Friday Evening, April 5th

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

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

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

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

Hopeful

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegas – MJCI

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

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

We were there for the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational.

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

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

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

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

Thursday | MJCI – MJ Laughs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But it gets better!

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

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

httpvh://youtu.be/9Z2Y37Vm_LQ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Believe Anything Is Possible?

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

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

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

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

The shoes – Jordan’s of course.

httpvh://youtu.be/lPmtCq_cpTU

Ultra Observant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Behind the wheel, MJ himself!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Anytime!” a playful Jordan fired back!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Such a dream come true!

httpvh://youtu.be/RgJIPgzd7ks

Fred Whitfield – A Major Supporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

httpvh://youtu.be/dq-AfQtgKZI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is where everything changed.

Jeff Jordan – Family Support

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

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

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

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

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

We talked for literally 10 minutes!

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

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

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

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

Then Jeff BLEW MY MIND!

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

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

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

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

Truly Amazing!  Such a blessing!

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

Marcus Jordan – Have You Been Introduced To My Dad?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He took it all in stride.

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

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

So very cordial.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

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

What an amazing day it had been!

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

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

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

Saturday and Sunday | MJCI – Acceptance

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

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

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

Everything else had occurred.

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

I was now accepted.

The Dream and The Journey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But I’ve always kept moving forward.

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

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

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

I thank you all for believing in me.

mevsMJ.com…the epic journey continues!

MJCI Photo Gallery

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

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

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

She called me into her office and asked me to have a seat.  In the previous four years, I had never been in “the” office prior to this.

Minutes later I was told that my services were no longer needed.

I stood up, pulled the keycard that I used to enter the building from my wallet and began to smile as I handed in what was to be the end of my television career.

I don’t know why I smiled.

Deep down I was lodged between shock and what am I going to do!?

I had began interning at the station around 22 hours per week as a sophomore in college and here I was, now a college graduate, with no job and no plan.

My demise – surely my loyalty – or perhaps the ability to quickly and sternly formulate a series of words for my mouth to use and the inability to hold my tongue when said loyalty was questioned.

A few days prior, I had been asked by the news director’s sidekick if I was loyal to the new team.  He was a weaselly little man.  I surmised that the reasoning behind his impromptu interrogation was that the sports team had recently turned over and new folks were brought in.  I had more tenure in the department than anyone at the time.

When questioned in a downright negative and assumptive tone, it lit a fire in me.

Keep in mind I had dedicated every weekend of my life for over 3 years and some nights to the television station for 0 compensation.  Communications interns didn’t get paid.  At the time of my firing, I was an actual employee but was making something like 8 bucks an hour, which means you can work a whole lot of hours, get taxed and not have much to show for it.

It wasn’t about the money for me though.  I loved sports and was loyal to the people that had given me an opportunity to have so many amazing experiences.  It was here where I first came face to face with MJ.

So I unleashed a verbal barrage on him in a way that I’m sure most wouldn’t.  I saw years of hard work and loyalty, like most will never posses, flash before my eyes and here was this small shadow of a man, new to the station, questioning me, in an editing bay as I attempted to get video ready for the sports segment of the newscast.

I let him have it – passion dripping off of every word.

He retreated – and that was the end of it, or so I thought.

Four days later I was fired from my first real job.

I don’t regret a word that I said that day.

TV was something that I didn’t feel was ultimately the right fit for me long term anyway.  Having the camera pointed at me, didn’t come natural and on-air jobs were after all, the jobs to have in television.

Shortly after I was let go from the station, I began writing for a local paper.  The sports section of course.  I got paid for space filled.  11 pages on a word document would then turn in to two pages in the paper – they used micro font – and net me a couple of hundred dollars a month.

After a month or two, the mother of one of my long time friends called my mom and the next thing I know I’m interviewing for a bank job.

I didn’t want to do it.  Not the interview.  Not the job.

But I did.

I went, took a personality and aptitude test and then proceeded in the interview to tell them that I would just do this job until my writing career took off.  My goal was to write for Sports Illustrated like Rick Reilly.

I didn’t get the job.

Not at first anyway.

My friend’s Mom had them reconsider – I had tested extremely well apparently (higher than anyone including the President, I would later find out) and with that I was opening checking accounts and talking to people about banking products for 40 hours a week.

They paid me 18,240 dollars a year.

23 years old.  Bachelor’s degree.  Two jobs taking almost every minute and not giving a lot of money back for it.

I wrote for the paper for another year or so before they decided to cut the sports section and then it was just banking for me.

I remember pleading to my parents in their living room one evening early on – “I have a four year degree and they are only paying me $18,240!!!!  Even if I get 10% raises for the rest of my life, I’ll never make any money!”

They replied – you have to start somewhere.

A couple of months in to the bank gig, the President of the bank saw my test scores, called me into his office and gave me a nearly four thousand dollar raise.

That was 13 years ago.

These days, I work in Private Wealth Management for a financial institution, which means that I help high-net-worth clients manage their wealth.

Until recently, (I spent the last 10.5 years at the same institution *loyalty* before moving in September to another employer) I couldn’t even enroll a client, per our wealth team’s enrollment minimums, unless they opened an account with $500,000 or more.

I share this story because I get asked on occasion how I pay for this site and all of the trips to Charlotte, Dallas, Vegas, the camps and training sessions, and everything else that goes along with attempting to make my dream of playing basketball with Michael Jordan come true.

I pay for it with 13 years of faith and hard work.

I’ve been so blessed, but I’ve also worked my butt off.

None of it was handed to me.  Trust me on that.

Anything Is Possible with Faith and Hard Work is something I was living far before the start of mevsMJ.com.

Looking back on those rather humble beginnings allows me to keep pushing in this journey when others would have surely stopped.

I’ve LIVED the power of faith and hard work.

I know where it can take you.

Today, most people likely see one of two things when they view the crust of me.  They either know me through here and see a guy in his mid 30s with a wild dream he tirelessly pursues or they know me as a professional – dressed in a suit, driving a nice car.

Both fail to capture the struggle or help you understand the success.

My parents were right that night, some 13 years ago.

You do have to start somewhere.

Then you have to believe when others won’t and work hard with no defined assurance of success.

Sometimes we can be so shortsighted and fail to see the possibilities of tomorrow because we’re so focused on the realities of today.

I share over and over again that Faith and Hard Work can take you to places your mind can’t even comprehend.

This journey is my way of showing you that.

1 game.

Me vs. Michael Jeffrey 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.

3 time NBA Champion with the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan’s teammate, Toni Kukoc, sent me a message about my journey to play Michael Jordan!

Thank you so much Toni!!!

It’s going to happen!

me vs. Michael Jordan…the 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!

####

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

Last night I asked for support in my quest to play Michael Jordan 1-on-1.

I put a grouping of words together on Instagram and asked others to support my pursuit.

I stated something that I live and believe, at the end of my ask and that was, “Anything is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!”

Then something amazing happened!

I received a random and very unexpected LIKE from the NBA’s Corey Maggette!

Sitting on my couch at home, stunned, I leaned over and showed my wife what had just happened.  Both of us amazed, I declared, it’s a God thing!

God wasn’t done.

Corey Maggette Shares mevsMJ.com with over 1 MILLION people & Follows ME on Twitter!

I then sent out the following tweet, which linked back to the Instagram post above.

Just got an instagram like from the NBA’s @ghostc5m (Corey Maggette) – Your support means a lot! (MEvsMJ.com instagr.am/p/UkW2-TC_5i/

— Kenny Eller (@KennyEller) January 17, 2013

Within a few minutes Maggette had retweeted that to all of his followers!!  ALL 1,011,205 of them!

Then to top things off, he FOLLOWED ME on Twitter!  (He only follows 1,880 people on the social media platform.)

Did I mention that last year Corey played for Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Bobcats!?!?!!?!

Just a coincidence?  Naaaaaa!

I know some will think it’s a coincidence that an NBA player randomly finds a posting of mine on Instagram and chooses to like it.  A posting that in total received just 31 likes.

Some will think it’s a coincidence that the same NBA player took my message and gave it to the +1 million followers he has on Twitter.

Some will go on thinking it’s merely a coincidence that Maggette chose to also follow me on Twitter, when he follows just .185917% of his followers.

And some will then of course think it too is a coincidence that Corey played for and knows Michael Jordan.

Some will think that.

I know better.

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

Honestly, when I posted that grouping of words on Instagram, my hope was that I’d pick up a few likes.

God gives us a dream and then in moments like last night, with me, He says DREAM BIGGER!

He says BELIEVE FOR GREATER THINGS!

My belief that I carry around with me, is that Anything Is Possible with FAITH & Hard Work!

I hope through this journey of mine to play Michael Jordan that you are seeing that!

I hope that this is another example to you that YOU CAN experience the things in life you were created to experience!

I hope you know that amazing moments aren’t reserved for just me and others.  Amazing moments are here for us all!

Thank you for all of your support!  It means so much to me!

me vs. Michael Jordan…the amazing journey continues!  WOW!

** UPDATE 1/18/2013 **

After all of this happened, one of the people that I shared this with was my great friend Dave Hopla.  Dave is an assistant coach for the New York Knicks.

NOW IT GETS EVEN MORE AMAZING!

I asked Dave, if he had a chance, to please tell Corey that I appreciate his support and that it means a lot to me.

Today, just before 6pm, I received a message from Dave letting me know that he had spoken to Maggette about me and my journey to play Michael Jordan before their game in London.  Yes, the Pistons were in London to play the Knicks the day after all of this happened!  

Another coincidence?  Naaaaa!

He said that Corey thought my journey to play MJ was really cool!  

WOW!

Two people from the small family that is the NBA, talking about my journey to play Michael Jordan, on an NBA court, in London, England!

I’m telling you!  ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH FAITH & HARD WORK!

me vs. Michael Jordan…it’s going to happen!  So blessed!

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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!

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

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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!

With my eyes focused down towards the hardwood floor, I placed one foot after the other inside my Jordan slides.  As I began to close up my gym bag, I heard someone several feet away say, “Oh, he’s getting ready to leave.  Maybe next time.”

I had just finished running some full court games with the older kids at the Orlando Hoops/Chandler Parsons basketball camp back in June.

Prior to the games, I had given my first speech (see below) on this journey that is mevsMJ.com to the group of +100 kids, coaches and players in attendance.

I was hungry.  So hungry that my stomach was yelling at me the only way a stomach knows how.

Truth is I hadn’t eaten lunch that day due to a combination of being nervous and very excited about sharing my journey with the group of young ballers.

Because of that, I had planned on leaving the camp after speaking, so that I could get some much needed nutrition before my evening basketball workout session with the college players began.

But when I heard the voice, I looked up to find Orlando Hoops founder Irwin Hudson standing there with three or four of the younger kids that were attending the camp.

Irwin smiled and said, “They wanted to play you 1-on-1.”

They want to play me??

Honestly as I sat there, I didn’t feel like playing ball at all, but I knew exactly how those young people felt as they stood there looking at me.

I’ve asked numerous NBA players to play me 1-on-1 during my journey to play Michael Jordan and every single time they’ve always had some reason or excuse that keeps them from hooping with me.

Because of that, because I know how that feels, there wasn’t anything that was going to keep me from playing basketball with those young people that day.

If they wanted to play me, I was going to play!

Four becomes 20!

As I jumped back into my Jordans and walked out on the court to play the three or four, that three or four multiplied to a group of some 20 kids that were all lined up underneath the basketball goal for their chance to play me, the guy who wants to play MJ, 1-on-1.

With the other 80 camp participants lining the exterior of the court, I began playing one game after the other to three points until everyone that wanted to play had their shot at me.

I had a blast!

What’s In It For Me?

Too often in life I think we can all be guilty of evaluating situations and opportunities with the what’s in it for me mentality?

You know the, “If it’s good for me, I’ll do it,” kind of logic.

I’m sure NBA players don’t see any benefit in playing basketball with me and at the surface I totally understand that.  I’m not a great basketball player.

At the surface there wasn’t any benefit for me to play those 20 or so young people either.  They certainly weren’t going to help me get more prepared for MJ.

But beyond the initial layer, beyond just the basketball, was more for me than I ever could have expected.

To see the excitement on their faces as they walked out to play or to hear all the kids erupt as a group if someone scored on me absolutely blew me away.

Here I was, someone that never played more than a year of high school basketball, at an NBA player’s basketball camp and because of this journey a group of young people wanted to play me! 

It was so humbling for me.  After all, I’m just a guy who believes and is willing to work harder than most and because of that I have been rewarded with such fulfilling experiences like this one in June.

Now tell me impact can’t be made!

I’ll of course never know exactly what the kids got out hooping with me, but I know I received a lot that day.

A Better Me

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I’m a better version of me than I was when I began this site.

Prior to August of 2010, I don’t know if given a similar circumstance, if I would have played all of those kids.  I might have very well done what has been done to me so many times and politely gotten out of it.

Because of the struggle, because of the rejection, and because of the triumph, I see things in such a much different way today.

I am thankful for every no, just as much as I’m thankful for every yes.

I am a better me because of them both.

On my desk, in my home office, in a frame, is a small grouping of words that leans against my printer just to the right of my computer.

Those words are  “Sometimes on the way to the dream, you get lost and find a better one.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Thank you for reading this writer’s words.  Thank you for believing in a guy with a dream.  Your support fuels me and for that I am so thankful!

As you venture out to where life takes you, I hope that you too find a better you.

me vs. MJ…my journey to play Michael Jordan continues!  It’s gonna happen!  As always, thank you for following along.

My Speech at the Chandler Parsons Camp

httpvh://youtu.be/SROFx9HBAHw

[If you are reading via email/RSS, click here to watch video]

Special thanks to Orlando Hoops and Chandler Parsons for believing in my journey!

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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!

####

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

The T-Mac Shout Out!

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

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

Here is the backstory on how it all came about.

The Backstory

The Bold Challenge (June 22, 2011)

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

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

By the seventh message sent T-Mac responded with:

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

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

My History with Tracy McGrady (Summer 2000)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eleven Years Later (We Meet Again in Auberndale)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Didn’t Play Tracy McGrady

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

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

I Would Have Played T-Mac…IF

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

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

Let me explain.

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

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

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

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

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

me vs. MJ…the amazing journey continues!

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