(Friday, February 15th)

Slouched down in a forest green metal chair, with just the right amount of padding in the seat to keep me content, I know that Sunday is Michael Jordan’s birthday.

I’ve known when Michael’s birthday is for most of my life.  Maybe it was all of the books and magazines I read about him when I was a kid.  Maybe it was the back of the basketball cards.  Maybe it was because he’s the reason I play ball.  He’s the reason there is a mevsMJ.com.

I’m 11 floors up in the most luxurious hotel in Central Florida, past the sliding glass doors, on the balcony connected to my room.  It’s the first of morning and there is a slight chill dancing in the air as I sit alone, overlooking the mostly empty pool and golf course.  I can hear the constant gentle rush of the fountain down below mixed with the occasional song of birds and light child laughter.

It’s peaceful.

– Reminiscing –

When I first began attempting to “Be Like Mike” I had metal brackets in my mouth pulling with all of their might to close the large gap between my two front teeth.

The smile I have today, not originally my own.

I was so innocent then.

I remember being in 8th grade gym class on the outdoor basketball court the day after my braces began renting space.  The pain was excruciating, as the fight to correct my genetics had my nerves wailing like Stephen A. Smith.

I was horrible at the game.  Couldn’t dribble.  Couldn’t shoot.  It seemed as though every single person was better than me.

I remember to this day, stopping in the middle of playing and asking one of my peers in those early times how they could make turn around shots.  I didn’t understand how they knew where the goal was.

I can’t help but chuckle at those moments now.  It was after all, back then, where mevsMJ began.

– Emotion –

My eyes flood with tears as I sit and take time to reminisce.  Some fighting to stay in, but too heavy to hold on, fall to freedom.

I‘m emotional about this game of basketball.  I’ve loved it longer than anything else in my life, outside of my family.  I’ve spent years on courts all over because it brings me something that I can’t yet adequately describe.  Something that I’m still attempting to fully comprehend.  A sort of perfect oasis, even for a guy who was far from blessed at the game in the beginning.

I care greatly about this game and owe knowing it to Michael Jordan.

Without him my life would be so very different.

– Basketball & Life –

Basketball helped make me the man I am today.  It helped build my confidence when I had little of my own.  It showed me teamwork, as well as, how sometimes, like Mike, you’ve got to take it upon yourself and just get it done.  It also showed me that if you work at something, if you pour your heart into it, there really is no limit on where it can take you.

True never before told story:  After the first few dates with my wife, I went where I always go when I have things on my mind.  I went to use up some of the excitement that was bouncing off my insides.  I went to the court, my home away from home.  I remember taking shots, hard difficult shots, telling myself that if I make this, she’s the one.  I made them and she was exactly that.

I of course would never have left such a life choice up to chance, but I always found peace after talking with the game.

Basketball has been my refuge.

I went from watching on the side of the court as a youngster just hoping to get run time in, to years later being the guy to take every shot.

Now nearly 23 years later, I’ve got young people calling and texting me weekly wanting me to help them shoot the ball better.

To go from traveling on back to back possessions in my first homeroom basketball game in middle school, to helping others is beyond humbling.  It’s an example of what’s possible in life.  I take the opportunity to help young people very seriously.  It’s such a gift I’ve been blessed with.

Without Michael Jordan I know that wouldn’t exist…around the game anyway.

– The Journey –

The journey here began over 2.5 years ago with a rather self-centered goal of playing MJ in basketball.  It was about me and MJ.

That however transformed into WE just a few months in.

Due to the response my walk generated, both good and bad, it became my goal to inspire and offer proof that anything is possible with faith and hard work.

For years, I had struggled with understanding why God made a small kid (I was only around 5’3″ then – currently 6’2″) fall in love with a game he had such a tough time with.

I’ve tried nearly every other sport during my life, but none of them tugged at my heart anything like the game of basketball.

It never mattered that I was more predisposed to success in other sports.  That round ball and 10 foot hoop always kept calling my name.

I never grasped the reasoning until I began this site.

– Face to Face with MJ –

Seven months ago I walked towards Michael full of hope.  I was living every single letter of the dream.

We talked, smiled and laughed as if he knew what the time meant to me.  He seemed to thoroughly enjoy the fact that I was brave enough to wear my shirt in his house.  He seemed to enjoy the fact that I was the me and he was the MJ in mevsMJ.com.

Proof of his liking would be found moments after we began talking, when he brought over one of his closest friends and allies, Fred Whitfield, to check it out.

Michael couldn’t have been more gracious.

It went how a storyteller would tell it.

– 50th Birthday –

Michael’s birthday will be celebrated all month for his greatness on the court but I celebrate his 50th for a different reason.

I celebrate it because I can’t imagine not knowing this game.  It’s been such a huge driving force in my life.  I value the pain and the pleasure it has brought me.

Now the game has become a vehicle for me to help and inspire others.  To show as I stated earlier that anything is possible with faith & hard work.

What a blessing.

I owe all of that to the man that grew up as Mike, who is globally known as the greatest, the MJ in mevsMJ.com, Mr. Michael Jeffrey Jordan.

Happy 50th Birthday Mr. Jordan!  I appreciate you.

me vs. Michael Jordan…the worthwhile journey continues.

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

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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.

Charlotte, NC – 

It was last Wednesday afternoon, in the 23^rd month of this journey, and there he was, Michael Jeffrey Jordan – the six rings, the 32,292 points, the 6x NBA Finals MVP, the game winners, the G.O.A.T, the reason I play basketball and the inspiration for this site.

Just minutes after his welcoming speech at the 4^th Annual Charlotte Bobcats Fantasy Camp, he stood alone on the side of the court as the camp staff ushered us off, so that group photos could be taken.

I was just feet from Michael Jordan, the MJ in mevsMJ.com and I almost didn’t approach him.  Internally I battled as to whether or not it was the right time.

I figured surely I would see him again or would I?

Hours Before

In an oversized chair located in the dimly lit lobby of a Charlotte hotel, I sat and reflected.  I thought about all of the places this journey had taken me, what I’ve learned about myself and others, the people that have encouraged, supported and helped and of course those that have been less than stellar in my pursuit.

I was just hours away from, well I wasn’t exactly sure, but what I did know was that Michael Jordan would be there and with that came an opportunity to realize the dream.

An Unexpected Phone Call

Two weeks prior, at an all day breakfast joint in downtown Orlando, in between bites of omelet and sips of coffee, I received an unexpected phone call from Charlotte, North Carolina that changed everything.

The caller after having identified himself as being with the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, said he was calling to make sure my experience with the Bobcats had been a good one this year.

I thanked him for calling, but explained that I hadn’t been to a game, which left him in silence.

He asked, really?

He regrouped and said that perhaps I had attended a concert or some sort of an event at the arena this year.

When I let him know that I had never been to Charlotte and that I in fact lived just outside of Orlando, Florida, he couldn’t believe it.

Still surprised and probably not quite sure where to take the conversation at that point, he closed with, “Well, I’m not really sure how we have your information, but if you are ever in the area and you’d like to come to a game, please let me know if I can help.”

I thanked him again and then right before we ended the call an image of a 48 year old Jordan dunking flashed through my head.  With nothing to lose, I figured I would ask about the event that was held last year in which MJ did this.  He knew what I was referring to, so I then asked if they would be doing a similar event again anytime soon.

He let me know that the Bobcats were and within hours I was confirmed for the camp to be held exactly two weeks later!

Nerves

I’m not someone that generally gets very nervous.  I don’t get star struck either, ever.  My time in sports television cured me of that as a young man.

I admit, sure I was a little nervous/excited before my speech at the Chandler Parsons basketball camp recently.  I think that’s normal though, as I just wanted to do my best and make an impact on the young people.  I was excited before my time with Mark Cuban.  More excited than nervous before playing pros.  All what I would say are quite normal feelings.

This whole trip to Charlotte was at another level though.  I had adrenaline overload for almost the entire 14 days leading up the the camp!  Sleepless nights on the regular.  I’d wake up at 2am and think it was time to go get some makes in.  That happened multiple mornings.  The day of the camp I had to force myself to eat.

I suppose it was all of the unknowns, the uncontrollables.  Would I get to speak with Michael, would he like what I was doing, would he agree to play, would he get that my goal is bigger than a game of basketball?

I didn’t know any of the answers to those questions, but that is where I had to lean on my faith.

There wasn’t an ounce of me that thought that the phone call I received was any kin to the word accident.

Shoot Around & My mevsMJ.com Shirt

I arrived at the arena right at 4:30 pm, checked in and was given a nice big Jordan brand bag, branded shorts, shirt, socks and Gatorade.

I changed like everyone else into the given attire, with one exception.  Instead of donning the sweet Jumpman camp shirt, I slid my mevsMJ.com shirt over it.

I had thought I would just warm up with it on and then take it off, as it isn’t a dri-fit type of shirt, but rather a cotton one.  That of course means it can get a little hot.

After 30 or so minutes of shooting though, it hit me.  The day wasn’t about me shooting the ball well or performing well.

My sole purpose was to get my message to Michael Jordan – and with that I decided to wear the shirt the entire time.

I’m glad I did.

Me and Michael Jordan

As everyone was making their way off the court for group photos, I took a step towards Michael, then still battling myself internally a step away, before deciding to just go for it.

I walked up, introduced myself to Michael Jordan and then the man I watched dominate so many basketball games, made it so easy.

After the intial hello, I asked while pointing to my shirt, “Have you had a chance to check out my site mevsMJ.com?”

He leaned around and read it aloud, “me verses MJ dot com”

I interjected, “I gave you a card down in Orlando.“

He began to smile as he shook his head no, saying “mevsMJ.com.  No, no, I haven’t had a chance to check it out, but I’m going to go upstairs right after we are done taking pictures and take a look!”

I began telling him what I was looking to accomplish, what the site has become, when he then reached back and got the attention of Bobcats President and COO Fred Whitfield.

He said, “Hey Fred, you gotta check this out.  He’s got a site called mevsMJ.com.  We’ve got to go check that out upstairs as soon as we are done here.”

Fred nodded in agreement as we spoke.

Explaining that my purpose was bigger than basketball, I then turned around and asked Michael to read the back of my shirt.

He placed his hands on my shoulders and read the message I’ve been spreading aloud, “Anything is Possible with Faith & Hard Work”.

He then read my name which runs vertically on the back of the shirt and said with one of his famous mannerisms, “OK, I’m going to check it out!”

As I took a step away, he asked, “Is it hot?”

Looking back, before I could respond, he asked again, “You got anything hot on the site?”

I said, “Of course!”

He then smiled again and said, “OK, I’m gonna go upstairs, check it out, and then come back down here and tell you if it’s hot or not!”

I laughed and said, “Sounds good!”

Video of Me and Michael Jordan

Here is some video from my interaction with Michael Jordan.

 httpvh://youtu.be/wnA1goOWwxU

[If you are reading this via email/feed – click here to watch video.]

Fantasy Camp

With my group, I took my photo with Michael and the other coaches.

I then went through the camp, won the shooting contest and was the last person to leave the arena.

The ushers actually had to come take the ball from me, but not before I made my 10^th free throw in a row.

Michael never came back down, but I fully understood as he and the Bobcats’ staff was working on a possible trade for the team.

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work

After 23 months of effort, thousands upon thousands of words, through training at all hours, the injuries, rejection, doubt and pessimism, through life changing experiences, to the testing of everything I believe in, on July 11th, 2012, the dreamer won!

I’ve always believed that if the purpose was pure, that ANYTHING Is Possible with FAITH and HARD WORK!

Sure, Michael and I haven’t played 1-on-1 yet.

But we all know, it’s only a matter of time now.

me vs. MJ…the journey continues!  As always thank you for following along.

Me and Michael Jordan Photos

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[To see full images – click here]

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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!

Before I get into this post I’d like to take a moment to congratulate the UCF Knights Men’s Basketball program on a thrilling win versus Memphis this past Wednesday evening!

Everything from the atmosphere in the stands to the final play was electric!

Having said that…

I spent the majority of the game parked in my seat in the suite; more than slightly offended and extremely frustrated by how I was treated when I arrived at the arena.

I’ve been to enough games this year (I have season tickets) to allow for the handful of people that work on the suite level to know me and say hello.  It’s really such a small grouping of people, that it only makes sense that we get to know one another.  Because of that closeness, it makes for a pleasant evening most of the time.

However on Wednesday night, as I was making my way to my seat, I was approached and told specifically by UCF security that I was not allowed to even attempt to speak or interact with Michael Jordan at all!  The lady in charge of security on my side of the arena told me that she had been warned about me!

Huuuuuh!?!?! (like Kanye West says it)

Now I could spend the next few minutes detailing every bit of how ridiculously inappropriate and uncalled for, the conversation was with UCF security.  I could thoroughly detail how they made me feel like some sort of criminal (no I’m not exaggerating) and how a large part of me never wants to attend another game (I’m an alum btw), but that would be exactly what negativity wants.

Instead I’ll focus on the positive, because in the end good did win! Contact with MJ for the second time was made (read about first interaction here), albeit short, and not exactly as I would have liked!

Tangent Time:  My experience on Wednesday evening is a classic example of obstacles I face every single day on this journey.  While I really don’t believe it should be this difficult, the truth is, any time you’re pursuing something of true value, roadblocks are going to be running rampant and you must maintain the proper mindset in which to handle them.

A lot, make that most people, would have let what happened in the beginning of the night keep them from moving forward, but I worked through it with kindness, because I refuse to be limited.

OK, on to the good stuff!

MJ and me

I had thought for a couple of weeks that Jordan may be at the Memphis game, due to his Charlotte Bobcats being in town to play the Orlando Magic the night before.  When I got to the game at UCF on Wednesday night, I realized that I was absolutely correct.

Still, I really didn’t know what I would say to him this time if the opportunity did arise.

Keep in mind; there is nothing “normal” at all about the circumstances.  I’m basically trying to speak to someone coming or going with a purpose, in an environment where they’d (mini-cops) rather I not try at all.

It’s not ideal and definitely not comfortable or even an acquaintance of easy.

After discussing with a buddy during the game, I decided to ask MJ what he thought about this site and what I’m looking to accomplish, which is to play hoops with him of course.

Sure enough after UCF’s come from behind win, opportunity came a knocking again.  This time just like last, as Jordan was leaving.

Michael Jordan Spoke To Me!

As Jordan passed, walking side by side with Ahmad Rashad (I wanted to ask Ahmad to say, “My Main Man!!!” but I refrained, haha!), I fired away my question.  Well kind of.

I asked with a mix of excited confidence, “Did you get a chance to check it out!?”

With that signature Jordan half smile/head nod, he responded, “Yeah man, that was a really good…”

At this point I honestly thought my dream was about to come true!  With seconds seeming like minutes, I thought, WOW he checked out the site and LOVES IT!

Then he completed his sentence with, “…game!”

With just a few more steps, he was gone.

I had spoken to Michael Jordan again for the second time in a little over a month, even though it didn’t go exactly as I would have liked!

Do You Really Believe?

When it’s smiles, high fives, kind words and barge ships full of support, maintaining belief in what you’re doing is easy.

The true test comes when you’re in an environment that isn’t conducive to success.  When doubt and resistance flex their debilitating muscles and push back, the only way you will be able to continue to push forward is if you truly BELIEVE in what you’re doing!

Sure I could have done a better job in the few seconds I had with MJ.  I could have been better prepared and much more specific (I was very upset that I wasn’t), but there was never any doubt in my mind that I would ask him something!

While I believe ignorance is the reason I was approached by security that evening, I have no problem with educating.

I told the security person, respectfully, that what they are attempting to do to me is a microcosm of what is wrong in society.  People are so quick to say NO without investing any time to see if YES is a possibility.

I told her that what I’m doing is great!  That it’s about showing others that anything is possible with faith and hard work!

You see, no is easy.  It flows.  It’s everything most people are, void of hope.

So if you don’t really believe, people will stop you in your tracks.

Good thing for me, I’ve got an Earth sized bag full of belief I carry around everywhere.

Until I hear NO from the mouth of Michael Jordan himself, I will continue on.  Even then, if that were to happen and no part of me believes it will, I’d most likely ask him to reconsider!

No one said this was going to be easy!

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

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Note:  While the Knights’ mini-cops seem to have it out for me, not all those at UCF have gone off the deep end and for them I am thankful!  You know who you are! Please know that I appreciate you! 

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34 of 36 from 3pt Land (Back To Working On My Game!)

So I never really posted about it on here, but I tweaked my knee a month or so ago during training and that has kept me off the court and from working on my legs.

Thankfully and I mean THANKFULLY it was just a mild strain and nothing too serious.  Big shout out to my man Justin Cobb for getting me back on track quickly!  (I may post more on this later, because the story will blow your mind!)

Being out, I couldn’t wait to get back on the court and get some work in, which I did Thursday morning, ending my workout by making 34 of 36 three-point attempts, including 20 threes in a row!

I can’t wait to get my leg strength back so I can translate that into games!

I know you see me Mr. Jordan!   Swish, swish…let’s get this game on!

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