I thought it might take another 3-4 weeks, but it won’t.

I’M BACK!

Wednesday morning, exactly 8 weeks following the injury that has kept me from doing any activity, I made my comeback with a 1-on-1 rematch against Virginia Tech signee and one of ESPN’s Top 100 players, Robert Brown (see our first match-up here).

Keep in mind, this was the very first time I had played basketball since my injury.  Pretty intense, right?!?

My original plan was to mix in some regular players aka not monsters like Robert (more on this later) and ease back into playing over the next 3-4 weeks, but Mr. Brown happened to be in town on spring break (he attends Hargrave Military Academy) and I can never pass on an opportunity to play against the best and get better!

So early Wednesday morning, we headed to the rec center and had a rematch!!

Due to the game being set up last minute on Tuesday evening, I was unable to find someone to record the games as I had done before, but I’ll give you a brief rundown of how it went.

Thankful

Before I get to how the games went, I just want to say that I am so thankful to be back on the court again and for all of the support over the weeks from each of you.  Means more to me than I can ever express.

No Pain!

Also, through two games of me giving my all in 1-on-1, I felt absolutely no pain!  Praise God!

Big shout out to Justin Cobb and Mike Ames for working with me every week on my rehab.  The work I put in with them allowed me to have the confidence to take on such a player this early.

The Outcome of Me vs. Robert Brown (Round 2)

So I played Robert back at the end of November and he dominated me.  I left highly impressed and the video speaks for itself.  It was just plain easy for him.  I couldn’t even get him to sweat.

Since that time…HE GOT BIGGER AND BETTER!

This is in no way to hype Brown, as his play speaks for itself, but I’ve never felt so helpless on a basketball court in my entire life as I did Wednesday morning.

I’ve played basketball longer than the 18-year-old Brown has been alive, but at 6’5” and with a 6’11” wingspan he is absolutely impossible for me to guard.  The same will very likely be said about most DI guys he’ll play against next year.

Game 1

In game one, I shot for ball, made it and then made an up and under move which prompted Robert to even say, “Nice move,” before the barrage began.

He took me to the basket, when I gave him a little room he took the three and drained it (5 of them actually), and when I then crowded him he dunked on me (hey, he did win a dunk contest just two weeks ago).  He made step backs, bank shots, pull-ups, and shot a very high percentage.  He owned the court.

I managed to do my best and ended game 1 with a 15-8 loss.

Game 2

Game two I’m almost too embarrassed to write about, but I gave my all, so it is what it is.

Not to take anything away from him, but I was gassed this game for sure.  Adrenaline carried me through game 1, but in game 2 my legs were dead, my wind was gone, it was just too much too soon.

On top of that he extended his defense on me, blocking numerous shot attempts.  I guess his coach got on him about his defense the last time after he saw the video of us playing…haha.

With little effort on his end he whooped me 15-1.

Amazing!!!

I’m telling you I’ve never felt so alone on a court.  It felt like he had me on a string and could do whatever he wanted.

I was actually amazed at how good he is.  I have never played with anyone that is even close to as good as Robert Brown is.  It’s that big of a difference.

It’s something you can never understand until you experience it.  Just crazy talented.

I left last time we played thinking that if I got in better shape I could at least give him a better game.  I knew Robert hadn’t put all that much into the games (remember: no sweating), but my goal was if anything to at least make him work!

This time, I’m just gonna say it.  He’s the man!  Watch for him next year at Virginia Tech.  I won’t be the only person he dominates, that’s for sure!

Overall Takeaway

Overall, I spent the rest of Wednesday smiling.  I know, I know, sounds weak after getting my butt kicked, but I was just so thankful for being able to be out there and run and jump and give my all.

Sadly, it sometimes takes loosing something to fully appreciate it.

Tips and Pointers from Mr. Brown

Before we left Robert gave me some tips on how to improve my jab step, ball positioning as I attack the defender, ball fakes and even showed me some shooting drills he works on at school that have helped him a lot.

Because I think it’s so important to note, I will also add that on top of being a phenomenal player, he really is equally a great and extremely humble, young man.

Going Forward

I head back today for more physical therapy and will continue to work on strengthening my calf and my overall conditioning.

I am back in action here at mevsMJ.com and I love every single moment!

The announcement of my Next BIG one-on-one opponent is just around the corner.  I think you’re gonna love it and I will definitely get video!

me vs. MJ…the jouney is back underway!  Hope you’re getting ready for me Mr. Jorrrrrrrdannnnnn!!!

In the late Johnny “Red” Kerr’s voice…”HE IS NOW BACK!!!”

March 10, 2011

Mr. Michael Jeffrey Jordan
23 G.O.A.T Court
Charlotte, NC  32292

Dear MJ:

When you came into the league (NBA) in 1984 I was seven years old.  My big focus was getting to know my new classmates and learning how to read small books with a few words in a big font on each page.  You went on to win Rookie of the Year with a stat line of 28.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 5.9apg, and 2.4spg.  I had a knack for being able to spell and led my class in gold stars.

The very next year you got injured and played in just 18 regular season games.  I can’t say that I was fully aware of how tough that must have been on you then, as I was just in the third grade.  Even though management wanted you to sit the year out, you came back, helped the Bulls to the playoffs and put on a show.  On April 20^th you dropped an NBA playoff record 63 points on Larry Bird and the Celtics in the first round!  Unfortunately I was unable to see the game live, as we only had one TV and at eight years old I didn’t get to pick the channels.

At the age of 28 you won your first title with the Chicago Bulls.  By this time I had read every article I could get my hands on and every book I could beg my parents to buy for me.  I knew so much about you and your teammates that I felt like I was a part of the team too.  I was also starting to put quite a few hours of my own into learning the game of basketball.

By the time you had won your third straight title I had just finished my first year of JV basketball.  I was just 5’9” at the time but used to pray that I would be tall and even tried hanging on the monkey bars because I heard that’s what you did growing up.  My parents are only 5’8” and 5’6”, but your parents weren’t tall either, so I thought I had a chance!  The best thing about my game in those days was my Jordans.  I had the shoes, the jersey, the shorts and shirts.  I watched every VHS tape I could rent from the local video store over and over again trying to pick up on every little thing that made you great.  Books written about you consumed my nights.

Throughout my high school life I was never really that good at the game Dr. James Naismith invented.  I got my butt kicked over and over again in hoops, but never gave up.  I was totally self-taught and finally by my senior year I was catching up physically and skill wise with the other guys.  Even though I was more B.J. Armstrong and less Michael Jordan, I had a blast and had fallen in love with the game.

You went to baseball and I followed.  I even had my Mom take me out of school one day and we drove 2.5 hours to see a spring training game in Sarasota.  You didn’t play much that day, but around the sixth inning as you were leaving, you walked right by us, literally just feet away.  I was one happy kid!

You came back to the league and I taped every game.  Still have them all on VHS.  I began interning in the sports department at the local abc affiliate when I turned 19 years old.  This was right as you and the Bulls were on your way to going 69-13 and winning your second title in a row (5th overall).  It didn’t take the sports guys at the station long to realize how big of Jordan fan I was.  The first time you came to town they sent me out to get a comment on the following day’s big game.  It was late, and you had just gotten off the bus at the hotel.  You didn’t talk to me, actually no one really did, but I was as close to you, Pip, Phil, Dennis, Randy, Toni, Steve and the rest of the guys as anyone could ever be.  I wanted to tell you then how big of a fan I was, but that was against the journalism protocol.

You went on to win your sixth title and I got to see most every game that was in Orlando from 96-98.  I even got to come to the locker room and ask Scottie and some of the other guys questions.  You always had the most people wanting to talk to you and I was always too nervous then to ask you anything.  Instead I would stretch my arm out as far as possible with the mic in hand and battle my way in to get the sound of your voice.  The truth is I felt like I knew ya.  I didn’t want to ask you one of five routine post game questions the guys always asked.  I wanted to go into the Chris Farley “Remember When” skit.  I was a FAN!

You retired and I felt lost.  The team was dismantled and I couldn’t believe it.  I still supported the guys and did my best to keep up with Pip out in Houston when I could.  They didn’t really show all that many Rockets games in Central Florida though.  In the end, it just didn’t seem right with you not playing.

A few years later you came back!  I was 24 years old and had moved from sports to banking as a career.  Those days in Washington weren’t exactly like the days in Chicago, but myself and every Jordan fan in the World loved every minute of it!

####

So I’m not sure if you’re aware, but in August of 2010 I began mevsMJ.com, My Journey to Jordan Camp.  I had been waiting for years to be old enough to attend your Michael Jordan Senior Flight School in Vegas.  The goal of the site was to chronicle each and every step I took along the way as I prepared myself for your camp, which was to be held exactly one year from then.

I began shaking off the rust, conditioning myself and even attended professional basketball training in the beginning of November.  To prepare myself as much as possible, I also began lining up and playing games of one-on-one with top tier players so that I could be at the top of my game when we played 1-on-1 at your camp.

In December 2010, I found out that you canceled the camp this year.  I was devastated.  I had waited years for this, but was determined not to give up.  I knew when you canceled that you didn’t mean any harm.  You don’t even know me, yet.

####

I say all of that to say this.

I want to play basketball with you Mr. Jordan.  I want to play you 1-on-1.  I want to lace up my Jordans, check the ball in and give you every bit of my basketball game.  I get that I’m not the worthiest opponent when it comes to skill level, but there won’t be another human on this entire planet that will put more effort forth than when we play.  I promise you that.

I also want to show people that anything really is possible.  I want to show everyone that a regular guy who’s not even the best basketball player in his town can play his childhood hero and the greatest basketball player to ever live if HE WORKS EXTREMELY HARD AND BELIEVES!

At the end of the day, I need your help.  I need your time.  I need you to believe in what I’m trying to accomplish as much as I’ve always believed in you.

I had a dream last week.  In the dream, as I was walking out of the gym you were walking in, dressed in Jordan gear, bag hanging loosely over your shoulder.  I mustered up the courage and asked if I could please shoot around or play hoops with you.  You thought for a half of a second and said, “Sure, let’s go!”  The thing is I was nervous even in the dream!  The first time you passed the ball to me it felt like it was loaded with concrete.  My arms felt like noodles when I took the very first shot.  I had so much adrenaline running through me.  My dream had come true.

Somehow I hope this letter finds your eyes.  Somehow I hope you take the time to read it.  I hope that you connect with my dream.  I hope you feel my passion.  I pray that you say “SURE, let’s play Ken”, and make me vs. MJ a reality!

Sincerely,

Kenny Eller (Your BIGGEST Fan and NEXT 1-on-1 Opponent)

If you could retweet this letter to MJ, post it on your facebook, send to friends and family, send it to your local paper, anything to help get this message out so that it may find its place in front of Michael Jordan, I would really appreciate it!  Thank you in advance!

Three posts ago, on February 10^th, I posted the following [To the Partner of a Dreamer (a short letter)] and the response both surprised and humbled me.

The truth is, I thought it was one of the worst things I had written to date.  While the initial idea was there, I just couldn’t seem to get exactly what I wanted out of the effort.  As I was almost finished, I got up, walked into the family room and told my wife, this one (post) is struggling.  She asked if I was ready for her to read it, as she always proofs my posts before I schedule them, but I told her there was no need.  I wasn’t proud of it.

I went to bed and set my alarm for an hour earlier than usual, hoping that when I woke up I would have a fresh mind and somehow be able to fix the less than stellar attempt that would then be only a couple of hours from going live.  The alarm went off, I got up, sat in front of my computer and stared at the screen.  I couldn’t come up with anything.  My wife went ahead and read it 5 minutes before it was published and reassured me it was good, with her usual, “It’s really good!” tag.  I shook my head, sorry that I couldn’t have done a better job, closed my laptop and went to work.

Then it happened.

One retweet, then another, then a feature in a post, then another rt, and another and another and another.  The post that I felt was one of my weakest showings was quickly climbing the mevsMJ.com all time viewed list.

One reader called it probably his favorite post I’ve done.  Another said they loved it!  I was blown away.

If my hard drive hadn’t crashed (yes, I know I need to backup) the week before, and I had a back up post ready, I would have probably used it instead.

If I didn’t have it drilled in my head to “post on schedule” I probably would have skipped Thursday’s posting.

Both of those would have been a mistake.

In less than two weeks, the grouping of words that I wouldn’t have published has become the 5^th most viewed post in this site’s 6^th month existence.

The point is, sometimes we have no clue the impact we will have on others.

While I still don’t feel it is one of my top five writings or even close, it’s not for me to judge.  You, the readers do that part.

My part is to do my very best each and every time to make an impact and ultimately, as Seth Godin says, SHIP!

Are you a SHIPPER or do you just like to box things up?  There is a Grand Canyon sized difference between the two.

Ship, Ship, SHIIIIIIIPPPPPP!

####

Happy 6^th Month Anniversary mevsMJ.com!!!

Today marks exactly 6 months since I hit the publish button on the first post and this site went live.  I’ve got to tell you, I’m proud of what has been accomplished thus far and BEYOND excited to share with you what is coming up next.

The upcoming plans are going to be BIG!  Stay tuned and THANK YOU SO MUCH for ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT, LOVE, and ENCOURAGEMENT!

Every time someone takes the time to read one of my posts, make a comment, RT, or Facebook Like, it really does mean the world to me.  THANK YOU!

Here is to what is ahead!!!

####

Injury Update

Last Friday I went for my first session of rehab (see injury) and let me tell you, it was paaaaaaaiiiiiinfuuullll!

The specialist used a series of tools to scrape down on the muscle fibers and break up the scar tissue.  I left feeling like my leg was in worse shape, but after some extensive icing and stretching, the next day it did feel a little better and continued to improve throughout the weekend.

Saturday, I strapped on my Jordans for the first time in three weeks and drove to the rec center to take some free throws and do some dribbling.  While I still have pain and am not allowed to attempt to jump or run, it was just nice to be back out there.

I went back to therapy on Monday morning and went through some more pain, but I am feeling so much better than I did a week ago.

I’m not sure exactly how long it will be until I’m cleared or even confident to push myself, but I’ve come a long way and that is a blessing!

As always thanks for your support!

Something No Athlete Ever Wants to Feel (How it Happened)

I got the ball on the wing, faked right, exploded left.  It was game number four of 2-on-2 this past Sunday.   As I planted my right foot and pushed off trying to drive past my defender, I felt a pop in between my right calf muscle.  I couldn’t tell you what happened to the basketball.  All I know is I felt something no athlete ever wants to feel and my feet grew roots.  I couldn’t move.

After a few minutes, I hobbled over to the side of the court and sat down on the first row of the bleachers.  I leaned over, with sweat dripping off my face, held my leg with both hands, closed my eyes and prayed.   I know the guys were talking to me, but I couldn’t tell you what they were saying.

I think my brother and I were born with a pretty high tolerance for pain.   My brother once broke his big toe playing around at the house and then went and did a 2 hour basketball practice as a kid.  He knew it hurt, but didn’t know it was broken until he got home and took off his shoe to find a black and blue toe.   With that tolerance and the fact that I don’t like people to worry about me, I did my best to mask what I was feeling and encouraged the guys I was playing with to go have a 3-point contest.

I sat there, almost motionless as they shot, trying to stay upbeat and positive.  Deep down I feared the worst.   Is this how my journey to to play Michael Jordan would end?   How badly was I hurt?   If I’m hurt badly, which I have never been before in my life, could I deal with the rehab involved?  Was this my nightmare coming true?

As I watched them shoot ball after ball, I wished I could be out there.   Through my frustration, I did small self checks by moving my ankle and my knee.  No pain.  Just a sharp pain all around my muscle area.  I breathed a sigh of relief.   The positive side of me, the believer in me, prayed I would be healed.  I couldn’t go out like this.  I would never give up.   This couldn’t be how the story ends.

After watching the shooting contest, I made my way to my car, by taking a step with my good leg and then slowly moving my bad leg.   The guys offered to help, but I didn’t want to be helped.  I said my goodbyes and drove slowly to the closest pharmacy to get some pain medication.   By the time I got there, it was even worse.  My range of motion seemed to be going.   I hobbled through the store and to the cash register only to hear a worker make a poor joke about my injury.   I didn’t turn around, even though I wanted to beat him like a pinata.  I was angry.  Angry that this happened to me.   I knew he didn’t know my situation though, so I did my best to stay calm, thanked the lady who was helping me and slowly made my way to the car.

Scared

I got home and family and friends were calling to check on me.   Everyone feared the worst and while I appreciated their concern, hearing terms that rang up 6-12 month rehab sessions scared my soul.   I thought of NBA players over the years with injuries.  Fear wrapped me up.

A buddy of mine asked me how I was doing through twitter and I sent him a direct message back.  I was scared.   We conversed back and forth.  I told him everyone is talking major ligament/tendon damage and it’s freaking me out.   His response of, “probably best not to listen to anybody until you get it checked out,” eased my worry.

Still I made a call to a local emergency clinic, but they were unable to do any kind of test that would show damage other than a broken bone.

I sent a text to a friend I knew who was around the game at the highest level and would probably know better than anyone what I should do.  He asked me some questions, then walked me through the steps I should take and gave me advice on when I should go to the doctor.  He basically said it could be bad, but said to just to give it some time and take proper recovery action immediately.  I thanked him and felt somewhat better.

My wife, who had been out with some friends, got home shortly thereafter.   As she walked in the door and towards me, my eyes welled up with tears and I began to cry.  I was overwhelmed.

My Passion

If you’ve been following my journey, you understand how passionate I am about what I’m doing.   This isn’t a joke or ploy to become famous or make money.  This is my PASSION!   I felt I was making so much progress lately and now with the new gym, the sky was the limit.

I had a 1-on-1 match-up scheduled for this coming Saturday and was working on finalizing a 1-on-1 match-up with a very cool opponent that might surprise you.

I was at the rec center I just joined anytime I had time, so much so that one of the girls working there said this past week, “So you’re pretty passionate about basketball, huh.”  I guess that’s what happens when you stay longer than anyone else, until the gym is empty, just working on the game.  I honestly only leave the gym because I get so hungry that I can’t stand it or because I have to work or some other responsibility comes up.  I love every single part of it.

Dealing with Another Setback

After sitting in the same position on the couch, legged kicked up and iced on and off for eight hours, I took some more pain medication and made my way to bed with a pair of crutches my brother dropped off for me.   Before I did my best to fall asleep, I laid in bed and prayed that I would be healed.   I told God I would work even harder at my journey if he would only allow me to work.

I drifted off and only woke up a few times Sunday night.   Every now and then I would move the wrong way and feel a sharp pain, otherwise it was a good night’s rest.

I woke up Monday morning, not healed, but no worse.  With a heavy heart, so thankful, I smiled.

So I’m still on crutches.  I’m still icing it.   Still unable to walk or even put any pressure on it, but extremely optimistic that it isn’t major damage, but only a temporary setback.  If I don’t see anymore progress by tomorrow, I’ll be making my way to the doctor.

No matter the outcome, I WILL NOT QUIT!

I want to thank everyone who has reached out to wish me well or pray for me.  It means a lot!   This won’t be the end of my journey, I promise you that!  If I have to, I will hop on one leg and play Jordan.

Until I can move again, I plan on working on my ball handling while sitting in a chair.   I may even try to make it to the rec center later this week, just to sit on the court and be around the game.   I’ll do some updates through twitter (@KennyEller) to let ya know my progress.

As always, thanks for the support and for following along.

Two Sunday afternoons ago, just a couple of days after being dominated by Robert Brown, I hurt my back as I attempted to show my brother how high I could jump.

Following numerous games of one-on-one between myself, my bro and a friend, I let pride and FACT take over.

My brother had taken a series of pictures of me and my friend playing against one another.   In each of the photos, both of us were not more than a few inches off of the ground at what he said were the “peaks” of our jumps.

Now, I will never be known by my jumping ability, but these pictures were ridiculous.   I felt like when the Magic brought in Dwight Howard for his pre-draft workout and “mis-measured” his jumping ability, prompting Dwight to barely jump and say at the same time, “they said I was right here” and touch the previously incorrect mark.  Funny stuff for sure! (click here to watch the video.  Go to 1:56 for the fun to begin.)

So I, like Dwight had done years before with the Magic, had to show my bro just how off his photos actually were.

Owww That Hurts!

Three jumps in and I felt a twinge in the right side of my back.

I woke up the next day and could barely get out of bed.

The Back History

Around 12 or 13 years ago I hurt my back when I slipped on a wet spot in a gym, going up for a lay-in.   Since that point, there have been a handful of times where I move the wrong way on the court and my back freezes up on me.

Add that to the fact that I have some scoliosis going on and well, my back was never made as one might find in an anatomy book.   No big deal, it’s what I’ve had my whole life.  I used to joke that had I not had scoliosis I would have been 6’6” like Jordan.

I saw the chiropractors and the massage therapists and nothing ever really seemed to help long term.  Rest was always the cure.

Not Too Concerned (I Can’t REST Now!)

So with that history, I wasn’t all that concerned even though pulling myself out of bed Monday morning was a struggle.   I had been through this all before.

Besides, how was I going to rest?  Mike Jordan wouldn’t rest!  I needed to work on my game!

By the evening, with the help of some Advil, I was loose enough I wasn’t going to let it stop me from getting my run in.   I ran my four miles, came home and relaxed and woke up Tuesday morning feeling the same way.  Stiff!

On Tuesday evening I decided not to play the normal half court games and instead work more on my one-on-one game with my brother.  It started off ok, then six points in, I could barely move.  It hurt to breathe.  I tried to push through, but was forced to stop.  My back was now worse than it had been!

My body had been telling me to slow down, but I didn’t listen, so my back said ENOUGH and slowed me down itself.

w-REST-ling with Rest

So for the last week I’ve been wrestling with resting to say the least.  Incapable of moving laterally, I have bit down and listened to my body.  I stopped all physical activity.  It hasn’t been easy though.

This past Saturday I was very close to going back out on the court to get some shots in, but after discussing with a few people, refrained.

A Health-y Appreciation

It’s sad that it seems to always take an injury for me to fully appreciate the part of me that is injured.

I suppose most people go through life the same way.   We run, jump, run faster and jump higher and think nothing of it until a sickness or injury halts our movement.  Then we WISH we could just run and jump, even a little.

I feel like I’m being hit over the head lately with making the most of each moment.   This injury, like my brother calling me out, has me so anxious to get out and make the most of each day.

I really can’t wait to get back on the court!

If You’re Healthy And You Know It Clap Your Hands!

Hanging out with my 19 month old niece lately has put a lot of those children songs in my head.

Beyond the songs, hanging out with a little kid who has only been running for a handful of months, and is still trying to figure out how to make her body do exactly what she wants it to do, can give unbridled perspective.

When she runs through my house, she runs all out.  She doesn’t hold back.  She doesn’t get tired.  She doesn’t want to be held.  She wants to RUUUUUUN!

A child appreciates everything because every single thing they are doing is so new.  It’s freedom.  It’s expression.  It’s fun.

Thirty three years of life can wear away at that.  Let’s be honest, it doesn’t even take that long.

Get Out And Move!

The point is, if you can get out and run today, do it.  A lot of people can’t.

If you can jump.  Get out from behind your desk right now and Jump!

If you can play basketball.  Go play!

There will always be time to clean the house and wash the clothes.  Always time to do some more work and make more money.   Always a reason NOT to take time to fully appreciate the gifts we’ve been given.

There WILL come a point in your life where you WON’T be able.

Don’t wait until then to “wish you could”.

GET OUT AND MOVE!

Note:  Below is a picture of the jump that hurt my back, but proof I can jump a little higher than a couple of inches.

Note: I just started a mevsMJ.com Facebook page.  If you like what I’m doing here, do me a favor and click the like button on the page too!   I’ve added a convenient way to do so here on the site, just to the right of this post.  Or you can go to the mevsMJ.com Facebook page by clicking here! Thanks!