actually hadn’t lost a game of 1-on-1 since playing Andy back in June until this past weekend against my bro (he knows me like a book!).

How To Gain The “No Doubt” Mindset

So how do I gain that same no doubt mentality when I play against high level and pro players?

For me the answer is simply, continue to expand my scope by playing against the best as often as possible until the unknown is known.  Every time I step on the court against a guy who gets paid to play, that’s exactly what I’m doing.  I’m learning!  I’m getting closer to no doubt!  I’m getting prepared for Michael Jordan!

If you apply the same principals against the very best in whatever field or endeavor you’re in or pursuing, you too can gain the no doubt mindset!  You too can have success be your only option!

It may not come right away, but it will come.  Put in the work.  Challenge yourself.

Anything is very possible, but you must take the first step and place yourself in the position for your goals to be met!

me vs. MJ…my journey to play Michael Jordan continues!  As always, thank you for following along and for spreading the word!

He faked right, crossed over left, lowered his shoulder and exploded to the rim. It was game point, in game number three this past Sunday and Robert Brown, one of the top basketball players in the country (#80 by ESPN/#54 by Bob Gibbons), was about to freeze the gym.

Just one long stride past me and into the lane and he was in the air for what would be an emphatic windmill slam-dunk finish to our day. As the ball, seeming to weight at least 1,000 lbs, crashed to the hardwood court, I could feel all eyes of a fairly packed gymnasium looking our way.

The gym full of kids and young men hoping to one day fly in Brown’s shoes had just witnessed what I’ve experienced up close and personal during our last five of seven games over the past six months.

Honestly, I was just as amazed as they were. Every single time we play, usually a few months apart, he comes back even better than the time before, with something new added to his arsenal of moves.

Sunday he unveiled his deep 27-foot range and his wicked step back jumper going either way from three-point land to go along with some monstrous dunks.

He once again showed myself and every one watching, the reason Hokie Nation is beyond excited to see him step on the court next year for Virginia Tech.

In case you were wondering, Robert improved his record to a perfect 7-0 against me, but I had a blast and I got better!

The Best Don’t Get Tired

Each time I face a professional basketball player or a top tier talent like Robert Brown, at the foundation of all skills and athletic ability is premier conditioning.

They don’t get tired!

Against pretty much anyone else that I play basketball with, that has a job or doesn’t do basketball for a living, my conditioning is really good. It’s actually usually far superior to theirs and that HELPS GREATLY when we play.

BUT…when I match-up with guys who get paid or will get paid one day, it’s a different story.

As Robert and I talked after the games and shooting work, he explained to me just how important the conditioning aspect is to his game. He shared that when he first got up to Hargrave Military Academy, running suicides was tough, but by the time the season was over, running 25 suicides in 40 seconds or under with at 20 second break in between was nothing for him. In fact on one occasion they had even run 50 of them, to go along with practice of course.

So with that in mind and a craving to improve, I slipped on my shoes and went to the court yesterday morning just to see where I currently stood.

25 Suicides (A New Personal Mission to Improve My Conditioning)

After 12 minutes and 43 seconds of pushing myself, I was making my way to the bench located just to the left of the court. I needed a break! I needed water! I needed Oxygen!

13 suicides, each in 40 seconds or less with a 20 second break, had me spent and dripping with effort.

I sank down on the hard metal bench, pulled in as much air as possible, and thought about how much more explosive I would be when I got to my new goal of 25 suicides.

Every Day Until 25!!!

To make sure that I maximize my potential, I am committing myself to running suicides every day until I reach my goal of 25 suicides in 40 seconds or less.

Of course I have no idea exactly how long this process will take, but I guess I’ll soon find out!

Thank You Mr. Brown!

Most likely the next time I see Robert Brown, I’ll be sitting somewhere in Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia. I’ll be there to cheer on and support the young man who was the first BIG name to say yes and agree to help me on my journey here at mevsMJ.com. I’ll be thrilled to watch him show the rest of the World what he can do, but I won’t be surprised. I’ve seen his amazing game up close and personal.

For that, Robert Brown, I say THANK YOU!

Now go show Virginia Tech what you can do!

Note: I apologize for not getting video once again of our match-up this past Sunday. All I can tell you is the initial video of me playing Robert Brown doesn’t do him justice. Like I suspected, the first time we played he was just cruising. The last five times we’ve played he has upped the intensity and I wish you could see the difference, as I have. I guess we will just all have to wait and see next year when he suits up for Virginia Tech!

What do you do against a guy who was an all-conference player in college at Fayetteville State University?  What do you do against a guy who dropped close to 200 three pointers in his three years there and averaged over 16 points per game?

What do you do against a guy who is so good that he had a tryout with the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs prior to last season?

What do you do against a guy who gets paid to play? A guy who will leave the States and head back to Brazil on July 5^th to prepare for the upcoming season with professional team Sorocaba.

When you play against a professional hoopster like Andy Gebru, you say a prayer, tighten up the Jordans and give it everything you have!

How I Got The Game vs. Andy Gebru

I met Andy just days after my match-up with Garfield Blair.  I was shooting around in the gym alone and a young woman who works at the rec center and knows what I’m looking to accomplish, came in and told me about this guy who makes “everything” that he shoots.  I was a little skeptical as to her assessment until she said there are videos of him playing online, and that she thinks he plays overseas.  Interest peaked, I told her I’d love to meet him and she introduced us.

I told Andy what I was doing here at mevsMJ.com, from my goal to play Michael Jordan, to the training, to who I’ve played and that’s all it took for him to agree to be part of my journey and play me 1-on-1!

We didn’t play right away because it was his offseason and honestly I wanted to do everything I could to get better and have the best showing possible.

So over the last couple of months I’ve been at the courts quite a bit and my game has been improving.  At different times throughout my training, Andy was actually kind enough to show me quite a few “tricks of the trade” that make a huge difference in the game.

Lots of shooting, conditioning and just a deeper level of understanding for the game of hoops has parlayed into me doing extremely well in 1-on-1 match-ups with regular people like myself.

With Andy preparing to leave in just a couple of weeks, the time to play was this past Sunday!

Me vs. Gebru was upon me!

My Strategy vs. Gebru

In my couple of match-ups with high-level talent like Robert Brown and Garfield Blair, I’ve been overwhelmed.  The gap between top tier talent/pro level talent and myself and the people I play against aka “regular people” is wider and deeper than you can ever fully understand until you’re matched up against them.

Recently, I think some of my friends have gotten a better idea as to the different levels of players, and my current ability, as I blistered one of my buddies 15-0, 15-1 in a 1-on-1 match-up and left another friend sending me a text the next day saying, “After playing you it puts into perspective how good he (Garfield) is!” after going in his eyes “15-20 from the three point line” in some two on two.

Despite where my game is, and I feel it’s vastly improved from just a month and a half ago, I knew playing Andy would be so much different.  I talked it over with my brother a couple of weeks ago and he came up with a strategy that was worth a shot.  As described in my recent post, Preparing For The Un-Expected, the goal was to grab any errant shots and sprint out to the three-point line and knock it down.

There were a lot of ifs that I wouldn’t know the answers to until the ball was checked in, but it basically would come down to me making shots (my strength), as opposed to slowing it up and trying to take a more skilled, more athletic, stronger player over and over again.

Without further ado…Me vs. Andy Gebru!

Me vs. Andy Gebru (Video):

httpvh://youtu.be/3O2k9U_pn9U

[If you are reading this via RSS/Email, click here for video.]

Game Scores

Game 1:  15-8 (Gebru)

Game 2:  15-10 (Gebru)

Overall Impressions

I guess it goes with out saying when someone gets paid to play basketball, but I’ll say it anyway, Andy Gebru can play ball!  He is amazingly skilled and crafty, using his hands and body better than anyone I’ve ever played against.  He’s also extremely patient with the ball, which has been a common trait amongst the top tier players.  He got the shots he wanted, not the shots I wanted him to take.

Being able to shoot the ball like he can, and handle, and be in total control is a lethal combination, one that proved to be too much for me.

Still, I was excited by my performance!  I shot the ball well and even though I lost, I had a respectable showing against a professional basketball player!

Life is amazing, if you allow it to be! (my 2011 slogan!)

Thank You Andy!

I can’t thank Andy Gebru enough for agreeing to play me.  To be able to work hard on your game and then match-up with a guy like Andy, well, it just doesn’t get better than that!  I am beyond thankful!

On top of the games of 1-on-1, all of the lessons and tips he has given me over the past month and a half are priceless!  He is a true class act! I can’t wait to continue to work on implementing them into my game and seeing it all make a difference!

Thank you Andy!  Best of luck this upcoming season!

My Next Opponent??

I’m working on a few possible match-ups, but nothing yet confirmed.  If you’d like to play me or know someone that would be perfect for helping me continue to prepare for Michael Jordan, please email me or sign up here!

me vs. MJ…the fabulous journey continues!!!!

(Note:  If you’d like to see whom else I’ve played, click here.)

With my fingertips still emitting small flames from being on FIRE the previous two games of 1-on-1 against my brother, I got down in my defensive stance and began preparing for the unexpected.

I had just won two games against him handedly and was extremely tired, but this was not the time to rest.  This was the time to test myself.

With less than two weeks until my next match-up with professional basketball player, Andy Gebru, this was the time to get better.

Standing at the top of the arc, behind the NBA three point line, my brother lobbed the ball up near the rim, trying to miss.  As it ricocheted low and hard towards the sideline, I was in an all out sprint trying to catch up, with him in close pursuit.  Just as the ball reached the three-point line, I grabbed it, planted my foot, turned and launched all in one motion with my younger sibling flying right at me.

Clanggggg!!  I missed.

With a raised brow he looked at me and said, “You’ve got to make those,” as we walked back to the center of the court for attempt number two.

Basketball in the air, this time it kicked in the opposite direction, sprint, grab, plant, turn, shoot!

No clang this time.  No make either.  He got a finger on it for the block.

Back to the center.

Sprint, grab, plant, turn, shoot!

Nothing but net!

Back to the center we went….

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Preparing for a pro is unlike anything I’ve done before in my life.  I’m giving up size, skill, athletic ability and all that goes along with youth.  At the end of the day, they are pros for a very, very good reason:  They are unbelievably GOOOOOOD!

A pro player is so much better than the average basketball player.  The degree of difference between the two can never fully be comprehended unless you’ve done what I’ve done and handed the ball to a guy who does balling fulltime and tried to stop them.

It can be flat out embarrassing.

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Sprint, grab, plant, turn, shoot!

Bucket!

Back to the center….

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I was not prepared when I played Garfield Blair.  Didn’t know people could be that good at something.  That’s the transparently honest truth.

After we played, he told me, “I knew you’re strong suit was shooting….”

He had watched the videos of me playing and shooting on here.  He had scouted me like any pro player would!

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Sprint, grab, plant, turn, one dribble to the right, shoot!

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Andy Gebru will DO EVERYTHING possible to take me out of my comfort zone when we play.  His goal will be to force me to my weakness.  To crowd me.  To not allow me to get my feet set.  To try and overwhelm me with all of what makes him a professional.

That’s why you could have found me hoisting tough shot after tough shot last Saturday morning with my brother.  Until the unexpected is expected, until the uncomfortable feels like paradise, I must work.

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Sprint, grab, plant, turn, quick dribble to the left, step back, shoot!

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Andy’s seen me shoot.  He’s seen me play.  He knows my game.

Or does he?

Let the countdown ensue.  Me vs. Gebru is just days away!

Sprint, grab, plant, turn,….

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EXCITING NEWS!!!!!

mevsMJ.com featured on Basketball 24/48/82 and BasketballBuzz.ca!!!

BIG, HUGE, GINORMOUS, THANK YOU to Tim David Harvey for doing a great write up on me and mevsMJ.com called “Fight Mike”!  You can check it out here at Basketball 24/48/82 and BasketballBuzz.ca!!!

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

I read that quote a few hours before I slid my Jordans on and took on my next 1-on-1 opponent, Jamaican National Team Starting Shooting Guard, Garfield Blair.

Garfield Blair (The Player)

In July of last year Blair averaged over 15 points per game for team Jamaica in the Centrobasket tournament (A FIBA sponsored basketball tournament) including one 27 point outing against the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In 2009, Garfield graduated from Division I, Stetson University, where he averaged 17.3 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game during his senior season.

Blair also had a short stint this year with the National Basketball Development League’s Springfield Armor.

Going For The Win!

Despite all of that, I went into yesterday’s games with Garfield going for the win.  We would play two games of 1-on-1 to 15 points, make it take it, with two pointers worth 1 point and three’s worth 2 points.  I believed in my mind that I could pull it off if I got hot…and then the game began (video below).

Game 1 (Two Shots)

I shot for ball, missed, and then the 6 foot 5 inch, 210-pound, former Stetson Hatters star gave me an up close example of what he can do.

After playing Garfield, the bigger question is what can’t he do?

In all of game one he missed four shots, two of which he got the rebound and then converted to baskets.

This hurts so badly to type, but the game lasted less than four minutes.  I touched the ball only twice, and one of my two shot attempts was blocked.

He torched me with drives, dunks, NBA three pointers, and pull-ups.

He dominated me to the tune of a 15-0 shutout!

I’m Better Than This!

During the break between Game 1 and Game 2 I couldn’t believe I had just been beaten so easily.

I couldn’t believe I had just been shutout!

In all honesty, I don’t think I’ve ever been shutout in a game of 1-on-1.  I also have never gotten the ball only two times.  Blair had it dialed in and it was sooo smooth.

Head up, I was determined to do better in game 2!

Game 2

Game two began unfortunately with more of the same.  Of the first four points Garfield scored, two of them were dunks.

Then I finally got my chance.

A couple of jab steps and I got enough room to get off and make a three pointer.  I then drove to the basket and made a left handed lay-up high off the glass (which he slapped in an attempt to block the shot).

That was the extent of my scoring.  In game two I touched the ball just five times and only got shots off on four occasions.

Garfield went back to work draining three NBA distance three-pointers in a row and finished me off easily.

Final Score of Game 2:  15-3

Me vs. Garfield Blair (Video):

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJJk3OvfmtI

[If you are reading this via email or RSS, click here to view video.]

He Has No Weakness!

Most normal people that play basketball can dribble or shoot or are athletic, but rarely are they more than one of those.  So against normal competition I would identify the weaknesses and the adjust how I play them, making the game easier for me.

Garfield Blair has no weakness and he definitely isn’t normal.

He handles like it’s on a string, has ocean deep range, is quick, strong, and explosive and doesn’t miss shots.

I think both games of 1-on-1 took a total of 10-11 minutes.  It was crazy!

Time For A Change (Loser’s Outs)

Going forward I will be most likely forced to play loser’s outs when playing top tier competition like Garfield Blair and Robert Brown.

The prideful side of me doesn’t want to do that, but it should give me a better chance of making the games competitive by getting more chances to score.

Overall Impressions

It’s inspiring and a bit demoralizing playing against someone like Garfield Blair.  He not only has talent, but he has put so much work in to the game of basketball and it shows.

Before I began this journey, I really didn’t believe there was that big of a difference in players.  I’ve played ball my whole life, and despite how Garfield makes me look on the court, I’m actually decent on a normal guy scale.  To go out and to be made to look like I’ve never played ball pounds the ego, but it also inspires.

It shows me how great someone can be.  It motivates me to get better, to do everything possible to be more prepared next time.

End of the day, Garfield Blair can flat out ball.  It is truly amazing how good he really is.

BIG THANKS TO GARFIELD BLAIR!!!

I want to thank Garfield Blair for taking the time and playing me.  It was something he didn’t have to do and my appreciation that he did is huge.

Watch for him on team Jamaica, or an NBDL or NBA team in the near future.

He’s a class act that some team will be very happy to have.  No doubt!

Failing into Success

So thus far I’m 1-7 in 1-on-1 match-ups, as I prepare for my dream match-up with Michael Jordan.  Not good at all.

“I’ve failed over and over again in my life.  That is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

I could easily pick lesser players and rack up some wins, but what good would that do?  Even though I’m loosing, I’m winning.  The experience of matching up with phenomenal players is priceless and believe it or not, I will be better because of yesterday’s brutal beating.

I want more than anything to do a 1-on-1 post and report a big win.  I still believe it’s possible.  I will continue to work and do my best to maximize my potential.

Thank you for the love and support!

me vs. MJ…the journey continues!

*If you’d like to help me prepare for my eventual 1-on-1 match-up with Michael Jordan and are a current or former top high school, college or pro player, sign up here! Thanks in advance…and I will be coming for the win!

*Note:  I also want to thank Justin Cobb for connecting me with Garfield and for doing a great job shooting the video!  Also, special thanks to Ziarekenya Smith for the awesome pictures!  I appreciate you guys!!