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.

“Michael, Michael, Michael,” and with the third ever so polite calling of his name, Michael Jeffrey Jordan, the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of ALL TIME) and the reason for mevsMJ.com, stopped his conversation with a gentleman mid stride as he walked right by me this past Saturday night.

In what seemed to me to be a super slow motion exchange, Michael turned back to me and I asked MJ, “Can I give you this?” as I extended my hand.

“This” being a mevsMJ.com card.  On one side Michael himself going up for a slam dunk and on the other, information about me and my goal of playing him 1-on-1. (click here to see front and back of card)

Void of hesitation, Mr. Jordan reached back, took the card from my hand, and said, “Thanks man!”

He then turned, looked down at the card now in his hand and proceeded to enter the elevator which was just steps away, checking out the card the entire time.

MICHAEL JORDAN KNOWS!!!!

Some 10 months ago when Jeff Jordan granted my wish and put out a retweet about this site, I always wondered, did he mention it to his dad?

A little after 7 pm on December 3rd (12/3), I no longer had to wonder if MJ knew.  I could say with certainty that there was absolutely NO DOUBT that MICHAEL JORDAN NOW KNOWS ABOUT ME and mevsMJ.com!!!

I can’t even begin to explain how surreal that feels!

I GAVE MICHAEL JORDAN…THE MICHAEL JORDAN…A mevsMJ.com CARD!!!!  WOW!!!!!

My Last Second Shot Attempt Goes In!

The whole night played out like a highly contested Game 6 of the NBA Finals (at least for me).

– First Quarter –

I arrived at UCF arena around 4:30 pm for the 5 pm game vs. Hartford (I recently purchased season tickets in the premium seating area at the arena).

Due to Marcus Jordan’s tweet around 3 pm stating that “Pops in town”, I had a strong feeling that my opportunity to come face to face with the legend may come later that night.  When I saw the message on my phone my heart immediately began racing.  I was probably as excited/nervous as I can ever remember being.

– Second Quarter –

Just after tipoff, I turned my head and there he was!  Walking a mere 10 to 15 feet from me, dressed in a pure white t-shirt, white ball cap, and jeans, MJ had arrived!  Accompanied by a few people and now already a little over a minute into the game, I decided I wouldn’t even try to stop him at that point, because I knew he was wanting to get to his seat and watch his sons play ball.  After all, that is why he was there!

– Third Quarter –

The way the premium seats are set up, there is a bar, seating and television monitors, directly behind the sections on each side of the arena for the seat holders in our areas.

At halftime I made my way across the arena, thinking I would grab a bottle of water from the bar and perhaps be able to talk with MJ about my journey.  Unfortunately, I was greeted by a security guard tasked to keep people out.  As I spoke to her, I looked over and there was Michael Jordan now facing my direction, just five feet away!

Now within earshot I could easily have called out to him and wished for the best, but that’s just not me.  Instead, I stood there for a moment, excited and a bit down that I was this close to my dream and yet so far away.

After a minute or two, I went back to my area, deflated but still hopeful.

– Fourth Quarter with just seconds on the clock –

With the game now over and UCF having won by 19, I sat in my seat for a moment and thought about the night before collecting my belongings.

As I began to leave, time slowed down.

With just seconds of opportunity still remaining, here came Michael Jordan!

With a group of friends including an on duty deputy sheriff, Michael and a gentleman were talking with one another as they walked some five to seven paces behind the others, as they all made their way to their exit.

Literally two seconds before he would have been gone, before opportunity had expired on this night, the exchange that began this post took place!

Much like MJ shaking free of Bryon Russell, I had taken a shot in the final seconds and scored!

Anything Really Is Possible!

Over two years ago I came up with the idea of mevsMJ.com.  It was to be a pure walk to play basketball with my childhood hero Michael Jordan.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Just over 15 and a half months ago, this site was born.

On Saturday, after 117 posts, over 88,000 words, through training, injuries and unbelievable experiences, all of the hard work and unwavering faith paid off!!

I had come face to face with Michael Jordan!  Contact had been made!

1:41:04 and 116

I awoke early Sunday, tired from lack of sleep but with a rather large smile having put up camp on my face, I was still amazed as I reflected on the previous night’s happenings.

I made a cup of coffee and figured I would do something I don’t typically do and check Google Analytics to see if there had been any out of the ordinary activity on my site.

What I found in the silence of the morning absolutely blew me away!

On Saturday night, someone from a town in Illinois, that had never before been to my site in its existence, on one visit, spent 1 hour, 41 minutes and 4 seconds on mevsMJ.com and viewed 116 different pages!

Oh and yes, I looked it up, Mr. Jordan does own a home there!

In HIS Hands

I’ve said before that God has a plan for me.

There really is not a better way to describe what is happening on this journey than to give credit where credit is due.

Saturday didn’t happen because of me, it happened because of HIM.

I’ve always felt that if the journey was pure, that when stripped away at the essence of it all was a walk towards something far larger than basketball, that me vs. Michael Jordan would happen…in HIS time.

I’ve written before that sure, playing basketball with Michael Jordan is my dream, but that the journey can speak to anyone.  I’ve always wanted to inspire others to pursue their passion, whatever it may be, even if they stand alone in belief that it is possible.  I will tell you that I can count on one hand and not use all of my fingers when allotting for the number of people that truly believed in this walk when it began.  I heard the negativity and doubt laying all over the words coming my way from others, but I always smiled and pushed forward because I BELIEVED!

Having faith and the belief that anything is possible is a powerful thing.  It’s something that I hope those reading this will try to find again.

The journey here of course is not complete.  I don’t know if I will hear from Michael Jordan today, tomorrow, or 16 months from now.

What I do believe and what I’ve always believed is that me vs. MJ, WILL HAPPEN!

It has too!

The ball is in your court now Mr. Jordan!  I hope to hear from you soon!

me vs. MJ…the very real journey continues!  As always, thank you so very much for your support and for following along!

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

Nine years ago, with no intent, a person unknowingly became a permanent reminder in the life of a young woman striving for success.

Having already achieved the kind of acclaim that had shown her the World in her field of expertise, a deep seed of motivation was planted into the soul through one pain filled eight-letter word.

That word was mediocre.

It had been the vocabulary of choice used to describe the effort put forth towards an individual offseason workout.

It was then; in that very moment of disappointment and anger in oneself, that a decision was made that no person would ever again utter that word in relation to her name.

This post has nothing to do with basketball, but everything to do with the dream.

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Two Friday evening’s ago, amongst the small puddles left over from the day’s rain and the cooler than usual Florida breeze, I took in my very first soccer game at any level.

I honestly don’t know all that much about the game of soccer.  I’m a hoops player!  Besides the goalie, I really couldn’t tell you what any other player on the field is responsible for and yet still, I sat there in the last row at Barker Family stadium in Winter Park, Florida and was overwhelmed with emotions at times.

I cheered, hands raised, as the Rollins College Women’s soccer team scored goal after goal, in what was a 4-0 shutout of Eckerd College.

I clapped and yelled for young women I’ve never met and was inspired by their teamwork and cohesiveness as a unit.

Truth be told though, I wasn’t really there to see them.

I was there to see how a real life dream had become a reality.

The Dreamer

Have you ever met someone before and you really didn’t know anything about him or her, but after meeting them the mere goodness of who they are, not only inspired you but had you anticipating the next time you would be in their company?

That’s how I felt the first time I met Alicia Milyak in a department store at a mall in Orlando, Florida, over six and a half years ago.

One of the best friends of my then girlfriend and now wife, Alicia was energetic, warm and inviting and for anyone meeting “the friends” for the first time, you can understand just how welcome that positive energy is.

An enthusiastic smile and a hug

Over the six plus years I’ve known her, every single time I’ve come in contact with Alicia I’ve been greeted with a 1,000 watt smile, tons of energy and a I’m going to make you feel good kind of hug.

She overflows with upbeat, positivity.

A Humble Soccer Star

In a time where most, including myself, tweets about every single thing that happens to or for them, up until recently, I could have told you very little about Alicia Milyak’s career as a soccer player and from what the record books show, it was an amazing one!

Imagine knowing someone for as long as I’ve known Alicia and never knowing that she scored 173 goals during her four years of high school, including 66 her senior season (ranking her 5^th and 3^rd respectively overall in Pennsylvania high school athletics, even some 13 years later)!

Imagine having talked to a person tons of times and never knowing they are their college’s (Rollins College) all-time leader in scoring with 51 goals and 121 points!

Imagine knowing someone that played for numerous teams in the W-League, the highest level of women’s soccer in America at the time, and professionally overseas and them never really discussing it!

Imagine being around the only person in her college’s history to be inducted into the Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame and all they want to talk about when you’re around them is YOU!

It’s hard to imagine such a thing in today’s world, isn’t it?

It kind of makes you want to emulate her, doesn’t it?!

The Dream and the Struggle

For as long as I’ve known Alicia she has had big dreams.  From playing professional soccer, which she did, to one day being the Head Coach of the women’s soccer program at her Alma Mater, Rollins College.

For six years she was the team’s top assistant coach.  A team that since 2008 had won two Sunshine State Conference Championships, one Sunshine State Conference tournament and made three straight appearances in the NCAA Division II South Region Tournament.

For six years she has traveled all over the state of Florida and the Country for that matter, scouting player after player, putting in countless hours for the betterment of the team and program.

With a travel schedule that would make even George Clooney cringe, she gave up time with family, friends and for herself.

True Wealth

I honestly don’t know how much she was monetarily compensated each of those years, but I’m sure it wasn’t much.

She most likely wasn’t able to build up a 401k or throw money into a Roth.  She probably didn’t have too many high-end meals or five star vacations.  She didn’t drive around in a fancy car or live in a big house.  She most likely couldn’t afford the latest fashions or “must have” gadgets.

And make no mistake about it.  Had she given up on soccer and pursued a different path, with her education from one the top schools in the entire state…SHE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL!

But she never complained or seemed envious as her friends and peers began attaining worldly success.  Instead, like always she smiled and cheered on their achievements.

Alicia may not have had a lot of money, but she had true wealth.

Blessed with an inspirational outlook on life, she was fueled by passion, a source that requires no real financial compensation.  The, I’d do it for free, because I love it, stuff.

The Passover Blessing

Two years ago, the long time head coach of the Rollins’ program left for another opportunity.  Anyone that knows Alicia felt that her dream was about to come true!

But it didn’t.

Instead, the school hired someone else and Milyak did what Milyak does.  She pushed forward, upbeat and full of energy the whole way, viewing it as another opportunity to learn and better herself.

The team had another successful season and Alicia was left, I’m sure, to wonder if her dream of being a head coach would ever come true.

After all, head coaching positions at successful colleges just don’t open up all that often.

Then it happened.

The Dream becomes a Reality!

In an unexpected turn of events, the new coach, there just one season, took off to coach elsewhere.

Within hours of his departure, Alicia’s time had come.

Her dream had become a reality!

She’s now in her first season as Head Coach of the Rollin’s College women’s soccer team!

Why YOU CAN’T QUIT!

Most people FAIL at endeavors because they GIVE UP right before success is achieved.

They give up because it’s hard.  They give up because they lose faith.

Most people only see the success, but never know the struggle.

They now see a young woman leading an entire program and yearn to be in her position, but the overwhelming MAJORITY would never go through what Alicia has gone through for their dream.

I don’t think any person that truly cares for her would have blamed her or called her a quitter if she had chosen to walk away a year ago or even well before then.

Let’s face it; most of us would have quit, but quitting never crossed her mind.

Walking Inspiration!

Before the game that Friday evening, as Coach Milyak led her team across the field, I got up from my seat, hurried down to the railing and took a couple of pictures of walking inspiration.

With my eyes, welled up with tears, I watched inspiration do what she’s always dreamed of doing.

It’s something I’ll always remember and something that fuels my own path here at mevsMJ.com.

Did Kenny Tell You What He’s Doing!?

As Alicia walked off the field that Friday night following the team’s 13th win of the season (13-1-1), she greeted us with that smile and that hug.  I told her I’m so proud of her three or four times.

After some small talk, I asked her about all of the goals she scored in high school and being Rollins’ all-time leader in scoring, facts I had learned only moments before from her Mom, who we sat next to during the game.

In typical Milyak fashion, she smiled, said she wasn’t sure how many goals she scored and instead wanted to talk about me.

She asked her Mom, “Did Kenny tell you what he’s doing?” (Referring to this site and my goal of playing Michael Jordan of course.)

With a smirk I shook my head and was off discussing my journey thus far, just as she would have it.

An Inspiration and a Reminder

I’ve always admired and rooted for Alicia Milyak.

When all I chased was money, her journey always grabbed my heart and pleaded, “PAY ATTENTION YOUNG MAN!”

She was a real life example and reminder to me of what life should be about.  What life CAN be about!

She followed her passion and through it has realized more than one of her dreams.

That’s right, there is plenty more to come in this story, but I’ll let Alicia tell the rest.  I’m just so thankful to be able to be around for the journey!

It’s going to be a fun ride!

NCAA Division II South Region Tournament

This Sunday, at home, Coach Milyak will lead her #2 seed Rollins College team (14-2-2) onto Cahall Sandspur Field for a second round game of the NCAA Division II South Region tournament.

She will do her best to coach, inspire and motivate a group of young woman chasing a dream.  At the same time, through years of perseverance, she will continue living hers.

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Note:  Alicia Milyak may not show anyone this post, because that’s just who she is, but I hope that you, those reading this, do.  I hope that you share her story of perseverance and triumph.  I hope you use it as an example for what is possible in your own life, as I do in mine.

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Hoops Update

After nearly two weeks of being sick, I’m almost back to myself which means I’m ready to get back after the dream that is mevsMJ.com!

One game, me vs. Michael Jordan!

It’s going to happen!  As always, thank you for following along!

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

OK, it’s been forever since I’ve played anyone 1-on-1 (June 21^st actually) and while I had hoped to have numerous games between then and now, almost every single thing I had lined up fell through.

On top of that, for the last couple of weeks I’ve felt like I’m running in mud, so last week I FINALLY decided to shut down all basketball/exercising and REST.

I needed it.

The good news is I’m feeling much better now!

New Opponents On The Way!

I have lined up two new 1-on-1 match-ups, with the first of the two being on September 25^th.

The first opponent has 8 inches of height and 85 pounds on me, so it should be interesting to say the least!

Stay tuned!

Conditioning PLEASE Come Back!

Due to a rather heavy work load at the job that pays and the fact that I haven’t felt well, it had been a couple of weeks since I had done any real conditioning (outside of playing some pick-up ball).

Now feeling better, I was eager to get back at it and Monday I did.

Unfortunately, I found myself able to complete just six suicides (see right) before taking a seat on the bench.  Surely a far cry from the 20 I could do previously.

Not deterred I’ve stayed with it and have actually already eclipsed my previous mark and now am up to 21 (40 sec or less with 20 sec break)!!!

I’ve also begun doing some light jump rope work, which I hope will improve my foot quickness.

100 Free Throws In A Row (Update)

After not picking up a ball for days, I made my way back to the court on Tuesday night and got some shooting work in.  After initially feeling like a distant cousin, my shot came back in a big way as I completed my workout with 100 three pointers, including the last 13 in a row!

Then yesterday morning I got to the gym nice and early to get some running and shooting in and stepped up to the line to set a new Personal Record for free throws in a row at 45!

That leaves me still 55 short of my goal of 100 Free Throws in a row, but I’m getting closer and that’s exciting!

Follow, Like, Subscribe and Watch!!  (See Below ↓ )

If you look below, you will see four clickable links in a yellow box that I want you to click if you haven’t already!

*If you’re on Twitter, follow me, say hello, let’s connect and I’ll follow back (unless you tweet 8,000 times a day).

**I have a mevsMJ.com Facebook page.  Please LIKE it, if you enjoy what I’m doing here!

***In case you didn’t know, you can actually SUBSCRIBE and get every single new post sent directly to your email address!  You’ll never miss another post!

****Lastly, I have a mevsMJ.com YouTube page where you can watch every single one of my 1-on-1 match-ups thus far!

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Back to work I go!  Thanks for every bit of support!  I appreciate you all!

me vs. MJ…the journey continues!

Note:  23 Questions is a new feature here at mevsMJ.com and its goal is to shed a little light and have some fun with some of the very best basketball players in the country.  When I came up with the concept, the very first person I thought of was Morgan Jones, someone I had met a few months ago.  Morgan was happy to help and with that 23 Questions is born!

I stood stationary but ready underneath the goal, next to a young woman, one of only two at the particular workout this past May.  The coach standing behind us at the free throw line instructed, “Backboard, baseline, backboard, backboard, get the ball!”

The 6’2″ young lady and I did as instructed and then sprinted out to the three point line towards a ball sitting comfortably in a chair.  The objective being the first one to the ball would be on offense and the other on defense and then it was 1-on-1.

I got to the chair just before my opposition and nonchalantly reached for the ball.  Just as my hands were on the basketball, my opponent ripped the ball away knocking the chair over, jab stepped to the middle and went baseline laying in the contested shot.

Hello Morgan Jones!

No one told me that I was matched up against the 9th ranked high school women’s basketball player in the country according to ESPN.  They didn’t tell me I was going against a McDonald’s All-American.  I didn’t know she won a State Title for Lake Mary high school (113-11 in her HS career) or that she was Central Florida’s Girl Player of the Year.  I also didn’t know that she had signed a hoops scholarship with Northwestern University.

All I knew after she scored was that she had game and plenty of it.

This may or may not be the first you’ve heard of Ms. Morgan Jones, but either way I have a feeling it will not be the last.  She won’t allow it!

Without further ado, here is the first installment of 23 Questions, featuring Morgan Jones!

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 23 Questions with Northwestern’s own MJ, Morgan Jones:

1.  What sparked your interest in basketball?  

Morgan Jones:  I grew up with it.  My older sister (Tailor Jones-Also at Northwestern) played and my parents had their own organization called D.E.B.O.

2.  What’s your jersey number and why do you wear it?

MJ:  #1 … I have had this number since I first started playing at the age of eight. Throughout the recruiting process I made sure the school had the #1. (superstitious)

3.  Favorite Food?

MJ:  I will eat just about anything but I LOVE pasta and a big fan of seafood!

4. Hidden Talent (Something you’re good at that most don’t know about)?  

MJ:  I can cook!

5.  Something you’re surprisingly really bad at?

MJ:  Singing… but sometimes I make myself believe that I can when the music’s blasting.

6.  Favorite Musician/Group?

MJ:  RICK ROSS

7.  Proudest moment as a basketball player thus far?

MJ:  As a freshman I set a goal to work to be a top ten player in the country and by the end of my junior year I was 9^th!

8.  If you didn’t play basketball, what else would you enjoy doing?

MJ:  Modeling.

9.  What advice would you have for someone looking to achieve your level of success on the court?

MJ:  Have fun while working hard at it and God will take care of the rest.

10.  Who are your role model(s)?

MJ:  My Mom and Dad.

11.  What is your earliest basketball memory?

MJ:  Playing on co-ed teams at the YMCA.

12.  Twitter or Facebook?

MJ:  Twitter (@MsMorGan_JOnES)

13.  If you could meet any celebrity who would it be?  

MJ:  RICK ROSS haha!!

14.  What kind of basketball shoes do you wear?

MJ:  I don’t have a specific pair but being that I’m at Northwestern, Derrick Roses’ adiZero Adidas will be on my feet this season.

15.  Favorite pre-game meal?

MJ:  Pasta

16.  Do you have any pre-game superstitions?

MJ:  NAP

17.  Favorite Athlete?

MJ:  Don’t have one.

18.  What motivates you?

MJ:  When one doubts me.

19.  During an average week, how often do you play basketball and or do something related to basketball like conditioning?

MJ:  Like 5 days out of the week.  It varies with seasons.

20.  As you know, my dream is to play Michael Jordan 1-on-1, what is your dream?

MJ:  To be doing creative marketing for the NBA, Gatorade, Nike etc.

21.  How do you think you would fair today against MJ 1-on-1?  

MJ:  I’d dunk on him haha!!

22.  How do you think you would do against Jordan in his prime?

MJ:    ….

23.  Any advice for me for WHEN I play Jordan?

MJ:  Just don’t let him cross you or dunk on you.  That’ll be a fair game

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Thank You Morgan!

Special THANKS to the wonderful Morgan Jones for taking time to be a part of the journey here at mevsMJ.com!  Best of luck at Northwestern!  I’ll be rooting for you every step of the way!

Be sure to follow Morgan’s journey on Twitter @MsMorGan_JOnES!

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Road to 100 Free Throws In A Row UDPATE!

So after being stuck on 34 free throws in a row for some time, I finally broke through and made 40 in a row last week.  Honestly, I haven’t been putting in the work at the line like I need to be, but I’m still in pursuit of the goal!  40 leaves me quite a distance from my goal of 100 consecutive, but it IS POSSIBLE!  Stay tuned!!!

The journey of me vs. Michael Jordan continues!!!!  Thank you for following along!

As hard as it is for me to believe, today marks exactly one year since I began my journey to play basketball with Michael Jordan here at mevsMJ.com!

If things had gone as originally planned, I would just be coming back from his annual Michael Jordan Senior Flight School in Las Vegas, but they didn’t, and that’s fine.

In the first 365 days, my goal of playing MJ 1-on-1 didn’t happen, but I won’t quit!

Instead I’ll continue to do just as I did today and as I did on days 364, 363, and so many others this past year.  I’ll continue to work on my game so that WHEN it does happen, I’ll be ready!

Over the last twelve months, to say that I had an absolute blast would be a massive understatement.

I’ve gotten better at the game I love so much, been allowed to get an up close and personal look at the inner workings of this game of hoops like never before and met some great people that I now call friends!

I’ve had amazing highs and lows in the last twelve months, detailed in 99 different posts on this site, and am thankful for both!

I’ve seen the transformation from “This guy’s crazy!” to “Wow, this is going to happen!” in quite a few people and beyond my dream of playing my childhood hero Michael Jordan, that’s really what this site has become about for me.

I began wanting this game for ME and now I want this game for US.

I want to show every single person that you CAN have the things you want in life if you have faith, work hard and believe.

Because of that, I see year two of this journey being jaw dropingly inspirational!

I am so much closer to obtaining my goal than I was a year ago and still believe that I am just one person away from making it happen! (Are you the one that can help?)

Thank you all for your continued support!  Thank you for spreading the mevsMJ.com word and helping others understand that this reaches far deeper than basketball.

What’s Upcoming In Year 2!?!?

me vs. Michael Jordan, of course!

Until MJ lets me know he’s ready to play, I will continue to play the very best that I can find and work on my game.  I will continue to strive to be the very best that I can be.

In the coming months I hope to unveil some pretty cool happenings here, so hopefully you’ll stay tuned!

me vs. MJ…the journey of one man (me) vs. (Michael Jordan) the greatest basketball player ever continues!  Thank you for following along!

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Please SHARE mevsMJ.com

I know everyone on the net ask for this, but if you would PLEASE SHARE mevsMJ.com on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, through email, anything really, I would greatly appreciate it.  The more people that know about what I’m doing here, the better chance I have of playing MJ!  Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to LIKE the mevsMJ.com Facebook page!  Thank you in advance!

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!

There is no part of being rejected that makes me or anyone else feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

It doesn’t matter if I’m playing hoops or telling someone new about my goal of playing Michael Jordan, getting my shot swatted or being brushed off isn’t fun.

Being rejected sucks harder than a brand new Dyson, but being rejected is part of any great process.

In fact if you aren’t being rejected on occasion you’re not really maximizing your potential.

Being Rejected Means You’re On The Right Path

If you play basketball regularly and NEVER get your shot blocked, the people you are playing with simply aren’t good enough.  They will never make you better.

If you are pursuing a dream and all you ever hear is YES, then your pursuit is too easy.

You Never Know, Unless You Try!

When I set a goal of playing Michael Jordan 1-on-1, I knew I’d have a lot to overcome.  I mean I’m working on getting a game against the best basketball player to ever live.  IT’S HUGE!  No part of how large this dream is has been lost along the way.

I also know that every time I line up a game of 1-on-1 vs. a professional/high level player that my chances of winning aren’t the best and there is a chance I could be embarrassed.

I also know there is a chance I could win.

There is a chance that Michael Jordan could call me today and say, “Let’s Play!”

I learned long ago that you never know, unless you try.

In my early twenties I asked a girl to lunch that not one of my friends believed would ever say yes.  She was a model, the kind you see in well known magazines.  Most guys would think she’s out of their league.  I thought what have I got to lose?

She said yes, to the amazement of those around me.

The point is sometimes the things that we think are undoable are just that because we’re too afraid to try.

Sure you may face rejection, as I did in seventh grade, and as I do routinely when I ask people for help on my journey to play MJ.

You could also achieve something that few, if any, think is possible.

The T-Mac Shout Out!

Yesterday at 10:02 am the following message from Tracy McGrady came across my Twitter feed!:

I dream big things here at mevsMJ.com, but even for me, having Tracy McGrady give ME a shout out blows my mind!  The fact that one of the best basketball players to ever play the game knows ME and all about what I’m looking to accomplish here on this site truly hasn’t even registered with me completely!  I’m so unbelievably thankful and humbled.  Dreams DO HAPPEN!

Here is the backstory on how it all came about.

The Backstory

The Bold Challenge (June 22, 2011)

Four weeks ago I sent the following tweet to Tracy McGrady:

I then asked some friends to please send him a message on Twitter letting him know that I’m serious.

By the seventh message sent T-Mac responded with:

I was blown away!  Tracy McGrady had responded and checked out mevsMJ.com!  Unreal!

Still, I wanted to play him and the “Get ya team” in his message, I thought might just be my chance, as it was in reference to his upcoming Indoor Streetball Tournament held this past weekend in Auberndale, Florida.

My History with Tracy McGrady (Summer 2000)

I met Tracy for the first time eleven years ago during the Summer of 2000.  He was a free agent and the two major teams in the running for his services were the Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic.

At the time I worked in the sports department for the local ABC affiliate, in Orlando.  In those days I was working for peanut shells, I didn’t even get the peanuts, but experiences like the one that would happen on this particular evening in 2000 were priceless.

The main on-air guy in sports at the time had gotten word that McGrady would be flying into Orlando around 10:30 pm from North Carolina.  We also knew that the next day the Orlando Magic would be holding a press conference, but up to that point it was still unknown as to where McGrady would be signing.  Remember, this was before Twitter and instant information.

So I was sent to Orlando International Airport, just one cameraperson and myself and asked to see if I could get any response from Tracy when he came off of the plane.  We were the only crew there.

Sure enough, like clockwork, a rather small plane arrived with no more than 15-20 people on it and after about 10 people exited the plane, I could see T-Mac making his way down the walkway, accompanied by his then personal trainer Wayne Hall.

I was a bit concerned as to how Tracy, who I had never met before, would take us being there, camera, bright light, microphone, and it being rather late in the evening, but my worries were quickly dispelled.

As soon as McGrady saw me, a large smile erupted on his face.  I think he was surprised to see us there, but not the least bit upset.

He walked right over, answered every single question I had, gave me the scoop on his signing with Orlando (on camera) before anyone had it, including ESPN, shook my hand and went on his way, signing autographs as he walked through the airport.

Soon thereafter I exited television and Tracy McGrady went on to Superstardom, at one point being regarded as perhaps the best player in the NBA.

Eleven Years Later (We Meet Again in Auberndale)

This past Saturday, I got up before the sun and headed 45 minutes down the road to Auberndale, Florida for the first time.

I was there for Tracy McGrady’s Annual Streetball Basketball Tournament.

I was there to see Tracy McGrady and ask him in person to play me 1-on-1!  

I arrived just in time to see the start of the first game of the tournament, which was filled throughout the two days with some serious basketball featuring numerous current or former pro basketball players.

Midway through the second game, in walked T-Mac.  After some hellos he made his way into the stands about 10-15 feet from me, took a seat and began taking in the basketball action.

I gave him a good 30 minutes to an hour to get settled in and then decided it was time.  It was time to see if T-Mac would play me 1-on-1.

As I made my way over to him, I felt the same way I did some eleven years ago, not exactly sure how Tracy would feel about me approaching him while he was relaxing with a friend.

Just as I was almost to him, he looked up, and I said, “Hey man, I’m the guy with mevsMJ.com.”

Like all those years ago in the airport in Orlando, that same smile and laugh came across his face and he welcomed me with a handshake.

I sat down next to Tracy and told him all about mevsMJ.com.  He asked me whom I’ve played and at one point, with a smile asked; “Do you score when you play these people??” to which we had a good laugh over.  After I informed him that, YES, I do score, haha, he said that was great and gave me some kudos for competing with true athletes.

I explained to Tracy how my goal of playing Michael Jordan 1-on-1 has really become about showing people what’s possible with faith and hard work, to which he concurred, tagging it with, “It’ll be awesome if you can get the game with MJ!”

We chatted for a few more minutes and as I shook his hand and thanked him for his time I said to him, “If you have anything left after your games tomorrow, let me know!”  He knew exactly what I was talking about, laughed and said no problem!

I Didn’t Play Tracy McGrady

In the end I didn’t play T-Mac.  He played in the first of three games his team played on Sunday and then took in the festivities from the crowd, taking pictures and signing autographs throughout.

I did make my way over to him and thank him on Sunday for his time and then enjoyed a full day of super intense hoops!

I Would Have Played T-Mac…IF

I really feel Tracy would have played me IF he wasn’t hosting his own tournament and doing all that comes with that responsibility.

I also really feel Tracy would have played me IF he grasped just HOW BIG OF A DEAL he really is.

Let me explain.

As we were talking on Saturday about me playing Jordan, I said to him, “Anything is possible, I mean, look at what’s happening right now.  I’m sitting here talking with you!”

I could tell that the comment kind of made him feel uneasy and his humble response of “I don’t know man, how hard is it to really come to the tournament?” proved that.

I met Tracy McGrady, while we were both in our early 20s, before he was really T-Mac.  Before he was truly a household name.  He was extremely welcoming, kind and humble then.

It’s nice to see that after all of these years and all of the accolades he’s amassed along the way, that some things never change.

Tracy McGrady is a true superstar of a person, one that I’m happy to now say I know.

me vs. MJ…the amazing journey continues!

For more information on T-Mac and his Tracy McGrady Foundation which sponsored the Streetball Tournament be sure to check out his website.  You can also follow Tracy on Twitter:  @TheReal_TMAC.  Lastly, HELP T-Mac (Ambassador to China) and the Red Cross raise money for the disaster relief program by visiting http://www.tmac-china.com/Home.html.

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.)