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

[slider_pro id=”6″]

####

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

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

####

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

The USA Today asked eight of the top high school players in the country, all in attendance for Saturday’s Jordan Brand Classic, what they thought the final score would be if they played MJ 1-on-1.

Three of the eight ACTUALLY SAID THAT THEY WOULD WIN against MJ in his PRIME!

Which got me to thinking….

I’d dominate MJ too!

• In cooking
• Singing (OK, that might be a push…I don’t sing very well)
• NBA 2K13
• Running long distances (I’ve ran two half marathons)
• Writing
• The Rubik’s Cube (I’ve got skills)
• Dancing (Sorry MJ, I’ve seen the video)

• Instagram

• Drinking Iced Tea

The list goes on and on and on….

BUT…one thing I wouldn’t dominate MJ in, THEN OR NOW, is the game of basketball.

Like I told Michael’s son Marcus…“I most likely wouldn’t even score…” and that was in reference to the 50-year-old Jordan.

I may be ambitious enough to create this site, to train and to travel, all with the goal of playing MJ 1-on-1, but I’m not crazy!!!!!

Now, Barack Obama on the other hand…he wouldn’t touch the ball against me!!  (2 for 22 video…ouch!  I can help you with your shot Mr. President.)

1 Game – me vs. Michael Jordan – Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

####

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

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

####

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

What a year 2012 was!!!  For me and this journey of mine to play Michael Jordan, it was really, truly a phenomenal year!

Through persistence, hard work and the grace of God, a lot was accomplished.

Still more remains, but reflecting on 2012 and all that happened here amazes me!  I believe reflection is a good thing.  It gives perspective.  It’s not a place to get lost in, but one that is worth visiting once in awhile.

Without further ado, here is what was 2012 for me and mevsMJ.com!

**

Time in the Shark Tank – Mark Cuban

The first major happening of 2012 was a lunch meeting during the first part of March with Mark Cuban.  The second question most people ask, after did he help with MJ, is how many people were in attendance at the lunch.  Answer:  Just me, Mark and my buddy Karol.  Quite the experience for sure.

Most Fun

Throughout the year I made quite a few trips over to Orlando Hoops to train and work on my game.  OHoops is great group of people who challenged me every single time I was there.  One of the biggest highlights for me was working out, side by side, this summer with my main man Robert Brown, who was home from college (Virginia Tech).  Something I’ll never forget!  So much fun!

httpvh://youtu.be/ajY8hDAak98

Most Unexpected

The most unexpected moment of 2012 had to be seeing my pretty face on the NBA on TNT’s pre game show, hearing Ernie Johnson read my tweet, and laughing as Charles Barkley called me Kevin Eller and Shaq correcting him with Kenny.  You never know who’s watching your tweets

httpvh://youtu.be/yHo7yuRHnQY

Greatest Honor

Having the privilege of speaking at the Chandler Parsons/Orlando Hoops basketball camp this past summer was truly an honor.  To be able to share my message with over 100 young people and encourage them to believe in their dreams was for me a dream come true.  Hopefully much more of that to come in 2013.

httpvh://youtu.be/SROFx9HBAHw

**Moment of the Year – Michael Jordan**

The biggest moment of 2012 came in July, when I came face to face with Michael Jordan himself in Charlotte and was able to share what mevsMJ.com is all about!  He loved it!  It still feels like a dream!

httpvh://youtu.be/wnA1goOWwxU

*I also won the hot shot competition while at the Charlotte Bobcats Fantasy Camp.

The Family Knows

Then in November, by chance, I ran into Marcus Jordan, one of Michael’s son and was blown away that he knew all about me and this site.  I am truly known in the Jordan household.  Wow!

New Video Section

Just recently, I created a new video section on the site as a place to showcase all of the non 1-on-1 videos.  I plan on posting more and more videos in 2013, so it should be a lot of fun!

httpvh://youtu.be/oI6X_–AzPA

mevsMJ.com Shirts

I also, within the last two weeks, had some mevsMJ.com “Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work” shirts made.  I’ve given a few away and with the rest, I’m still not sure what I’m going to do with them.  IF I sell them, all proceeds will go to charity.  It’s always been my goal to keep this a revenue free venture.  I never want the reason behind the journey to get clouded.  The goal of mevsMJ.com was and still remains to play my childhood hero Michael Jordan 1-on-1 and to inspire others to believe again that anything is possible with faith & hard work.

####

2013

In 2013 I HAVE BIG PLANS fueled by tremendous FAITH and lots of HARD WORK!

I believe 2013 will be the year that me vs. MJ happens!  

For me, it’s no coincidence that 2 and 3 bookend the year ahead.  I hope you’re ready for me Mr. Jordan!  I’ll see ya on the court!

me vs. Michael Jordan…the journey continues!  As always, thank you for following along!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They absolutely loved it!

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

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

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

Trust Your Path

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

How fitting those very words turned out to be.

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

####

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!

####

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.

With two of the “healthiest” soft tacos on my tray that Taco Bell could put together, I grabbed my drink and slid into a one of the many loudly colored booths that make up the in house eating area.  It had been years since I had taken a seat in the most famous fast food taco establishment ever created, yet I was immediately taken back to my early college days when making a “run for the border” was almost a daily occurrence.

I didn’t just happen to stop by Taco Bell to reminisce in the middle of last month (March).  I was there to meet Ziarekenya Smith, pay for the design I had purchased from him and see what the designer who created the Michael Jordan piece shown above was all about.

This is how the meeting came together.

The Beginning:  “The Dopest Pic I’ve Seen!”-Marcus Jordan:

On March 7^th, I saw this on Twitter:

I follow both Marcus and Jeff Jordan, Michael’s two sons, on Twitter and while I don’t always click every picture they post, I had to see what Marcus was calling “The Dopest Pic I’ve Seen.”

I clicked the link, did the iPhone reverse pinch to enlarge the image and was amazed!  It was an image of Michael Jordan made up on only words.  They were words like “Hard Working”, “Dominance”, “Amazing”, and series of words like, “For the Love of the Game”, “I can accept failure.  Everyone fails.  But I can’t accept Not Trying”, and “Never Give Up”.

I was blown away!  I clicked the favorite button on Twitter so that I could go back later and look at it and then went on with my day.

Time To Find A Picture (A series of great events):

Usually the night before any posting I do here, I am typing in search criteria in Flickr, looking for a picture to use for the next day’s post.  Monday, March 16^th was no exception.  I had written a post titled, “What’s Your End Goal” and since my end goal is playing Michael Jordan 1-on-1, I was looking for a picture of greatness aka Michael Jordan.

It didn’t take long and once again I was captivated by the same Jordan image, Marcus Jordan had tweeted about some nine days earlier.  When I came out of my trance, I went from one link to the other before I was typing up an email, inquiring about buying this amazing Jordan Typeface for my home.

I sent the email at 6:13 pm Monday evening and continued the search for who this designer/artist could be.

The next morning I awoke, checked my email and had a response at 1:11am on my purchase.  I was back to trying to figure out who the creator of this was and using his name from the email I found a Facebook page that said he attended Full Sail University, a school that is just 35-40 minutes from where I live.

One thing led to another and three Fridays ago I was downing two soft tacos at Taco Bell, awaiting Ziarekenya Smith’s arrival.

The Arrival of Mr. Smith

As I was waiting for Smith to arrive, I had no idea how old he was or even what he looked like.  I didn’t know much at all about the gentleman who created this mind blowing design of Michael Jordan.  As I sat there, I still couldn’t believe that the person who created this, who was getting national attention for this, lived this close to me and was about to walk through the door.

He arrived right on time; bright red ball cap pulled down flush to some jet-black ray bans, a red backpack tugging at his red Nike shirt that said simply yet emphatically, “Doing It!”.  He was tall (6’4”), young and hip and it really shouldn’t have been a surprise.

He’s Only 19!!!!

Ziare sat down, pulled is Macbook Pro out of his bag and we began to talk.  What I thought might be a brief meeting, one in which I pay for the Jordan Typeface design I bought from him, turned into two and a half hour conversation about his work, his life, his passion.

The 19 year old that created a Jordan design back in September 2010, and was now getting National attention for doing so, was so much bigger than his awe inspiring design.

I left the meeting motivated and inspired!

I had to write about and do my best to let more people know about the young man from Detroit, Michigan with no car, nor any desire to have one (he’s afraid it might take away from his time designing), the guy with a design factory lodged inside his head (as I saw when he showed me other things he had done), and the man who sprinkled God over ever single part of his life during our meeting.

Ziarekenya Smith may only be 19, but has the wisdom of someone more than twice his age, and more dedication and determination than I have seen in anyone in quite some time.

He’s beyond focused on achieving greatness just like MJ and just like Jordan, Smith is about to be very special in this World.  Here is a little of our conversation from that Friday in March.

Me and Ziarekenya Smith (The Designer of the Jordan Typeface):

me:  How long have you been interested in design?

ZS:  I’ve been interested in designing since I was toddler.  I always had a thing for creating things when I was little.

me:  What made you want to do the Michael Jordan typeface?

ZS:  It’s really self explanatory.  First off it’s Michael and secondly God gave me a vision.  Plus Michael really motivated me as a designer.  He really lives up to hard work, dedication, passion, determination, resiliency and love for the game. I treat and look at designing in that way.

me:  Where did you get all of the text used for your creation?

ZS:  A variety of different Jordan sites.

me:  How long did it take you to design the Jordan piece?

ZS:  15 hours a day for 4 days straight, with little procrastination breaks.

me:  Were you ever able to see MJ play in person or on TV live?

ZS:  I wish I had, but no.

me:  Have you been surprised by the response your MJ work has received?

ZS:  I really have.  I knew it was a good piece, but I never knew it was good enough to catch this many people’s attention.  I just thank God for allowing my work to flow around the internet and to hit all the right places.

me:  What does it feel like to have Marcus Jordan tweet about your design??

ZS:  Most wonderful feeling ever just seeing him tweeting saying this is the dopest picture yet he has seen of his DAD!  It really touched me, I was very honored, because who knows how many designs he has seen of his DAD and yet he said that mine was the dopest!  It’s the best feeling ever!

me:  Do you think he showed his Dad (Michael Jordan)?

ZS:  I hope so, but eventually time will tell!

me:  This has made you sort of a celebrity around campus, I’m sure.  How does that feel?

ZS:  Sort of.  I just feel like I need to live up to the hype.  I don’t want people to think “Oh he just got that one design piece,” no I want to show people I actually do this.  I live and breathe designing everyday, and I’m not a one hit wonder.

me:  Have companies tried to hire you since this went National on Yahoo Sports?

ZS:  Nope, but one of my instructors from “Full Sail University” recommended that I redesign a EA Sports NBA Elite 12 game cover, because he knows the assistant director at EA Sports. He said if you design it i’ll submit it EA Sports for them to check it out.

me:  What message would you have for anyone who wants to create killer designs like you?

ZS:  Just Do It!  Make sure you have a passion for it first, make sure this what your heart desires and make sure you don’t consider designing working.  If you check off on all of that, the possibility of you becoming a great designer has no limits!  That’s just half the part and I don’t know where y’all at in religion, but God has been everything to my designing life.  That’s how my skills as a designer developed at a fast pace.  I just believe in God, believe in myself, and am just working hard every day designing, putting in major hours each day designing.  I’m dedicated and just want to be the best at what I do. I’ll end it with this, the more hours you put into your craftsmanship which is designing will determine weather you’ll be successful at designing or not.

me:  Your official logo is God Inspired Designs.  Where did that come from?

ZS:  The vision came to me at Feb 5, 2011 at 9am in the morning after I got done reading the Bible. That’s where it came to me because I always put God inspired designs at the end of my caption on my designs. So that’s why I decided to make “God Inspired Designs” my official logo till my life ends. The second reason why I wanted to be “God Inspired Designs” is that I finally realized in life it’s not about me at all, and I refuse to take credit that is not mine. I want people to know God gave everything to me in life:  my idea’s, tools, my determination, etc.  I just wanted to embrace God’s name and show people that he is real and not a myth, so when I become successful I don’t have to say it was because of man, I can say it was God, nothing more nothing less.

me:  What does God mean to you, your life and your designs?

ZS:  Everything I mean everything for example the day I put myself first before God that’s the day when my success will end.

me:  When do you graduate from Full Sail University?

ZS:  March, 2012.

me:  What would be your DREAM job?

ZS:  Working at Nike or having my own Company.

[flickr video=5480357522]

(This is a video Smith created to show his love of Nike.  Simply titled, “I Love Nike”, this might just be the kind of thing that lands him his dream job with the brand.  If you can’t see the video, click this link to watch it \”I Love Nike\” (Video))

me:  You also play basketball correct?

ZS:  YES! Love it!!

me:  Do you think you could take me on the court?

ZS:  Yes!  Show me my opponent!  Lol.  

me:  I love your confidence!  I will remember this when we play!!  Ok, what had you rather do:  Hang with Friends or Design?

ZS:  My life is backwards, hard work now to become successful, and have fun and play later when the mission is complete.

me:  What do you think that says about you?

ZS:  Victory is my only option Failure is not.

me:  OK, another one:  Date with Rihanna or Design?  Haha, sorry, had to:)

ZS:  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Designing! because I know it will eventually pay off.

me:  Anything else you would like everyone to know about you?

ZS:  As a Designer I just want to impact the world! Give this world hope and show people if I can make it, they can as well.  Just believe in God and believe in yourself and anything is possible I guarantee.

God Inspired Designs

I left my meeting with Smith feeling like I had just seen Michael Jordan back when he was at Laney High School.  Back before the World knew his name, but the people around him knew he was special.

That’s exactly where Ziare is at this moment.  He’s relatively unknown today, but that won’t last.  This Jordan piece, which is gaining momentum, could be just like Michael’s game winner at UNC, a launching pad to superstardom.

For the bright eyed Smith, who refuses to put his name on his designs these days because as he says, “If it’s good enough, people will find you,” his desire to be the Michael Jordan of design, could have people one day wanting to be the Ziarekenya Smith of whatever it is they do.

He’s special, no doubt.

I drove home following our meeting, picked up my iPad and opened my Bible application.  As I read, I couldn’t help but reflect on how God has led me.  How a tweet led to a meeting, which led to a lengthy conversation about the importance of God in both of our lives.

Smith’s Michael Jordan typeface, proof that it truly is a God Inspired Design.

Smith’s Future is DOPE!

Right now Ziare is just focused on finishing school and becoming the best designer that he can be.

After that, well we all shall see.

After multiple meetings and interactions, I can tell you this.  The young man, who reads the Bible daily because as he says, “If I have time to do everything else, I have time to read the Bible,” has a Future that is as DOPE as one of his God Inspired Designs.

Remember the name Ziarekenya Smith.  He’s about to BLOW UP!

Purchase Your Very Own Jordan Typeface ($7,000)

If you’ve got $7,000 to spare, you too can have your own 36×48 Jordan Typeface hanging on your wall.  Until then, I will remain the only person in the WORLD (other than Smith) who has one!

Now that’s DOPE!

More of Smith’s Designs and Photos:

Ziarekenya Smith’s Contact Information:

Portfolio | Email | Twitter | Facebook Page
(clickable links)

Note: Special thanks to my bro Ziarekenya Smith for the time and insight!  I hope to announce our joint project in the coming weeks!  Shhh, its a secret!!  Stay tuned!  [hint:  helping=exclusive gift]

####

My Comeback Update:

So I made my comeback last week against one of the best ballers in the country, Robert Brown!  Then Saturday I got in three games of 1-on-1 against some normal competition and went 3-o.  I still have a ways to go to get my wind back, but I AM SO THANKFUL and feel SO BLESSED to be back on the court again!

me vs. MJ…the journey continues!  Thanks for following along and helping to spread the word (hint, hint )!!!

In the aftermath of all that was wrong with me (see injury), something special happened.

On January 13th, I sent the following tweet to Michael Jordan’s two sons, Jeff and Marcus, and a few other notable people:

Will you help my dream, by RT about my blog mevsMJ.com? My goal is to play Michael Jordan 1-on-1:-)

Within a couple of hours, Mark Lee (@MarkLee3D) of Third Day (my favorite band) retweeted my request (Thanks again Mark!).  He was the only person of the seven or eight I sent it out to that did.

That is…until this past Monday!

Some Jordan Love!

I didn’t actually see it until Monday evening, but at 9:11 am on Monday, January 31^st, Jeffrey Michael Jordan (MJ’s oldest son) granted my wish!

A JORDAN TWEETED ABOUT mevsMJ.com!!!!

I was blown away and along with thanking him, I let Jeff Jordan know so through Twitter.   I guess while I sent the tweet on its journey with bags full of hope, I never really thought anyone in the Jordan household would see it, let alone retweet it.   When I first saw the RT, I actually did a triple take to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.

Did Jeff and Marcus check out this site?  Has Michael himself now been to mevsMJ.com??

This is proof that if you dare to DREAM, anything is POSSIBLE!

Thanks again Jeff!  If you’re reading, wanna play?

####

Injury Update

Well, I haven’t been healed, but I do feel I was protected.  My hope at this point is that I’m a couple of weeks from getting back on the basketball court for some light shooting, a few weeks from some light playing and a couple of months from being better than ever!  I say all of this still unable to walk, but hey, gotta stay positive!

Again, thank you all for the wonderful support and encouragement!  Your words have meant more to me than you’ll ever know.  Thank you!

If I lost you with all the Twitter talk, check out the Twitter Help Center to understand Tweets, ReTweets, etc.