Friday Evening, April 5th

Marcus Jordan, son of Michael Jordan, turned back to me and with the enthusiasm one might show in seeing a 20-year-long friend, said, “Hey man!  It’s so great to see you!!!!”

Following handshakes, small-talk, laughs and smiles, he inquisitively asked, “Have you been introduced to my Dad, yet??”

After a short – are you serious! – hesitation on my part, I replied, “Um…well, not formally.”

“Let’s Go!” he encouraged, and away we were, weaving our way to the Dream!

Hopeful

I took the five hour long flight to Las Vegas with my wife, filled with hope!  

Here was another opportunity to realize the dream that is mevsMJ.com.  Another chance to prove to everyone, what I’ve been saying for years now, that Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

I can honestly share with you that this trip to Las Vegas, that I’m about to describe, BLEW THE CEILING OFF of any expectations of mine.

There were several moments throughout the days in which, Charissa (wife) and I looked at one another in utter amazement.

The dream was coming true, after all of this time, right before our eyes!

And with that – I’m excited to share with you, the most amazing step or better put, gigantic leap, in this journey to date.  I hope you enjoy the stories, pictures and videos.  Most of all, I hope that when you leave this post…you believe.

Vegas – MJCI

Charissa and I arrived in Las Vegas, early Wednesday morning to find an unusual chill in dry desert air.  Surely, the remnants of the cold front that had just passed through.

We weren’t in Vegas to gamble or see shows, though we would do the latter.

We were there for the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational.

More specifically, we were there for the invite only – Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Gala!

A great friend and supporter of this journey had called me, just two weeks prior, to let me know that he had two tickets for us to attend the exclusive event!

After checking in at our hotel, I was informed that we would also have VIP access for each day of the four day long (Thursday-Sunday) golf invitational.  Truly an unexpected treat that would greatly alter the course of our trip!

This was about to be the most epic experience of my life.

Thursday | MJCI – MJ Laughs

We arrived at the picturesque Shadow Creek golf course, site of the MJCI, just after 10:30 ante meridiem.

As the shuttle bus, used to bring guests from ticket check-in, to the tournament, made its way down the winding drive and through golf’s equivalent of Area 51, we passed Michael Jordan’s foursome on the 5th tee, waiting to tee off.

Off of the bus, my wife and I made our way over to the 5th green, where just a handful of people would be found.

Moments later, cutting through the quiet, chilled morning came music shouting from the coolest, custom Carolina blue, Jordan, golf cart these eyes have ever seen.

It was of course, the one and only Michael Jordan!

As MJ, now out of his cart and walking up the pathway towards the green, came my way, I said hello, we SHOOK HANDS and he asked me how I was doing!

With Jordan now, just a step past me, I called out, “me versus MJ dot com.”

Still walking towards the green, and without looking back, a smile came over Michael’s face and he let out a small chuckle.

Amazingly, within minutes – contact with MJ had been made!

But it gets better!

As Michael walked from the hole and got back into his cart, I politely called his name, “Hey Michael,” and asked, “What do you think about mevsMJ?”

Jordan, turning back and now looking directly at me, smiled again with a cigar wedged in his mouth, let out a hearty laugh and drove away with security in tow.

httpvh://youtu.be/9Z2Y37Vm_LQ

There was no doubt that Michael Jordan now knew I was there and he seemed to enjoy it!

We followed the the growing Jordan gallery around for another hole or two, ate some lunch and called it what it was, an amazing day!

Friday | MJCI – MJ Acknowledges mevsMJ.com & Says He’ll Play Me Anytime!

We arrived back at the tournament, just after nine in the morning on Friday.

After watching Michael tee off on the first and then third holes, we walked around a bit and decided to make our way to the 5th green again and wait for his group to come through.

I wanted to have some sort of tasteful interaction with MJ on this day as well.  I of course had a goal to accomplish, which was to do my best to make this dream a reality, but I didn’t want to be a bother to him in any way.

I really had no clue what I would ask him and then it came to me.

Do You Believe Anything Is Possible?

As Michael’s group made their way to the 5th green, MJ pulled his cart right up off of the edge of the fringe.  A change from the day before.  It made sense though, as the gallery following him had more than doubled from the prior day.

As Jordan turned his cart around and drove off of the green, I asked him something extremely important in making mevsMJ.com a reality, “Michael, do you believe that Anything Is Possible?”

Biting down on his familiar cigar, the greatest basketball player of all-time nodded in agreement and said, “Yes, I do.”

He then said something I never expected, “Nice shoes!”

The shoes – Jordan’s of course.

httpvh://youtu.be/lPmtCq_cpTU

Ultra Observant

It’s a known fact that Michael Jordan always looks at people’s feet.  He’s looking to see what kind of shoes they are wearing.  He does it quickly.  Most never notice.  (Go back and watch the above video again.  Right before he gets in the cart, you’ll see him look over in my direction.)

On Thursday and prior to the interaction above, there were a few times, as MJ stood waiting to take his next shot, that I saw him look over in my direction.

There is no doubt in my mind that he was very aware of myself and the mevsMJ.com that was across my sweater.

At times, it appeared to me that he actually got a kick out of it.

MJ Says I Won’t Win and He’ll Play Me Anytime!

After watching Michael’s group tee off on the 6th hole, my wife wanted to wait and see Mauricio Umanksy.  Who was I, to argue with that?  After all, she had come clear across the country to support me and the dream, just as she’s supported me since day one.  Umansky is known by most from appearing on the Bravo Network show, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

This decision to wait, and not follow MJ’s group – was PIVOTAL.

At this point, Jordan’s group had driven their carts nearly out of sight, down the fairway.

It was literally just Charissa and myself standing there, just off of the 6th tee, waiting.

Then all of a sudden, I look up and here comes Michael’s carolina blue golf cart back our way!

Behind the wheel, MJ himself!

Apparently, there was a private restroom built into the hill of the golf course right off from where we were standing.

As MJ exited the facilities, I thought that it would be a perfect time to ask for a picture.

My reasoning, simply because there was NO ONE around.  I wouldn’t have asked if there had been.

So I asked, “Michael, could I get a picture!?” and then, the MOST AMAZING THING HAPPENED!

As kindly as one could, when declining, MJ answered, “I can’t do it right now, man.”

Then Michael Jordan took it to a place that I’VE ONLY DREAMED ABOUT! 

“mevsMJ.com, huh?” an engaged Jordan shot my way, as he got back in his cart.

Now smiling, I replied, “What do you think?”

“You Won’t Win!  You Won’t Win!,” he quipped with a smile.

Living the dream, I eagerly asked, “When can we play!?”

“Anytime!” a playful Jordan fired back!

Doing my best to seize the moment, I shouted, “I’m Ready!!!”

That evoked a laugh from MJ, as he drove away!

I turned back to my wife, who had fortunately been recording the interaction and neither of us could believe what had just occurred!

Michael Jeffrey Jordan had just acknowledged my website (mevsMJ.com), made a prediction on the game of me versus him, and said he would play anytime!

After over three years and seven months of unwavering faith and unmeasurable amounts of effort, Michael Jordan had just acknowledged my dream!

AND to make things even sweeter, MJ had done so by talking some trash to me, which I LOVED!

Such a dream come true!

httpvh://youtu.be/RgJIPgzd7ks

Fred Whitfield – A Major Supporter

Still astonished by what had just happened, Umansky’s group arrived at the hole.

Just after taking a picture of Mauricio and my wife, I turned and saw none other than President/COO of the Charlotte Bobcats and one of MJ’s closest allies, Fred Whitfield.

I had last spoken to Mr. Whitfield back in March of 2013 at a Charlotte Bobcats event in Charlotte, North Carolina.  It was there where he gave me his business card and encouraged me to email him more details on what mevsMJ.com is all about.  A major step, even though I never received a response from my sent message.

After catching up Mr. Whitfield on my recent job change and some small talk, I asked if he had ever received my email.

He stated that he had and that he LOVES what I’m doing!

When I began explaining to him that it’s not about trying to beat MJ and that the real goal to to inspire others and prove that Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work, he ensured me that HE UNDERSTOOD.  He let me know that HE GOT IT!

I acknowledged that it’s a HUGE ask with it being MJ, which Mr. Whitfield concurred, but then also encouraged me to see it through.

While standing side by side readying for our picture, he told Umansky, “This guy’s been trying to play MJ for a few years now!”

We said our goodbyes, shook hands and he let me know that it’d be great to have me up for a Bobcats Playoff game.

I left the interaction feeling like I had gained a major supporter.  My fear that perhaps my journey had been misinterpreted, was put to rest.

The day really couldn’t have gotten any better…BUT it did!

Friday Night | MJCI Gala – A picture with and introduction to Michael Jordan!

We arrived at the Gala, just after 7:45 pm.  This exclusive, invite only, event was the reason we had come to Vegas.  Of course we had no clue that Thursday and Friday at the tournament would be so fruitful!

I was dressed in a black suit, with a blue tie and pocket square to match my black and blue low top Jordans.  My wife looked amazing, as always, in a Roberto Cavalli sequin dress with velvet appliqué, that caught just the right amount of light.

We walked into the gala filled with hope!  After all, the day had already been jaw droppingly staggering.

As we entered the cocktail reception, centered in the room was a man in a white suit on a white oval stage accompanied by a white piano.  He stood and performed song after song.  On both ends, tapas being served from various restaurants from within the Aria resort.  Surrounding the performer, curved, long white sofas making up relaxed group seating.  Standing tables, covered in white linen, lined the outer perimeter.  Chandeliers accented the room.

Walking about, Toni Kukoc, Dr. J, Ron Harper, Aaron Rodgers, Stuart Scott, Bruce Jenner, Ken Griffey, Jr., Penny Hardaway, Boyz II Men, and the list goes on and on.  At one point, Julius Erving was literally sitting four feet from me.

After a little over an hour, the doors opened to the magnicifent main ballroom and in walked Michael Jordan.

Jordan, surrounded by six large security guards, two at his front, two on the side and two behind, stopped to talk with Ahmad Rashad and Dr. J.

Even at this invite only event, it was wild to witness people take their phones out and take pictures of Jordan as he stood there talking.  Camera flashes lit up the interaction.

In a room full of celebrities, there was a defined difference in how the Global icon was perceived by those in attendance.  Everyone wants a piece of Michael Jordan.

Within the ballroom, were around 100 assigned tables – 10 people per table.  Stuart Scott had shared with me a few moments earlier, that no one does an event like MJ and he was right!  It was gorgeous!

httpvh://youtu.be/dq-AfQtgKZI

There were three ways you were at this event.  The first, you were a celebrity.  Second, you were a major tournament sponsor.  Lastly, you were a high roller that the resort had invited.

It just so happened that my table was right in the line of where MJ chose to enter the ballroom.

Standing at the table, I waved at Jordan as he walked into the nearly empty ballroom with his security team.  The majority of people, still taking advantage of the open bar, which unbeknownst to them, also extended into the evening festivities as well.

As I waved, there was no real acknowledgement on his part as he quickly made his way to his table, located at the front of the room.

My wife encouraged me to go up to where he was seated, as others were attempting to do, but at that point he was enjoying time with friends and I didn’t feel it was the right time.  After all, he had just seen me.  My feeling was that if he wanted to stop and talk, he would have.  I wasn’t going to pester him.

For me it’s always a fine line to walk, between doing my best to accomplish my goal and being a bother to Michael Jordan.

I personally, NEVER, want to be a nuisance or make him feel uncomfortable.

If hovering by his table as he joked with friends, worked for those attempting to interact with the legend, then good for them.  That wasn’t going to be me.

It didn’t end up working for them either.  Security had them go back to their seats and the dinner and entertainment portion of the festivities began.

Magician and Comedian Justin Willman, of Cupcake Wars on Food Network, hosted the evening’s event.

After dinner, some jokes and magic tricks, including a funny moment with Jerome Bettis, T-Pain and George Clinton took over the stage.

At this point, I really thought the evening was pretty much over and my opportunity to have time with MJ gone.

I had possessed so much hope for the Gala.  I hoped that in this smaller, more “laid back” setting, I would be able to get some time with Jordan and really share my vision.

I guess even I underestimated the drawing power of Michael Jordan.

Life, even in a room full of famous people, just isn’t the same for the G.O.A.T.  There really is no down time for MJ, or at least there wouldn’t be without a team of security.

Even though I was disappointed, I could’t be down because of the astonishing events earlier in the day!

MJ had acknowledged the journey and as I stated earlier that was a MAJOR DREAM COME TRUE!

Satisfied with the evening, my wife said lets go up closer to the front.  I knew what she really wanted.  That was to dance.  At the front of the room, a dance floor hugged the stage.

Almost to where the dancing was taking place, I pulled her back and said that I’d really rather not dance.  I wasn’t alone when it came to guys not dancing.  Just about the only man dancing that night was Juan Pablo from the show, The Bachelor and he’s like a professional!  Dude can move!  Also have to share, he’s a nice guy.  We had ran into he and Nikki at the tournament and then again at the Gala as they were seated at a table just to the left of ours.

Then, at that moment, I looked over and just a few tables away, stood Jeff Jordan.

This is where everything changed.

Jeff Jordan – Family Support

I had never met Jeff Jordan.  Not in person any way.

We had connected through Twitter early in my journey, which I even wrote about for this site.  There were also a couple of pleasant interactions that followed over the years on Twitter and Instagram.  But never in person.

I walked over to Jeff, really not sure how things would go.  I just really wanted to say hello and introduce myself.

As T-Pain was performing, I tapped Jeff on the shoulder and he turned right around.

With as much excitement and enthusiasm as you could imagine anyone having, he said that it was so nice to finally meet me!

We talked for literally 10 minutes!

Truly one of the nicest people I’ve met.  Extremely humble and positive.

Jeff encouraged me the entire time, saying that he follows everything that I do for the site and loves it!  He told me that he thinks it’s amazing to look at where I started and where the journey is today!  He asked if there had been any updates thus far from the tournament and I excitedly shared how earlier in the day I had gotten video of his Dad talking about the website and saying that I wouldn’t win, to which he laughed and said that’s awesome!  He implored me to keep moving forward on the journey and then took it to another level!

He let me know that he was now working for Brand Jordan.  

I asked him if he was able to possibly do something for the site and he said ABSOLUTELY!  

Then Jeff BLEW MY MIND!

He told me that he’d love to have me up some time, do a Brand Jordan event and showcase everything!!!

Mind blown, I told him that would be amazing and asked how I could link up with him.

He said, “I’ll give you my number!  Do you have your phone with you?”

And with that, I could officially say that I had MAJOR, Jordan family support!

Truly Amazing!  Such a blessing!

I thanked Jeff for his time, asked for a picture and told him I look forward to getting together hopefully soon!

Marcus Jordan – Have You Been Introduced To My Dad?

Over the moon, by what had just happened, Charissa and I walked just a bit more before I spotted Marcus Jordan.

Almost a year and a half ago, I had met Marcus at a charity event in Orlando, Florida.

I told my wife, let me go say hello to Marcus and then we can go.

I walked over to the younger MJ, who was facing the stage, tapped him on the shoulder from behind and after turning around, he greeted me with the enthusiasm one might show in seeing a 20-year-long friend,  and said, “Hey man!  It’s so great to see you!!!!”

Following handshakes, small-talk, laughs and smiles, he inquisitively asked, “Have you been introduced to my Dad, yet??”

After a small – are you serious! – hesitation on my part, I replied, “Um…well, not formally.”

“Let’s Go!,” he encouraged, and away we were, weaving our way through people, behind Marcus on our way to the MJ in mevsMJ.com!

He walked us right up to his Dad, and with so much support said, “Dad, you’ve got to meet this guy!”

Marcus spoke a few more positive things into his Dad’s ear about me as the concert continued, some of which I couldn’t make out.  I did hear him mention this website and with that I was standing face to face with the one and only Michael Jeffrey Jordan!

I probably shook MJ’s hand four or five times in the couple of minutes that we shared, haha!

He took it all in stride.

I also was able to ask him his thoughts on the site and let him know how much he’s inspired me in my life.

Each time the taller Jordan, lowered his head to mine so that he could hear me clearly.

So very cordial.

While he played his thoughts on mevsMJ.com close to the chest, I could see the genuine humility in his eyes and expression as he thanked me for the kind words.

I asked him if I could get a picture and he responded, “Sure!”

Marcus then interjected, “I’ll take it!” and I handed him my camera!

And that is how the greatest Michael Jordan picture I’ve ever seen, came to be.

They say a picture says a 1,ooo words – but this one can’t be measured.  It’s more than a picture.  It gives hope to everyone that sees it.

As we walked back to Marcus’ table, he turned and playfully said, “Don’t say I’ve never done anything for ya!”

We then took a picture together and I thanked him profusely for his extreme act of kindness.

He humbly downplayed it, saying, “No problem!”

The reality of the situation though is that I could never ever receive a warmer or better introduction to Michael Jordan than the one his son, Marcus, had just given me.

He took it upon himself and stopped what he was doing, TO HELP ME!

That amazing act of kindness spoke volumes to me as to how the Jordan family views my journey that is mevsMJ.com.

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

As my wife and I began to walk out of the party, we stopped by Mr. Whitfield’s table and I thanked him again for the kind words and encouragement he had given me earlier in the day.

What an amazing day it had been!

Almost every part of the dream had just come true in the most magnificent, storybook like way!

The eight words that I’ve been telling anyone that will listen, stood up proud and proved true for the World to see!

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

Saturday and Sunday | MJCI – Acceptance

Early Saturday morning, Charissa headed back to Orlando, as she had a prior charitable engagement to attend that night.  I stayed through Monday morning and took in the last two days of the MJCI.

Over the two day period of Saturday and Sunday, MJ and I briefly interacted each day.

As my wife had said before she left, the only other thing that could have happened during this amazing trip was that we actually played the game of 1-on-1.

Everything else had occurred.

On one hole Sunday afternoon, MJ walked right by me and said, “What up dog.”

I was now accepted.

The Dream and The Journey

I began this journey having no idea the impact it would have on my life.

How it would change me.  How it would grow me.

I suppose that’s the beauty and the purity of it all.

A dream to play my childhood hero, transformed in to a daily walk to inspire people to believe what I believe:  Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

Jeff Jordan was right.  It is amazing, even for me, to look back at where I started and where I stand today.

It’s also proof that anyone reading this can accomplish whatever they set their mind to, if they believe and work tremendously hard.

I’ve taken a lot of small steps.  I’ve fallen down over and over again.  I’ve faced more rejection than I would ever want any of you to face.

But I’ve always kept moving forward.

I’ve always felt that if the purpose was pure, in HIS time, it would happen.

In Las Vegas, I didn’t take a major step, I dunked from the free throw line.

None of this would have been possible without the support of my wife, family, friends, and of course Jeff, Marcus and Michael Jordan.

I thank you all for believing in me.

mevsMJ.com…the epic journey continues!

MJCI Photo Gallery

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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.

So last week, as you may have seen in Saturday’s post, I began individual performance training at the B Meyer training facility in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

If you didn’t see Saturday’s post, Coach B Meyer has been featured in Men’s Health, USA Today, and ESPN to name a few and is the performance coach for many professional athletes, including the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard.  It’s safe to say this is the real deal!

Through my first four sessions it has been an unbelievable experience!

Truthfully, I’m not really a morning person or a “working out” person (besides running and court work), but over the past week I’ve been so excited to wake up at 5am and go workout with Coach B and his program coach Dave Rubin that I almost can’t sleep the night before!  I’m thrilled because I know I’m getting better!

Last week I was scheduled for two sessions, but then on Friday morning because I was so amped, I sent Dave the following text, “Man, I wanna workout today!”

I really didn’t expect anything from that but within a few minutes Dave had made time for me in his schedule so that I could come by and get some work in!

That to me is an example of, as my buddy Andy says, “Good people!”

It’s the best feeling to have people that want you to improve as much as YOU want to improve and that’s what I’ve got with Dave and Coach B!

I’m thankful, for sure!

Initial Test Results

So I did a series of tests on Friday, ranging from vertical jump to 300 yard shuttle, so that I could track my improvement over the period of training and I thought I would share the initial results:

Vertical:  23.6 inches (no steps, just straight up)

Max Push-Ups:  30

Max Suspension Pull-Ups:  15

Broad Jump:  6’10”

300 Yard Shuttle:  1:12

Measurement of waist at belly button:  32 inches

Measurement two inches above belly button:  32 inches

Due to me not working out at all prior to last week (besides running and playing hoops as previously mentioned), I’m satisfied with the initial results and know that I will see great improvement as I continue to get stronger!

Operation NBA Body is in full effect!

me vs. Michael Jordan…the journey continues!  I’m getting ready!

Are you Mr. Jordan?

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HELP ME:  I’m working hard over here and I need your help!  Please share this site with at least one person today and help spread the mevsMJ.com word!  All things are possible with FAITH and HARD WORK!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Don’t Get Tired

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

They don’t get tired!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every Day Until 25!!!

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

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

Thank You Mr. Brown!

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

For that, Robert Brown, I say THANK YOU!

Now go show Virginia Tech what you can do!

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

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!

Friday night found me sitting on one of many long pine benches that make up a set of bleachers, shoulder to shoulder, about as close as you’d ever want to sit with anyone.  To my left, a client and former Duke grad, his two sons and nephew.   On the other side me was a friend I hadn’t seen in 17 years.  To the front of me a couple of co-workers.   Behind me and throughout the rest of the gymnasium was ENTHUSIASM in all caps!  It was great!

We were there, ESPN was there, and everyone else was there to see the showdown.  It didn’t disappoint.

Did I mention that Friday night I was at a high school basketball game?

I just so happen to live about 40 minutes from Winter Park High School.   Winter Park High School just so happens to have on its roster the number one ranked high school basketball player in the entire country.   That player is Austin Rivers, who just so happens to be the son of former NBA player and current Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers.

I’ve seen Austin play twice in the past two weeks and while I could write on and on about how he dropped 38 points against the number two team in the country, often against either the #3 or #49 ranked players in the country, and how it was done so inspiringly smooth and rich, I won’t.  I could do that, but that post will come later when I play Austin 1-on-1.   [OK, so I don’t have that game lined up just yet, but if you’re reading this Austin, wanna play? ]

This post isn’t about how great Rivers is and let me tell you, the Duke signee is special (see video of Friday’s game below).

This post is about how a normal Friday evening in a high school gymnasium can bring people together, strengthen relationships new and old and be filled with all the excitement and fun one would ever venture after, for the low price of $10.

Every holiday and event, every birthday and anniversary, has for so many become about the amount spent rather than the value gained.  Hand raised, I admit, I’m part of the hoopla.

Two weeks ago when I went to see Rivers play (just $5) and then again this past Friday, I was reminded that you can still have a lot of fun with friends without having to release dozens of hard earned dead presidents.

If you’re a hoops fan, I encourage you to check out the ESPNU’s player rankings and see if you have a future NBAer playing in a dimly lit gym near you.  Even if you don’t, go see your local high school team play.   Sit close to people you may or may not know, on seats that dream of padding, in a place filled with passion.  It will be a great reminder that return on investment has little to do with the amount invested.

What are your favorite things to do that are light on the wallet, but high on return?

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Austin Rivers Going OFF for 9 in a row Friday Night against #2 St. Patricks! (Video)

Click play, sit back, watch and listen.  Outstanding performance (38 points)!  Amazing atmosphere!

[blip.tv ?posts_id=4660041&dest=-1]

[If you are reading this via email or RSS, the video may not show up, so click here to watch the video.]

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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! 

2010 began like most years for me.  Dick Clark did the countdown, the ball dropped, fireworks went off, and the calendar changed.  Truthfully, I’ve never been much into new year’s resolutions because they don’t typically work.  The commercialism of this “change your life” day is rather sad to me, but at the same time, at least it gives people one day a year where they actually think about making some sort of change for the better.

I realized more than ever in 2010 that change has to do with passion, not merely the want to change.  If you are to lose weight, run your first race, play Michael Jordan, start a blog, write a book, etc., there has to be more fueling your fire than just “I want to do this.”  The reason is, most things that are worth having don’t come easy.  When times get tough, more often than not we revert to what is comfortable…unless passion is part of the equation.

Here is a look back on some of the things I’m proud that I accomplished in 2010

• Ran my first half marathon.
• Ran my second half marathon.
• Started mevsMJ.com.
• Went to Impact Basketball Training.
• Played against 7’3″ Akeme Smart.
• Played against Virginia Tech signee Robert Brown (Ranked #84 in USA by ESPN).
• Ran over 530 miles (over 73,000 calories burned).

Why I’m proud of those accomplishments

Prior to January 18th of 2010, I didn’t exercise or play basketball anymore.  I was alive, but I wasn’t doing much living.

I Feel Alive Right Now!

My brother did a rap called, Alive, back in July.  It has become my anthem.

Everything I have DONE this year has made me FEEL SO ALIVE.  I’ve been saying this more and more, but life really is amazing if you allow it to be.

Alive (by Bob Eller) [Audio and Lyrics]

[If you are reading this via email or the RSS feed, click here to go to the full post and listen]

I feel alive right now
I feel alive right now
I feel alive right now
I feel alive right now

Verse 1
Life is so fantastic, I can’t even mask it
Feel like MJ, in 98’, the final basket
Yeah I push a little, but I’m pullin’ off some magic
Tricks up my sleeve, call me Inspector Gadget
Ever since my DOB, until the casket
I will cherish each breath like I battle asthma
I wrote the manual, now it’s automatic
Flat linin’ beats like a musical assassin
That means I’m killin‘ it, but you knew that
I keep it hoppin’ like the kangaroo on my hat
I tell you how it is, so you don’t have to ask
That black card says, “Get over here and kiss my ass!”
Future so bright there’s no need for a flash
So take a picture if you want to keep it for your past
Otherwise, let the red carpet show my path
Big 1040, the IRS makes me show my math
Itemize these lines, claim the fame, and deduct lies
Add the drive to be the best, subtract the lack of time
I shine brighter than the rest, haven’t hit my prime
This world is mine until I close my eyes

Chorus
I feel alive right now
I feel alive right now
I feel alive right now
I feel alive right now
I, I, I feel alive right now
You can pretend, but it ain’t real
I stand on top, my spot still
I feel alive right now

Verse 2
I am everything possible, don’t you ever doubt me
Put a C before RAP if it is without me
I’m the biggest fish in Lake County
Spittin’ out hooks, eatin’ everything around me
Whether a Corolla or a drop top Audi
Girls holla hola, namaste, chao, and howdy
Chillin’ on South Beach, tan like a Saudi
I control the game with one hand like Atari
Bet you wanna trade places like we’re playin’ Sorry
Cause I’m always on Target like Isaac Mizhari
Welcome to the soiree, this is my story
Dyin for title and livin for the glory

Chorus
I feel alive right now
I feel alive right now
I feel alive right now
I feel alive right now
I, I, I feel alive right now
You can pretend, but it ain’t real
I stand on top, my spot still

That 3 minutes and 17 seconds of music says it all.  I Feel Alive Right Now!

If you haven’t found something to make you feel alive, I pray that you do soon.  If it’s 2011 that catapults you in the direction of that, all the best to ya.

Looking Forward

The calendar won’t really change much in my approach.  Looking forward, I plan on continuing to work hard, get in even better basketball shape, play the best, train with the best, do some amazing things and ultimately play Michael Jordan 1-on-1.

As a client of mine told me last week, nothing is impossible.  Impossible just takes a bit longer.

Thanks for all of the support thus far!  I truly cherish each and every comment, tweet, and email I receive.

I hope you have a safe and happy New Year!  Here’s to 2011 being one of the best ever!

Music Credit: The music used in my brother’s rap, Alive, is the instrumental of Lil Wayne’s 3 Peat.

This is Part 2 of a two part series this week on my match-up with Robert Brown, one of the top high school basketball players in the nation.  In Part 1, I shared the back story and how I got the game against such an elite player. Today, In Part 2 I will give an account of our match-up last Friday with results, as well as, share some of the 1-on-1 video.

I WON!  I Beat him 15-11!!

Then I woke up.

It was a little after 5am on Friday morning of last week.  The sun had yet to welcome in the new day, but I felt like a small child on Christmas and I had done all the sleeping I could do.

I was excited! I couldn’t wait to get on the court!

My one-on-one match-up with Robert Brown, one of the top High School basketball players in the entire country was just five hours away!

Pre-game

I arrived at the court around 9:20am to give myself plenty of time to stretch and warm-up for our 10am showdown.

I wanted to be at my best!

Right at 10am Robert showed up and after a couple of shots it was time to play.

Me vs. Robert Brown

Let me end all outside hope that I put on my cape and somehow beat Robert Brown, the 25th ranked shooting guard in the nation.

I didn’t.

Honestly, I couldn’t even get the 84th ranked player in the country to sweat!  Seriously.

We ended up playing two games of 1-on-1 to 15 points (3 pointers worth 2 points, everything else worth 1 point).

-Game 1

I quickly fell behind in game one.

He might have been up on me seven or eight to nothing before I made a weak lay-in to at least get on the board.

I was a little taken aback by his length and size as a defender.  Robert is probably the first 6’4” person I’ve ever played against that wasn’t a post player.

He was doing any and everything he wanted.  Shooting threes, taking me to the basket, making floaters, hooks, and runners.

As the ball came through the chain net on his 14th point of game one, I felt a little dizzy and quickly sucked in some air and collected myself.

I was spent.

After bending over and picking up the ball I looked up, hoping to see just a smidgen of fatigue on the face of this young man, but it was void of struggle.

Game 1 ended with a score of 15-5.

While I had hoped to give a more competitive game, at that point I was just happy that I actually scored!

I caught my breath, we took a picture, and I asked for some more!

-Game 2

Game two began with more of the same.

He opened up nailing two 3 pointers and got ahead on me quite a bit before I got a little hot.

After a string of 3 pointers of my own, I was actually up 12-11, before he shifted gears and beat me 15-12.

Extremely Impressed!

There is no doubt Robert Brown can play some basketball!   I was thoroughly impressed with the ease at which he seemed to do everything.

The guy is so smooth on the court.

What I Learned About My Game

I need to get in a lot better BASKETBALL shape.

While I may be in the best shape of my life overall, I found myself gasping for air trying to stay with the constant quick explosive movements needed in a 1-on-1 match-up.

Next Time!

Yes, there will be a next time!

Robert agreed to play me again when he comes back for holiday breaks from Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, where he is playing his senior season.

My goal is to improve my conditioning so that the next time I can give him a better game.

I at least want to make him sweat…haha.

Overall Takeaway

Overall, this was such a cool experience for me.  It just doesn’t get better than matching-up with one of the nation’s elite young basketball players and laying it all on the line.

Sure I got my butt kicked.  Sure the games were easy like Sunday morning for him.

I left those games so motivated though!

I left the games feeling that I got a glimpse into how much I need to improve to play against the elite and actually compete.

It was definitely a wake-up call.   One that I am more than happy to do my very best to answer.

I may still be a long way from giving Mr. Jordan a decent game, but I’m getting better with each amazing experience!  I’m loving it!

Shout out to Robert Brown!

I can’t thank Robert enough for taking time from his holiday break and playing me.

Thank you for helping to make me better bro!

I’ll see ya at Christmas!  Oh and I will be better!

Me vs. Robert Brown 1-on-1 (Video):

Here is some video of our 1-on-1 match-up.  Enjoy!
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REVBTUEXf_g

[If you’re reading this via e-mail or RSS the video might not show up, so click here to view it.]
UPDATE:  Read about my other two match-ups with Robert Brown, that followed this initial meeting!
–I’M BACK!!!! (Me vs. Virginia Tech signee Robert Brown – Round 2)
–The Best Don’t Get Tired (Me vs. Robert Brown-Round 3)

Special thanks to Jim Kerkvliet for shooting the video and taking the pictures!  Thanks Jim!

How I Got A Game Of 1-on-1 Against Robert Brown

Back when basketball was at an all-time high for importance in my life, I spent numerous hours playing on the local courts and coaching my brother in YMCA leagues around my small hometown of Clermont, Florida.  It was during those years that I got to know Robert Brown, Sr.

In those days I would see his then, small son working on his game in between our games or on the opposite court.

Due to me not playing hoops as much over the last several years, until I began this journey a couple of months ago, I had lost track of them both until I saw an article this past summer on how Robert Jr. had signed a basketball scholarship with Division I, Virginia Tech.

To have a Division I player come from the small town of Clermont is a big deal!  To have him be the son of someone you know, is even cooler!

I quickly googled him, read some articles and found some video of him on YouTube.

He was dunking, shooting threes, going to the basketball.  Basically, he was doing anything he wanted to do on the court.   He had grown to be 6’4” and the game looked easy for him.

ESPN has Robert ranked #84 overall in its top 100 players in the country going into this season.  They have him ranked as the 25th best player at his position, shooting guard.

I attempted to reach out to his Dad at that point, just to tell him congratulations and that I couldn’t wait to come watch his son play (prior to this season, and transferring to Hargrave Military Academy, Robert played for the local high school).  Unfortunately, the phone number I had from many years ago was no longer good.

Then last Tuesday, something unexpected happened.

The church gym that a group of us usually play at every Tuesday was closed due to the Thanksgiving holidays.  Not to be deterred from our weekly game, we all went to a local outdoor court.  The same court where I usually shoot my free-throws and work on my game.

As I was shooting around, I noticed a familiar face standing on the baseline of the court.  It was Robert Brown, Sr.   I hadn’t seen him in yeeeeaaars.

Robert Jr. was there too dribbling a basketball on the sidelines.  He was home from Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia where he is now playing his senior season, for Thanksgiving break.

We caught up, I told them what I was doing in my journey to face Michael Jordan one-on-one, and asked if he’d be open to shooting around or playing me one-on-one while he was home from break.

He said sure!

A couple of text messages over the next couple of days and the game was set for Friday morning at 10am.

At the time of the last text on Thanksgiving evening confirming the time we would play, I was just hours from playing one of the best high school basketball players in the country.

I was just hours from playing against a young man, who in his last game before playing me had 25 points and 15 rebounds!

Here is a preview of our match-up!

Preview Of My 1-on-1 Match-Up With Robert Brown

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoztqzQax1U
[If you’re reading this via e-mail or RSS the video might not show up, so click here to view it.]

**Be sure to check back on Thursday for results of our one-on-one game, with pictures and video!

I could have been on my way to meet and have lunch with one of the biggest stars in today’s NBA.

This morning I could have been on my way to meet LeBron James.

The Opportunity

Last Wednesday evening, almost as soon as I got done playing basketball and jumped in my car, I received a text message from a close friend.

He had forwarded me a message that he had just received from the Centurion Club of American Express. You know the ultra exclusive AMEX black card that everyone says YES to. The card that you can’t apply for, instead AMEX finds you.

Here is what it said:

“Centurion members are exclusively invited to learn from two-time NBA MVP, LeBron James, alongside his hand-chosen coach, as they put you to the test during an on-court skills session. This unprecedented basketball experience will be hosted at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Miami, featuring a state of the art basketball court. Following the on-court skills session, enjoy a private lunch with LeBron James, where he will host a Q&A.

Go home with an autographed item and a photo with LeBron!

Limited Availability.

$2500 per person.

Date: 11/18/10.”

The Decision (minus ESPN and Jim Grey)

Sorry, couldn’t resist.

After a couple hours of back and forth discussion with my entrepreneurial friend, a guy who’s middle name could easily be success, I decided not to do it.

I decided to pass on meeting LeBron.

It wasn’t an easy decision for me though.

Initial Thoughts

Initially, I let the dollar amount of $2,500 make my decision for me.

I had just come back from a week at Impact Basketball training and hadn’t planned on really spending anymore money, anytime soon.

The thought of dropping $2,500 to meet a guy and get a picture seemed crazy!

It frustrated me that my first concern was the money!   Even though it’s quite a normal thought process for the majority of people, especially in these economic times.

On top of that, I had little time to think about it.  The event would be just one week later and spots were extremely limited and going fast!

I slapped myself with, who has ever been great without some sort of risk!  Who has ever accomplished great things without making decisions that are a bit uncomfortable!  It’s Not Going To Be Easy, Nor Should It Be!!!!

Plus, it was Lebron!

OK! Yes, Let’s Do It!

After weighing the opportunity quite a bit, I ended the call with my friend and made the walk from my office to the living room.  I had to discuss this with my wife.  I went in thinking, she is going to think I’m loosing it.

We do OK for ourselves financially, and feel very blessed, but we are in no way even within shouting range of having AMEX look for us, if you know what I mean.

So to spend another $2,500 that wasn’t budgeted for, with holidays fast approaching, just isn’t something we would typically ever do.

However at this point, I was thinking about the exposure meeting LeBron could bring to me vs. MJ.  I was thinking this is too convenient, being a 3.5 to 4 hour drive to Miami, to pass up on.  I was thinking that maybe LeBron, if he liked me, could make a call to Mike on the spot and set it up.  I was dreaming big time!

My wife sensed that I wanted to do it and gave her blessing.

Why I’m Working Today Instead of Having Lunch with LeBron James

The more I thought about it, I just couldn’t see LeBron doing much with a group of wealthy guys.  Would he really risk injury with, to put it nicely, a group of people past their athletic primes?

Logically, I also thought that it couldn’t be all that involved if we were going to be having lunch after, so I made the final decision to pass on the opportunity.

Almost simultaneously to my decision, I received a text from the friend who forwarded the opportunity and another buddy of mine, concurring that maybe now wasn’t the right time.

Did I Make The Right Decision?

I woke up yesterday morning second guessing my decision.  I was afraid I had made a mistake in passing on such a unique opportunity.

Last night I made a call to the Centurion Club, just to check availability.

The just 20 spots, were no longer available.

No Regret

Life is too short to live with regret, especially when it comes to basketball.

I admit, the “what ifs” have been attacking me the last two days, but I’ll stick by my decision and who knows, maybe another opportunity will come a knockin’ at a later time.

Why Tough Decisions Are Good

Life is filled with decisions and paths that don’t always have an arrow pointing, telling you which way to go.

If I were a wealthier individual, there is no doubt I would have gone to see LeBron.  I would also probably not have left Impact Basketball and still been training there.  I would have already sent in my Jordan Camp money.

Everything would be too easy.

There would be no reason to even have me vs. MJ, because there would be no struggle.  There would be no true journey.

Instead, I, like many was forced to consider things.  I had to really think about it.  I had to weight it for all the good and the bad.

I had to make a tough decision.

Thinking has never been a bad thing though, right?  It helps each person grow.  It helps each person truly put a value on what it is they want to do.

I chose to spend those funds on future training with Impact.  I chose to spend those funds on making me better.

me vs. MJ.  I hope you’re getting ready for me Mr. Jordan!