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.

Saturday evening, during the silent auction portion of what is always a wonderful charitable night at the Bridges of Light Foundation’s Players Ball, I stood with my wife and her friend and took in a few magic tricks.

As the young magician, one of three or four, sent to patrol the room and entertain guests finished, I looked up and saw Marcus Jordan, the son of Michael Jordan.

A few minutes later I made my way over to Marcus to introduce myself.

“It’s nice to finally meet you.” – Marcus Jordan

As Marcus stood with a group of friends, I walked up, introduced myself and my wife and as soon as I mentioned mevsMJ.com and handed him a card, he said, “Oh yeah, I’ve been to the site and read your bio and stuff.  It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Pleasantly surprised, what happened next couldn’t have gone any better.

Because his group of friends was so inquisitive about my journey, I gave them all cards and was able to share with them and Marcus exactly why I began this site and what it has morphed into.

They absolutely loved it!

At one point one of the friends pointed to Marcus and said something like, “Well, he’s the one that can make it happen!”  To which Marcus laughed and replied, “Yeah, I’ve gotta work on that.”

It’s Not About Trying to Beat Your Dad at Basketball

To be able to explain this journey in detail and to let Marcus know that I’m not delusional, that it’s not about trying to beat his dad at basketball and for him to GET IT and understand better what I’m looking to accomplish, is all for which I could have asked.

Trust Your Path

Early Saturday morning, hours before I was telling Marcus Jordan that this is about showing others that anything is possible with faith & hard work, I felt compelled to write about trusting your path on the mevsMJ.com Facebook Page.

How fitting those very words turned out to be.

me vs. Michael Jordan…the amazing journey continues!  What happens next!?  We’ll have to wait and see!  As always, thank you for following along!

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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!

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

OK, the title of this post may be a little harsh, but if we’re being honest with one another, they both do suck.

The point is, only one is supposed to.  (*see note at end of post)

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I don’t have any New Year’s resolutions.

I didn’t set any this year, or last, or the year before.

Just reading the lines above may send the voice inside your head jumping up and down, screaming in an inaudible, yet judgmental tone, “What!!??  Is he serious???  This is time for change!  It’s 2012!!!!  Wahoooo!!!  Cue the memory fireworks!!!”

I get it.  I used to think that way too.

I would get caught up, just like the majority, in all that is great with the hype of resolutions brought on by the New Year.

The last “New Year’s Resolution” I remember setting came after seeing a movie with the family over the holidays.

The lead actor, Will Smith, was in riiiiii-diculous shape!  That prompted me to go home and research how he had transformed his body from those “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” days. (Yes, ladies, guys really think like this!   At least I did, haha!)

Within minutes of beginning my search, I found an interview that had then recently been done in conjunction with the movie, in which Smith stated that in addition to a weight-training program, he ran some 30 miles per week.

So with little thought and absolutely no planning, I set my New Year’s resolution:  Run 30 miles per week!

I literally went from zero miles, to thrusting myself into 30 miles per week on the first of January.  In truth, I hadn’t run 30 miles in the previous 10 years combined.

Does that sound silly to you?

How long do you think I kept with my New Year’s Resolution?

I ran 30 miles per week for just over five weeks, until I was sent on a work trip that placed me in 35-degree weather.  That lingering winter cold was a big enough excuse for my resolution to wither away.

I didn’t really “run” again until I “trained” for my first half marathon, two years ago.

Just recounting that story makes me cringe, but is my story really much different than yours?

Have you planned for success?  Have you thought out each phase and visualized your victory?

If not, your resolution this year may sadly falter just like those of New Year’s past.

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“Popular” New Year’s Resolutions

• Lose Weight
• Exercise More
• Eat Better
• Quit Smoking
• Drink less alcohol
• Get out of debt
• Save money
• Volunteer
• Be more organized
• Watch less television
• Improve education
• Learn a new language or musical instrument

And the list goes on and on and on….

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Why New Year’s Resolutions DON’T Work

I could spend thousands of words describing why, but this quote sums it up:

“Failing to plan is planning to fail.”

The origins of that all so true series of words may be up for debate, but I first read them in a book by John Wooden some 14 years ago.

That quote, while really so fundamentally simple, is seemingly so difficult when almighty inspiration strikes!

And what fuels resolutions after the first of the year??  Inspiration of course!

Why I didn’t launch mevsMJ.com When Inspiration Struck

If I had launched this site when the idea of mevsMJ.com exploded in my head, I would have surely failed.

I wasn’t ready.  I wasn’t prepared.

The idea was there.  The passion was without a doubt there.  The plan however, was not!

Publishing my first post when all that fueled me was a passionate idea, would have almost certainly led me to the same conclusion as running those 30 miles a week did.

Instead I did my best to write and write and write without publishing a word.  While most of the reasoning for my delayed launch was so wrong, taking the time to think through what I wanted to accomplish, and discuss, as well as, come up with some sort of plan with someone who already maintained a successful blog, is a large part of why I’m still going today.

Resolutions ARE Good, but Defined Goals are GREAT!

Please don’t misunderstand me; making a commitment to change and improve oneself is GREAT!

I absolutely LOOOOOOOVE that!

In order for you to really enact change though, you need to take the inspiration and make it a lifestyle and that can only happen with a plan!

Are You Being S.M.A.R.T. About What You Want to Accomplish?

Specific

Measurable

Attainable (all things are btw)

Relevant

Timely

*The above mnemonic has been around for decades and is a great tool to get you more structured as you begin setting goals/resolutions for yourself.

My Big Goal:  Play Michael Jordan 1-on-1

When I set out on this journey, playing hoops with Michael Jordan was the goal and still is.

Was it S.M.A.R.T.?  Yes, even as large of a goal as playing MJ is, it still met every step.

(Keep in mind I originally would have played hoops with MJ, one year from the creation of this site if his camp hadn’t been canceled.)

Sub Goals

Without making this too academic (I’ll let the PhDs do that) I always set sub goals to further breakdown my ultimate goal.

At the beginning I set the following four sub goals:  Get in the best shape of my life, Become the best basketball player I can be, Enjoy every second of the journey, and Attend Michael Jordan Senior Flight School.

Those four encompassed what I wanted to accomplish, but in no way were detailed enough to be measurable.

Sub Goal:  Get In The Best Shape Of My Life!

Taking a look at my goal of getting in the best shape of my life as an example.

It began with training for and completing two half marathons and then continuing to run some 20 miles per week for the next year.  I then incorporated more basketball specific workouts, pulling from my experience at Impact Basketball.  Then in November, I made a three-month long commitment to train with B Meyer and his team.

For me, it’s always been about keeping it fresh and having fun.  It’s also about learning and growing.

At this point my sub goal of achieving the best conditioning of life, has become a lifestyle for me.

If I look at myself prior to beginning this site, to where I am now, everything from my daily eating habits, to my conditioning has improved drastically.

I AM in the BEST Shape of my Life!

I absolutely love and am proud of the fact that I can go run 10 miles anytime.

It began with a 2 mile jog.  It began with a scheduled plan of attack.

On Tuesday morning, I repped out more pull-ups even on my third set of my circuit training, than I can ever remember doing and I was beyond enthused at my progress.

It began with a single repetition.  It began with a scheduled plan of attack.

“A 6 or a 7”

During the first training session I went through with Coach B Meyer and Dave Rubin they constantly gauged my effort output.

They wanted no more than a 6 to 7 out of a maximum 10, when it came to effort put forth on an individual exercise.

Coach Meyer told me, “I could put you through Dwight’s workout (Dwight Howard), but you wouldn’t be able to move for days.  That’s not the goal!”

Instead the focus was on technique and building a foundation.

You see they understand that a 6 or a 7, and a 6 or a 7, and a 6 or a 7, and a 6 or a 7, when totaled is far more than a couple of 10s.

Eventually that effort level can increase of course, but first the foundation must be set.

Why You Should Stop Giving It Your ALL

My natural tendency with anything I really want to do is to go all out!

I think it’s within all of us to want success quickly, so we lie to ourselves and make ourselves believe that if we skip steps we will get to our goal quicker.

When I first started running, I’d be so amped up that I’d almost take off sprinting!  That’d be fine if I was running a short distance, but when you’re running five miles or more, it’s definitely not the way to go (in the beginning).

I had to learn to control my excitement for being out there and distribute my energy effectively so that I could finish strong.

After quite some time, I got to where I could run at a fairly quick pace the entire way, but the foundation of proper conditioning through miles and miles of running had to be set first.

This of course is applicable to anything in life.

Success is a process that requires days and days of hard work.

Knowing that, you must pace yourself!

You always want to do the best you can do, but it’s true, sometimes a little less over and over again equates to more.

Accountability Partner(s)

Even with S.M.A.R.T. goals fully planned out, written down and detailed, you need to establish accountability partners.

This is with anything in life!

Find people with similar interests, partner up and hold one another accountable.  As I’ve stated in the past, if you can choose, find someone that is currently better than you at whatever it is you want to do to partner up with.  This is how you truly grow and get better!

January 1^st DOESN’T Cause Change, YOU DO!

Whether it’s the first of January, August 22^nd, or any other day, you can make a decision to change at any moment!

Set a goal, make a plan, gain accountability and make your dreams come true.

It’s never been about the New Year, it’s always been about YOU!

Happy New Year!

Yes, yes…the journey continues!!!

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*Note:  My Dyson does a great job!

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BIG NEWS UPCOMING!

So I’ve whispered about the upcoming news to a few and very soon I can let everyone in on what is coming up!

I will tell you that it IS about basketball and it’s not about vacuums!

Giddy up!  It’s going to be a fun ride/flight (hint, hint)!!!

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

As the final days and hours of 2011 come to a close, I can’t help but reflect on my official slogan for this year, which was “Life is AMAZING, if you allow it to be!”

For me and my journey of playing Michael Jordan 1-on-1, 2011 was beyond amazing and for that I am so thankful!

Having said that, there were definitely some struggles over the last 365 days, but overall it was without a doubt more than I ever could have expected!

Here is a recap of all that was 2011 for mevsMJ.com!

-1st Quarter-

(January, February, March)

Looking back, January seems like years ago.  I began 2011 gaining my first 1-on-1 match-up win (Me vs. Scott Spencer) and feeling like my game was getting stronger and stronger.  Unfortunately then, but rather fortunately I suppose as I reflect now, I got injured on the next to last day of the month (Pop Goes The Dream) and was faced with painful rehabilitation that consumed the next eight weeks, testing me both physically and mentally.

During the rehab, even though I wasn’t playing, some great things still happened!

The very next day following my injury in the most surprising turn of events, I got some Jordan love! (Jeff Jordan promotes mevsMJ.com!)

Over the eight weeks of rehab I wrote 18 different posts including (Dear MJ:  My Letter to Michael Jordan).  Then exactly 62 days after the injury that left me devastated, I made my comeback in the last part of March against now Virginia Tech Hokies freshman Robert Brown, a good friend and the very first player to really believe in what I’m doing here on this site! (I’m Back!!!!)

-2nd Quarter-

(April, May, June)

I gave my life to the Lord when I was 23 years old (Yes, I’m a huge Jordan fan, but no, I didn’t plan that!)  I’ve sprinkled my faith over many of the posts I’ve written on this site and I mention that to say that I always feel that God has a plan for me.  During the injury I believed that and as I went through the second quarter of 2011, HE left me amazed as things began happening so quickly that I could hardly keep up!

April began with me meeting up with a talented young man named Ziarekenya Smith!  He had gained National accliam for his Jordan typeface, pictured to the right.  (God Inspired Designs)

From there, a simple hope filled email returned back to me, someone I now call a friend and mentor, Dave Hopla. (My time with Dave Hopla, World’s Greatest Shooter)

Then, still in April, I took on my first real professional basketball player, in what was the worst showing of my life! (Me vs. Garfield Blair)

May began with another no and then the biggest YES to date! (Nick Anderson Called Me!!!)

While nothing ever materialized with Nick, it was beyond cool having the former NBA player call me on MY cell phone!

Later in the month I had the blessing of getting to know and workout with then one of the top high school coaches in the country and now George Washington assistant coach, Kevin Sutton! (My First Workout with Coach Kevin Sutton!)

June came around, I played much better against my second professional player (Me vs. Andy Gebru) and had my third rematch with Robert Brown (Me vs. Robert Brown – Round 3).

-3rd Quarter-

(July, August, September)

The third quarter of 2011 kept up the momentum with me spending a little time with Tracy McGrady and even getting a shout out from T-Mac himself! (My Time with T-Mac)

On August 22nd, mevsMJ.com turned 1 year old. (me vs. Michael Jordan – 365 Days Later!)

In September I flew to Vegas for Impact Basketball’s Competitive League, where I told Chauncey Billups, John Wall, Rudy Gay, OJ Mayo, Corey Maggette, Jared Dudley and more about my journey to play Michael Jordan and almost had a shootout with NBA Sharpshooter Damon Jones! (Me vs. Damon Jones – The Shootout That Almost Was)

-4th Quarter-

(October, November, December)

In October I switched things up a bit and did my first video post (Where Are You Going?) so that everyone could actually hear me speak!  [Side note:  I often wonder how people sound when I’m reading their blogs/posts.]

A few days later, by reader request, I posted a video of me draining 22 of 24 from the 3 point line. (Is This Why NBA Guys Won’t Play Me??)  So pretty!

Mid November, I began working harder and sweating more than I probably ever have in my life! (Me + B Meyer Training – The Man Behind Dwight Howard)

On Thanksgiving day, Eric Griffin and I helped one young man’s dream come true, in what was one of the most fulfilling moments of my life.  (Thanksgiving Day Dreams)

Then the moment I had been waiting for happened!

→Michael Jordan KNOWS!!!←

I‘m still blown away by what happened in the first moments of December, the last grouping of days of 2011!

In what played out like some scene from an inspirational movie, I met Michael Jordan! (Michael Jordan Knows About ME and mevsMJ.com!)

As I wrote when I began this post, LIFE IS AMAZING, IF YOU ALLOW IT TO BE!

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Through all that has happened on this journey, the part I never really anticipated is all of the great people that would come into my life and become true friends.

This mevsMJ.com walk has always been about truly believing that anything is possible with faith and hard work and I really feel that through 2011 that became more eveident than ever!

I’ve always believed in me vs. Michael Jordan and now I’m sure a few more people do too!  That’s a great thing!

For every person that has read a post, for each one of you that has believed in what I’m doing, for those who took time out of their life to help my dream come true, for those of you that I’m fortunate enough to call my friends, I say THANK YOU!

2011 was an unbelievable ride!

Off to 2012 we go!

me vs. MJ…the journey continues!!!!!  Thank you for following along!

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

“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!!

Later this evening I will jump in the car and accompany my wife to Miami, Florida, where she will audition for “The X Factor”, the new Simon Cowell television creation that is set to debut this fall.

My wife sings, for fun.

The first time I heard her sing, I had just finished throwing down some Usher on a Karaoke video game (that’s how I got the nickname “white usher” haha) and handed her the microphone thinking I had just shown her how it’s done (I can’t sing well, but I try).

She took the mic, dropped a perfect score on Evanescence’s “My Immortal”, smiled and handed the mic back to me. I just sat there with that “Daayyyyuuuum” look on my face.

Chase the Dream!

I’ve been encouraging Charissa (wife) to do something with her singing for the longest time. Growing up, she played lots of tennis and was really good (had college scholarship offers), but her passion was always music. She played in the high school band and auditioned for numerous plays, even though she could never really participate in them due to the amount of time and focus the game of tennis required.

Her first year of college she won the school talent show with her voice, but talent shows don’t pay the bills, so she did what most do and pushed the dream of singing in the back of the drawer and moved on with life.

Unless you’re brand new around here, you know I have a super cool and rather BIG DREAM here at mevsMJ.com and that is to play Michael Jordan 1-on-1.

I’m an optimist, a dreamer and I BELIVE IN CHASING THE DREAM!

Because of that, I’m constantly dropping words of encouragement and belief into the lives of those around me with dreams. I just don’t see a downside to chasing the dream!

Finally, after nearly six years together, Charissa started up her own YouTube page just a couple of months ago and has been posting new songs twice a week ever since.

DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!

I can’t tell you how excited for and proud of her I am.

It takes a lot of strength to DO. Every single person reading this post has some skill, some gift, some dream that they could pursue. Yet, the majority won’t for fear of failure.

Fear of Failure

I bought my ticket to the seventh grade dance. I had no interest in this dance whatsoever. What I did have an interest in was this girl.

I talked with my Dad about how pretty and popular this girl was. I told him how I would really like to dance with her, but I was afraid she might say no. I would be humiliated, devastated. I was scared. I feared failure.

My Dad told me, “The worst that she can say is no…but she could say YES!” He encouraged me to go for it. He made me believe this amazing girl would want to dance with me and I went to the dance confident.

That confidence escaped me as soon as I walked in the door. I stood like a wallflower waiting for my moment. I paced in and out of the small auditorium. I was so nervous.

Hour by hour, time passed, until there was just 30 minutes left before the dance was over.

I took a deep breath, made my way over to her and her friends, tapped her on the shoulder and asked, “Would you like to dance?”

Time stopped. My heart raced faster than Usain Bolt and then she responded.

She told me, “No.”

Dumbfounded, I turned around and retreated. My worst fear had come true. Not only had she said no, she had done so in front of the other “cool” girls.

Having just a moment with her was all I had thought about in the weeks leading up to the dance, but my dream wouldn’t be coming true on this night. Instead my small heart was crushed.

My Mom picked me up, all my hope spent, shortly thereafter.

It’s Better to Know

This past Saturday while I was at the gym working on my hoops game, I began telling a gentleman in his late 40s about my match-up with the 54^th ranked player in the country according to Bob Gibbons, Robert Brown.

He had seen us up there playing the other day and was amazed by Brown’s skill and ability.

Us talking led him to tell me about his feats when he was a young man and how as a junior in college he had turned down a tryout invite from the school’s college football coach. At the time he said he was just having too much fun with life and intramural sports and the thought of stopping that to try and do football just didn’t make any sense to him.

He told me how he still kind of regrets that decision because he still wonders, what if?

While the rejection I faced at the dance in the seventh grade was a tough pill to swallow for a young man trying to find his way, I did learn an extremely valuable lesson.

IT’S BETTER TO KNOW, than to wonder what if.

You NEVER Know, Unless You Try

One of my favorite Michael Jordan quotes is, “You can’t make a shot that you don’t take.”

Michael goes on to say in reference to taking game winning shots, “If you miss, you’ve done it before. Though if you make it, well, you win the game!”

It’s the same exact advice my Dad gave me leading up to that dance in middle school.

The point of both: You never know what is possible, unless you try.

Until you put effort forth, all of the dreams and hopes within you lay captive, bound by the fear of failure.

The X Factor

So tomorrow morning we will leave our hotel room and make our way to the BankUnited Center in Miami, before the Sun says hello to this side of the World.

We will wait amongst thousands for a chance at living out a dream.

She will sing, be judged and face the fear of failure.

She could just be the very first winner of “The X Factor” here in the States. The only downside of trying is that they say no, and life continues, until the next opportunity arises.

Either way, she will know.

Either way, I’d say she’s already won.

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Comeback Update:

If you missed it, I made my comeback after being out eight weeks due to injury, last Wednesday against Virginia Tech signee Robert Brown (54^th ranked player in the country by recruiting expert Bob Gibbons).

Thank you all so much for your support though my injury and rehabilitation. Every encouraging word helped ease the pain and now I’m so EXCITED to be back on the court giving my all, preparing for the great, Michael Jordan!

If you like what I’m doing here please share on Facebook/Twitter! Thanks!

To Whom It May Concern:

I know it may be tough being in a relationship with someone that has gigantic dreams.  What was once a journey filled with fun and excitement, has now too often become another hope filled process that may end up being like all the others, a big hop, skip and a jump from greatness that falls short.

I get that you’re tired of listening to all their big ideas and who knows maybe you don’t even believe in them anymore, but do you remember when you did?

Do you remember when you first met them and their dreams lit up the room?  Do you remember when their energy and optimism not only fueled themselves, but also inspired you?

Do you recall the impact they had on friends and family?  How everyone somehow wanted to live vicariously through them?

They inspired people to want more.

It was invigorating wasn’t it?

Though in this “realistic” world of being happy with good enough, it’s time to move on, right?  Time to buckle down and leave the dream(s) behind.  It’s time to live life and be happy with what the social norm is, right?

Do you chuckle at their ideas now?  Do you roll your eyes?  Do you discount their dreams?  Are you amazed that they still even dream?

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Here is a little of my story for those of you that don’t know.  I’m a dreamer.  I dream big things.  I dream of playing Michael Jordan 1-on-1 in basketball.  I’m 33 years old (not a kid anymore) and I’m beyond passionate about it.

For too long I didn’t dream.  I did the social norm.  I made money and bought plenty of things.  Every time I would set a goal and achieve it I would stand on the pinnacle of that goal and silently ask myself, “now what?”  It was empty.

I told myself that what I was doing had to equate to earning currency and if it didn’t, I couldn’t see lending a lot of time to it.  It was time that I grew up and become responsible.  So I did.  The only life goals I had were all tagged with a $.

Then one day in August, yes this past August, after much thought, I broke free from the chains and began to dream again!  I launched this site and have been running (literally) ever since.

If you’re a regular reader of mevsMJ.com, you know I feel alive more now than I have in quite some time.  The power of the dream is back within me!

One other thing about me.  I’m extremely supported by my spouse and honestly it would be very tough on me if I wasn’t.  Not only has she not objected with anything I’ve done on my journey to play Michael Jordan, she has been upbeat and positive, helping me to further believe it is possible.

Dreaming again has energized me and I want others to feel the same thing I’m feeling.

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Did someone tell you along the way that your dreams were dumb?  Did someone tell you that you couldn’t be whatever it is you wanted to be?

If so, I know that hurts.

Though, if you’re alive and kicking, you still have time to go after the things you always wanted.

Even if you aren’t quite ready to dream again, you have an opportunity to NOT be that negative person in your relationship.

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If you are BLESSED enough to be in a relationship with a dreamer, count yourself as one of the lucky ones.  Encourage them, support them, pitch in and help them with their dream!

The only downside of them not achieving their larger than life dream is that they end up having the life you may think they should stop dreaming and have now.

The upside?  Well, buckle up and wait and see!

You are in partnership, remember….

Much love,

Michael Jordan’s Next 1-on-1 opponent aka Kenny Eller

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Injury Update

I finally scheduled an appointment for later today with the best orthopedic group in the Orlando area, Jewett Orthopedic.  While I have seen vast improvement since my injury, I am still unable to walk without compensating for the injury and that is a bit concerning.

As far as the (MAT) Muscle Activation Technique specialist goes, I’m still reviewing, but that could very well be the next step.

Fingers crossed, I’ll get some good news this afternoon!

Updates later today via @KennyEller on Twitter.

Thank you for your support!