Bradenton, FL –

We walked into the restaurant after our three games of 1-on-1, both living a dream.  Different dreams, for sure.  But dreams, nonetheless.

“We”, being myself and Rodney Hood of the Utah Jazz.

I had just realized a dream of mine by testing my skills against my first active NBA player, something that when I reflect on where I started with this journey, seems rather surreal.

Rodney on the other hand, a little over a month ago, finished his rookie season in the NBA and finished it strong, being named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for April.

I had to know more about the man who walked around so unassuming, yet has seemingly trained the basketball to find the net on nearly every attempt.  A skill set that I had begrudgingly just witnessed first hand.

We placed our food on the long, metal, high-top table located near the center of the establishment, sat down, and then the 23rd pick in this past year’s NBA Draft lowered his head and began to pray.

He’s come a very long way in his 22 years of living and he’s thankful.

Rodney Hood is humbly, thankful.

The Player

Rodney grew up on the east side of Mississippi, near the border of Alabama, in the town of Meridian.  He grew up, the youngest of three children, in a family that all played basketball.

His parents, Ricky and Vicky, both played ball at Mississippi State while his older brother and sister, Ricky Jr. and Whitney, played at Chattanooga.

Still, with basketball embedded in his genes, the NBA wasn’t really something young Rodney thought about.  That would come much later.

Even when he began to sprout up in height (now 6’8″) and national high school basketball rankings, being ranked as high as 16th overall during his senior year of high school, playing college basketball like his brother was at the top of his dreams.

But Mississippi’s two-time Gatorade Player of the Year wouldn’t go on to just play.

He starred at Mississippi State and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team that first year.  After his coach at Mississippi State retired following his freshman season, he decided to transfer to Duke.  He was forced to sit out that first season at Duke, due to NCAA transfer rules, but came back the following year as the Team Captain and averaged 16.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

It was while at Duke that he realized that he had a real shot at the ever elusive NBA dream.

In April of 2014, Rodney officially declared for the NBA Draft and then on June 26, 2014 the Utah Jazz made him the 23rd selection in the National Basketball Association’s Draft.

The Rookie – Overcoming Adversity

Rodney’s rookie season in the NBA most likely didn’t go exactly how he envisioned it.  It went more the way a good book reads.  Hope, promise, adversity, more hope, even more adversity and then overcoming it all to find wild success.

Hood missed 31 games this past year due to planter fasciitis in one foot, which then jumped to the other when he admittedly came back a little too soon.

But Rodney stayed strong and finished the season by averaging 16.7 ppg in April and was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month, joining Trey Burke and a guy named Karl Malone as the only Utah Jazz players to win such an award.

Me vs. Rodney Hood

httpvhd://youtu.be/RJQj26NVz_Q

(Video Link)

I met Rodney in Bradenton as he was there training at IMG Academy in preparation for next season.

As you can see from the video, Rodney made quick work of me.  He cruised to three easy wins.  Lionel Richie would have been singing in the background, if it were only Sunday.

Final scores were 15-0, 15-6, and 15-1.

He made almost every shot…literally.  Without exaggeration, Hood shot at or better than 90% in our three games.

Truthfully, I couldn’t even get him to breathe hard and I tried my very best.

I walked into the gym knowing he was one of the best 450 players in the World, and I was still stunned at his efficiency.

The few times I actually touched the ball, his height disturbed my shot, causing me to rush it.  Even when I realized he was going to let me get the shots off, it still bothered me.  It’s not every day that I get to match-up with a guy that skilled and 6’8″.  Ok, in reality I’ve never matched up against anyone like him.

But I loved every second of it.

It’s extremely inspiring to see and experience someone so great at something.

And he was just as inspiring off the court as he was on it.

The Man

He was so much more than I expected.

He was kind, every letter of the word humble, and very aware of the platform he’s been blessed to stand on.

In a world full of people so willing to shout “look at me”, Rodney Hood seems at ease letting his work do all of the talking.

After asking him some questions during lunch, Hood quickly turned the conversation to my journey.  He listened intently.  He cared.

A part of me wanted to tell him, you do realize you are one of the very best in the world, don’t you!?  That it’s ok to boast a little and that you’ve worked so very hard to get where you are.  Harder than most will ever begin to understand.

But I found myself drawn in and instead sharing how impressed I was with his 22 year old self.

I felt this great want to introduce him to everyone I know.  This hope inside that this world never changes him.

And I don’t believe it will.

He credited his family for his outlook and approach and said he understands just how fleeting his current position in life can be.

Faith

He raised his head from prayer and I somewhat jokingly asked, “Did you pray for me too?”

He smiled and said, he did.

Faith.  Oh where would I be without my faith?

This journey began so selfishly, with my singular want to play basketball with Michael Jordan and now every single conversation about mevsMJ.com turns into a conversation about God.

My time with Rodney was no exception.

Hood shared that his grandparents have played a pivotal role in his spiritual life.  His grandmother gave him a scripture that he reads before every game he plays.  It’s found in the book of Psalms and reads:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23

Battling through the adversity of his rookie season only brought him closer to God.

“Things were moving very fast in a lot of areas of my life.  I had been carrying around the Bible my Grandma gave me and one day I just decided to pick it up and start reading.  I was going through the ups and downs of my rookie season and it helped me a lot.  It’s now just become a part of my life,” he explained.

Hood fully understands and gives credit for just how far God has brought him.

He gets that there is a greater purpose at work and he’s doing his best to make the most of it.

Hard Work

“My parents taught me at a young age that anything worth having is worth working hard for,” Hood shared at lunch.

Hard work being two words that kept coming up in our conversations in between games on the court and now between bites of food.

He went on, “I’ve always, even as a kid, been able to have this extreme focus towards the things I want to accomplish.  To put my head down and just go to work.  I know that regardless of how things are going or what I’m going through, that hard work will get me there.  It may not always be easy, but in the end working through the tough times will make the end results even sweeter.”

I was fully leaning into the conversation and now smiling as I listened.  Emotions welled up inside of me.

Rodney was speaking my message back to me, even though he had only heard of mevsMJ.com a few days earlier.

I was more blown away with him as a person than I was as a basketball player, if that was even possible.

I guess I knew I wouldn’t have handled the dream he is living as well as he is…not at 22 anyway.

His outlook and maturity, so far beyond his years.

Humility

It was the summer of 2005, when a then 10 year old Rodney and his Mom were in New Orleans, visiting the sites.  They had just left the aquarium and had decided to go shopping when they surprisingly spotted Joe Johnson of the Phoenix Suns.

Rodney was beyond excited but too shy to approach Johnson.  Seeing an NBA player wasn’t something that happened in Meridian.  But Hood’s Mom did what Mom’s do and approached Johnson for her thrilled son.

Johnson was kind and so humble.  He took a picture with little Rodney and signed an envelope that Hood’s Mom happened to have.

That short encounter was huge for Hood.

“It was the biggest thing that had ever happened to me,” he explained.

“And I remember that, and how I felt,” he continued.

“When kids come up to me now, I see myself in them, because I was that kid.  I want every interaction to be as close to perfect as it can be for anyone I meet, young or old, because I know the impact that those moments can have.”

“I know that if I’m respectful, patient and kind that they will remember that.  I also know that if I brush them off they will remember that.  I want them to have a great experience.  I know they see me differently because I’m in the NBA and I take that responsibility seriously.”

“What may be a small moment of time for me, could be something they remember for the rest of their life.  I know I still remember my time with Joe,” he said reflecting.

This past season when the Jazz played in Brooklyn against the Nets, the kid got to play against the man that impacted him that day in Louisiana.  He guarded Joe and Joe guarded him.

After the game he was able to thank Johnson for being a blessing in his life, so many years earlier.

Today, Rodney is being that same blessing in lives of others.

Giving Back

Rodney and his brother Ricky have come together to form the Mississippi Express AAU basketball team.  It’s a travel team that has a goal of winning, but Hood was quick to point out that his main purpose in starting it was to give opportunity to the kids of Mississippi through the game of basketball.

Also this August, Rodney will be holding the “Welcome to the Hood” community camp, geared towards bringing the city together.  Over the two days, there will be BBQ, fun slides, food and backpack giveaways stuffed with school supplies.

“It will be a fun time.  It’s hard for a lot of people back home and I want to give them something to look forward to and hopefully make a positive impact going into the school year,” Hood said.

A Difference Maker

I’m now a huge Rodney Hood fan and I let him know as much in a phone conversation Friday evening.  I’m a fan of who he is and wants to be as a human being.

Basketball, even if he enjoys a 15 year career and I pray that he does, will be just a portion of the life that he will live.  Greater than anything he does in the NBA will be the impact he makes on society.  I believe that will be his true legacy.

We all have a platform.  Some larger than others, but we all have one.

Sometimes in cases like mine, we set out on a journey with one goal in mind and are guided in a different direction.

My greatest want in life is to be able to inspire positive growth in the lives of others.  It honestly wasn’t always that way.  This journey has changed me.  And I’m beyond thankful for that.

I pray, that I’m able to look back one day and know that my time was utilized to its fullest.  To know that I made the most of this journey I’ve been blessed to live.

It’s refreshing to meet people like Rodney that in the middle of living their dreams are doing everything they can to make a difference.

Rodney Hood is a special guy and one that I hope you all get the pleasure of meeting in your lifetime.

He’s a difference maker.  One I’m now blessed to know.

Me vs. Michael Jordan…the journey continues.

As always, thank you for your support and for following along.

Thank You!

Thank you Rodney Hood!  Thank you for taking your time and helping me on this journey.  Thank you for being a difference maker.  Your selfless act will surely inspire many.  I will wear my Jazz gear with pride!

I must also thank Morgan Jones!  Morgan, who I met four years ago during a basketball workout, has become a great friend and someone I’m so thankful to know.  She’s a special person and has been supporting me since day one.  A couple of weeks ago she reached out and said that she may have a game for me and sure enough, she did.  I can’t thank you enough MJ!  Thank you also for the great video!!!

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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), Instagram (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Page.

Pembroke Pines, Florida

Sitting near the end of the wooden bleacher just off to the side of the court, he turned to me after our game with effort still apparent on his shirt and brow, and implored, “We’ve got to stop lying.  We’ve got the tell the truth.  It’s the only way that we can truly help people.”

The sincerity and urgency of the words that former NBA All-Star Kenny Anderson shared, swept over me and the rest of the gymnasium.

He was teaching.  His words, carrying a lifetime of learning, now danced about like his legendary New York City handle.  His life now as dedicated to helping others, as it once was to the game of basketball.

His agreeing to help me and my journey after a brief exchange on Twitter, further proof of that.

The Player, The Legend, The All-Star

Kenny Anderson was born in Queens, New York.  Raised by his mother Joan, his first memories of basketball were around the age of six, where he would hangout at local parks and hoist up attempts at the goal in between the games that the older kids were playing.

But basketball loved Kenny and he loved it back.  By the time he was in the sixth grade, collegiate recruiters were already scouting the child prodigy.

He would go on to star at Archbishop Molloy High School and when he was done there he was considered the top high school basketball player in the entire country and a New York City Legend.  You name the award, he received it.  Parade All-American, All-City, Gatorade Player of the Year, New York State Player of the Year, Naismith Player of the Year, USA Today Player of the Year and of course New York State Mr. Basketball.  Keep in mind this was well before social media and basketball mixtapes used to create a buzz.

From there he took his talents down south to Georgia Tech, where he played for two years and helped lead his team to the Final Four in 1990.

Kenny then went on to win a bronze medal while playing for the US National Team in the 1990 FIBA World Championship.

Then in 1991, his childhood dream came true when the New Jersey Nets selected him with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft.  Kenny would go on to play for nine different teams during his 14 year career in the National Basketball Association.  During the 1993-94 season he was named as an NBA All-Star, with averages of 18.8 points, 9.6 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals.

How I Met Kenny

In the middle of January, Kenny Anderson, most likely half joking, sent out a tweet about giving the NBA Developmental League a try as a player/coach.

I replied, “How about playing me 1-on-1 as a tune up?”

Less than seven minutes later, I was on the phone talking about mevsMJ.com and what this journey is all about with one of the greatest point guards ever!

Kenny was all for playing and doing anything he could to help and with that we set a date to make the game happen!

Me vs. Kenny Anderson

httpvhd://youtu.be/olkb2foe968

(Video Link)

The final score 15-11.  I won!  I repeat…I WON!

While I do feel like that I am in the best shape of my life right now (down 20 lbs in the last 6 months – cut out sugars, etc.), I know when it comes to basketball, Kenny Anderson is in another galaxy.

Truthfully, I think I surprised Kenny a bit with my shooting ability and on this day, the shots fell for me.

Kenny smiled as he congratulated me after the win, and told me that I’m a great shooter.  How cool is that!?  The one and only Kenny Anderson…said that I am a great shooter!  Truly an amazing feeling.

He also set up the rematch!  More on this later.

The Humanitarian

Kenny, like all those that have helped me on my journey to play Michael Jordan, possesses a very selfless quality that is rather rare in society these days.

I better understood his willingness to help after spending some time with him after our game this past Friday.

His basketball dreams were never fueled by the NBA lifestyle and the access that it lends.  It was for his Mom, Joan.  He wanted so badly to take care of the woman that had always taken care of him.

Kenny now travels the World speaking and doing anything he can to help encourage and inspire others through the lessons in his own story.

He’s been at the top of the mountain and in the shadows of the valley and because of that he has great perspective on life.  No longer is he set on making millions of dollars because when he had millions he realized that money didn’t bring him happiness.  Instead he finds true joy in his family, friends and uplifting others.

Not Done Yet

Kenny has one last dream that he’d like to fulfill in the game of basketball, but I’ll let him share that with you when the time is right.

I know that when it happens, it will be a beautiful thing to see and I’ll be right there cheering him on!

The Rematch

Yes, there will be a rematch!  This time in Orlando, where I live.

Tentative date is for sometime in August.

Kenny has already warned me that he is determined to be in much better shape this go around.

He’s coming for redemption.  He’s coming for the win!  I can’t wait!

3-on-3 For A Difference

Last week I lived a dream by playing basketball with former NBA All-Star Kenny Anderson.  In the process I gained an amazing friend.

Kenny has already invited me to be on his team next year, as part of his 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Atlanta, which raises money for RAINN – the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and one of “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine.

Impact and Change

My prayer has been for God to use mevsMJ.com to impact others.  I’m humbled to see Him doing just that.

We all live a book, each with a story filled with its share of glory and heartache.  The theme of society has been to at all costs present the facade until our days are no more.

But Kenny was right.

Until we are truthful in our walks, we cannot truly help anyone.  Until we are no longer ashamed of our stumbles and falls, but understand that every bit of what we live is a story for the World to glean from – only then will true impact be made.

This isn’t a basketball story.  This is, as it always has been…a life story.

Believe in your dreams.  Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

me vs. Michael Jordan…the journey continues!

Thank You!

I can’t thank Kenny Anderson enough for taking time to make a difference in this journey.  His outlook on life has impacted me and will continue to impact others.

I also must thank my brother Bob, who captured all of the great video.  You inspire me as well.

And the fine folks over at TNT Elite Hoops, Gerrod and Nick, for helping me get in the best shape of my life for this game!  Appreciate it!

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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), Instagram (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Page.

Before our third game of 1-on-1 Saturday afternoon, former NBA great Chucky Atkins told me, “My goal is to hold you under 6 points this game.”  I replied, “My goal is to get 15,” to which he shot back with one eyebrow raised, “Well, that’s not gonna happen!”

I handed him the ball, crouched down on defense and said, “You gotta dream big!”

Kenneth Lavon Atkins, better known to most as Chucky, knows all about dreaming big.  Standing just 5’11” he’s by no means a big guy by NBA standards, but he’s gigantic when it comes to heart.

Chucky grew up in Orlando, Florida and starred at Evans high school.  From there the lightly recruited point guard took his talents to the University of South Florida where he played four years and tore up the conference, averaging just over 19 points and four assists per game his senior season.

Despite his stellar career at USF, Atkins went undrafted.  He never gave up though and continued to pursue his dream of playing professional basketball, first in the CBA and then overseas for two years.

Then in 1999, his lifelong dream to play in the NBA became a reality when he signed with his hometown Orlando Magic.

Atkins would go on to play 11 seasons in the NBA (retired in 2011) with career averages of just under 10 points and 4 assists.

It was while playing for Orlando where I first met Chucky Atkins – nearly 16 years ago.

Humility and Impact – 16 Years Ago

I began interning at the local ABC affiliate in 1997, just two years into my college life.  I was set on being a sports broadcaster and spent my nights and weekends cutting my teeth in video editing bays and behind the keyboard, doing my best to make the words I typed, “Sing and Dance!” as my former mentor Glen Dehmer would often say.

Those were fun times, and I learned a lot, but the real payoff for me was getting to go to the Orlando Magic games.  It was there that I sat courtside at the game I loved and to top it off, I got to do the post game interviews with the players.

I interviewed quite a few players in my day.  One of my very favorites was Chucky Atkins.

At that time, the press was allowed to interview players in the locker room, but once a player left the locker room they were in no way obligated to speak to anyone.

Chucky Atkins had a big game for Orlando that night and for whatever reason, I was late in getting to where I needed to be.

So as I’m making my way to the locker room, Chucky is leaving.  Atkins, now out the door and walking down the hallway towards me, stopped and gracefully obliged when I asked if I could possibly interview him.

With no scope of how most players would have reacted in that situation, this story may not seem like that big of a deal.

I’ve told people that story quite a few times over the last 16 years.  While I can’t remember what I asked him, the impact made on me that day was quite large.

Here was a guy at the top of his profession.  One of the best 450 in the World.  And he was so humble.  So down to earth.  So willing to help.

When others, at times, would give one word answers and seem bothered by anyone with a mic, it was refreshing to see someone on the far opposite side of the spectrum.

I’ve been a big Chucky Atkins fan since.

An Instagram Connection Leads to a Game – 16 Years Later

As I just wrote, I’m a Chucky Atkins fan, but I also believe that his journey correlates so well with every single person who has a dream.

His is a story of triumph from someone who was overlooked more than once.

His success, the direct result of his unwavering belief in himself coupled with his tremendous work ethic.

I hadn’t spoken to Chucky since his days with the Magic, as not too long after he was traded to Detroit, my time in TV ended as well.

But this past Thursday I decided to leave him a comment on one of his Instagram pictures, explaining my want for him to be a part of this journey.

To be clear – even with our interaction above, all those years ago – Atkins had no clue who I was.

Still, by 6pm that evening we were on the phone and I was sharing my journey to play Michael Jordan with him.

After just a few minutes of listening, the same humble Chucky said that he’d be happy to help!

And with that we were set for our one-on-one battle Saturday afternoon!

Me vs. Chucky Atkins

httpvhd://youtu.be/wcu0uTGBaok

(Video Link)

As you saw in the video, the games weren’t close.

We played four games in total and while I did my best, Chucky’s best was far better.

The scores were:  15-10, 15-6, 15-4, 15-0

The only times I scored were when he basically let me shoot.

Even with the beatings, I had a great time!

While playing Chucky Atkins, much like when I played DeShawn Stevenson, I couldn’t help but have moments where my mind was blown that I’m 1-on-1 on the court with him.  After a nice move by Chucky, I would find myself thinking – that was sweet and then snap back and think wait a minute that was against me, compete…haha!

It was very cool.

Straight Fire

At now 40 years of age, it took Atkins about a game to get warmed up (he did no shooting or stretching prior to checking the ball in).

But once he got in the groove, it was over.  You know the saying, “It’s like riding a bike”?  Well, Chucky Atkins’ bike is on fire!

This guy started pulling from everywhere.  Looking back, it was incredible to witness, even at my own expense.

Crafty and Strong

I wanted to be more physical than I had been in previous match-ups.

The first game I played up on him a bit more and used more arms, hands and body weight, but each time he’d use it against me.  So much so, that it changed my whole game plan.

He’s strong and has really large hands.  The kind that grab a ball off the court like it’s a grapefruit.  I was surprised how tough it was for me to move when he had a hand on me.  That, without a doubt, influenced what I tried to do and resulted in some not so great shot attempts at times.

Moves that Matter

A lot of guys do moves just to do moves.  Every move Chucky does has a reason.  His ability to handle the ball and quickly get into his shot was inspiring.

I kept thinking, how is this guy 40 years old and what was he like at 25!?!?

Still Quick

For all those that will leave a comment saying I should have played up on him more after watching him rain in three after three, thanks for the post game advice.

The reality is he is quick!  Really quick!

Competitive

He talks.  At times a lot.  It’s like a transformation once he’s on the court.  Competitive confidence at its peak.

A quick example.  After blasting me 15-0 in game 4, he yelled out in my direction, “That’s what you came here for right!  That’s what you came here for!”

I loved every bit of it!  It was all in good nature of course.  It actually made me feel like I did back in the day growing up playing on the local courts, except I couldn’t talk back too much to Chucky, haha!

Kind Words and Support from a Great Guy

After the games and the pictures, Chucky let me know that if there is anything else he can ever do to help, to not hesitate to reach out and ask.  He told me he really likes what I’m doing and is here to support!

To respond to an Instagram post from someone you don’t know and to then agree to play just two days later is absolutely amazing.

As my friend Andy Gebru, who knows Atkins, said when we talked about the happenings of the last couple of days, “That’s Chucky!”

Dreams + Faith + Hard Work = Chucky Atkins

When I look at Chucky Atkins, I see a lot of myself.  Not from a basketball standpoint of course, but as a dreamer and doer.

Chucky grew up, a kid dreaming of playing in the NBA, even though he really had limited exposure to the league until the Orlando Magic came to town.

He loved the game so much that he used to sneak into Magic games and at 14 years of age even made his way into the Orlando Magic practice facility while the team practiced.  He soon realized that as long as he sat there quietly, they would let him stay and watch.

With that the dreamer began to study the game he loved so much.

Chucky understood even as a young man, that if he was going to make his dream come true one day, he had to know what it took to get there.  So he sat there, watched and learned.  He would then implement the drills and moves that he saw during those practices into his own workouts.

And every time someone overlooked him, it just motivated him to work harder.

After being cut by the Vancouver Grizzles literally hours before the start of the regular season his first year out of college, Chucky became even more determined to realize his dream.

For the next four years he played and trained literally every single day.  That’s Monday through Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Most days at least six hours a day.  Some days, from the time he got up, to the time he went to bed.

“I’d go play ball.  Then I’d do some skill work.  Then I’d go to another court and play.  Then I’d lift weights and go play some more. My feet would hurt.  My knees would hurt.  But if I wasn’t doing something with a basketball, I just always felt that someone else was out there getting better,” Atkins said.

Chucky went on, “I took my first break from basketball after my rookie season with the Orlando Magic.  By the time the season ended I had tendinitis in my knees so bad that it was tough to walk.  But I was determined to realize my dream.“

I asked Atkins where his internal confidence to always believe – no matter the obstacle – came from.

“That comes from my Dad.  He always told me that if I do the work, the rest will take care of itself.  A lot of people say I’m cocky, but I don’t see it that way.  I just don’t see anything wrong with believing in your abilities.  I know the work I’ve put in, so why not be confident,” he said.

In a phone call Sunday night he shared, “Just like people have told you that your dream will never happen, but now look what’s happened and you’re over four years in.  So many people told me I’d never play in the NBA, and I ended up playing 11 seasons.  I always believed, no matter what.“

“And if I had a dime for every time someone said I was too short to play in the NBA, I’d be Mark Cuban right now,” said Atkins.

Still Dreaming Big

After spending the last couple of seasons coaching Evans, his former high school, I asked Chucky what he has planned next.

“Coaching at the collegiate or professional level.  I’ve had some discussions with coaches and teams,” he replied.

Loving what I heard I told him, “So you’re still dreaming big.”

Enthusiastically, he quickly responded, “Absolutely!  Got to.  I’ve got a lot still left to accomplish.  A whole lot.“

I couldn’t agree more.

Chucky Atkins is a special guy.  One that I’m happy to now call my friend and supporter!

mevsMJ.com…the journey continues!

Thank You!

Again, thank you so much Chucky Atkins for believing in and supporting my dream!  I greatly appreciate you!  Your kindness and willingness to help inspires me!

Also, I must thank my guys Avery and Anthony Brown for capturing all of the great video of our games.  You are great young men, my little brothers and I’m thankful for you.

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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.

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.

Since the day I began really playing basketball, some 23 years ago, I’ve dreamed of walking onto a basketball court, lacing up my Jordans and matching up against one of the World’s best – an NBA Player.

On Friday, January 17th, that lifelong Dream came true when I went head-to-head with NBA Champion, DeShawn Stevenson!

DeShawn Stevenson – The Player

At 19 years of age, DeShawn Stevenson was the 23rd selection in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz – right out of high school.  Known as a prolific scorer (30.4 ppg) with off the charts athleticism out of Washington Union high school, DeShawn became the youngest player to ever start for Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan and the Utah Jazz.

Throughout his 13 year NBA career, DeShawn has played for the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks (Won NBA Championship), New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn Nets), and the Atlanta Hawks where he spent last season.

Released by the Hawks in August, DeShawn is now staying in shape and training with Orlando Hoops, while he looks to land a spot on a championship contender’s roster sometime this season.

DeShawn Stevenson – The Person

Before I get into the dream.  Before I tell you about the games versus DeShawn, I’ve got to tell you about the man I met Friday afternoon.

I don’t type the next few words lightly – I pound the keys to share that DeShawn Stevenson is one of the NICEST PEOPLE I’VE EVER MET.

That isn’t me being kind or being thankful, which I am, for the experience.  It’s me sharing the biggest takeaway, personally, of the entire event.

I was blown away.

I asked DeShawn, after our games, if he gets approached a lot by people to play basketball.

I asked because for the 3 years and 5 months I’ve been on this journey to play Michael Jordan, I’ve been trying to figure out how to get someone in the NBA to play me.

I’ve asked over 20 NBA guys to play – in person (some on an actual basketball court) – and they’ve all declined.

I had wondered if being asked to play when you’re one of the best, was a constant.

His answer spoke volumes.

He stated that while he does get asked for pictures often at places like the airport…he doesn’t really get approached to play.  His thoughts as to why that is the case, most likely the perception that is out there about him.

When Perception – Is Not – Reality

DeShawn Stevenson is every bit of 6’5″.  He’s intimidating on the court with a strong and athletic build.  He’s got more ink than a printer cartridge, making up numerous tattoos that cover his body.

He’s got a lot of heart too.

His most recent tattoo, a picture of one of his closest childhood friends who recently and tragically passed away.

To watch him on an NBA court, he’s a ferocious, in your face, defender.  He fears no one.  Confidence spilling out of every pore.

Off the court – at least in my interactions with him on Friday, I saw a different guy.

• He’s the kind of guy that shows up a few minutes late and apologizes.
• He’s the kind of guy who, after finding out that the first few minutes of our game wasn’t recorded, says “Don’t worry, we can play a best of 5 games series so that you have plenty of video!”
• He’s the kind of guy who says, “best of 5 game series” when he knows he can beat me easily every single time.
• He’s the kind of guy that insists that I get the ball first and AFTER I make my first shot, asks where my feet were and then explains that for me the college line (which my feet were behind) will count for 2 points, but for him the NBA line will count for 2.  When I plead that I too will only count behind the NBA line as 2 pointers, DeShawn insists that I keep the 2 points (up 2-0) and continue to use the shorter distance to my advantage.
• He’s the kind of guy that willingly puts on one of my mevsMJ.com shirts and takes picture after picture to make sure it’s just right.
• He’s the kind of guy that drives over 40 minutes – one way – just to play me.  Just to HELP.

I reached out to a friend of mine in the NBA, that I’ve met through this journey, who didn’t know I was going to play or meet DeShawn, but that I later found out has known DeShawn since high school.

I shared the impact of DeShawn Stevenson’s kindness on me.

I asked, is that the guy you know as well?

He responded, “D Steve is incredible.  Best teammate anyone could have.”

Me vs. DeShawn Stevenson

– Before the Game –

I arrived at Orlando Hoops just after 11am on Friday.  There was an abnormal chill in Central Florida air.

Truthfully, I was nervous.

I warmed up with my brother, wanting to be as loose as possible, while at the same time trying to conserve every bit of energy for what was about to take place.

I didn’t know what to expect.

Would this NBA Defensive stopper jump on me and make quick work of my efforts?

Would he come to send a message?

I had no clue what his outlook would be on the game – or on my journey.

During the prior couple of days, after finding out that “G” (Coach Gerrod Trytten of Orlando Hoops) had reached out to DeShawn to set up the game – my mind flashed with random moments of DeShawn’s playing career.

From his days as a McDonald’s All-American all the way throughout his playing time in the NBA, I knew a lot about DeShawn Stevenson.  I had seen him posterize some of the best.  I had watched him lock up offensive scoring machines.  I had seen him gladly take on the challenge of LeBron, Wade, Kobe, and yes, even Michael Jordan.

When I told my brother that I was going to play DeShawn Stevenson, with an oh my goodness tone, he said, “Wow!  That’s HUGE!  Your dream is coming true man!”

We’re a basketball family, so I went into these games with much respect.

My brother left work, just to come record and watch.  He was living the dream as well!

– My Mindset Going Into the Game –

To some reading this, the next few words may sound really weak, but I honestly just wanted to score at least once.

I’ve been exposed to enough REAL basketball on this mevsMJ.com journey to know that I stand no chance against anyone in the NBA, much less someone with defensive prowess like Stevenson.

I play, with all I have, because I love this game.  Because an experience like this, as I’ve already said, is a childhood dream come true for me.  I play to hopefully inspire you, whether you play basketball or not, in your own life.  I play, to show you that anything is possible with faith and hard work!  I play, to give you a real life, go out and grab it example that dreams DO come true!

And even though I know deep down I have no shot of winning, once the ball is checked in, I play to win.

– The Game Begins – The First Shot –

DeShawn hands me the ball, crouches down on defense and the game begins!

After a couple of jab steps, I know with the space he’s giving me that I have a chance to get my shot off.

This is ideal, because shooting is what I do!

So as quickly as I can, I rise up – hopeful – from 21 feet at the top of the arc and let the dream flyyyyyyy.

SWISHHHHHHH!

At that moment, every imaginary game, every make believe buzzer beater against an NBA player when I was a kid, came true!

Sure the game was just 2-0, but to me, everything I had dreamed of as a young man, desperately learning this game of basketball, came to fruition!

DeShawn Stevenson made it come true.

– The Results –

In the end, DeShawn and I played three games of 1-on-1 Friday.

Yes, the five game series he was so kind enough to do, was a sweep, haha!

The scores of each game:

Game 1:  15-8 (The first two of my points – not captured on video)

Game 2:  15-3

Game 3:  15-4

– The Truth – He Took It Really Easy On Me –

As you will see in the video below, DeShawn’s kindness was also shown in his effort against me.

He knew he could blast me 15-0 if he wanted to.

And while I had told him before the games began, “If you can keep me from getting a shot off, I want you to do that.  Don’t take it easy on me.” – what I witnessed was that his goal wasn’t to prove how much better he was than me.  His career shows that.

Instead, I think he knew he was fulfilling a dream for a guy with BIG dreams.

He knew he would win, but I believe he wanted me to feel accomplished as well.

– Intimidated – Beat At My Own Game – But I Got Better! –

DeShawn’s size bothered me.

It made me rush shot attempts from a little further out than I probably would have liked.

Because he was cruising – I was given numerous chances to score.  But adrenaline mixed with fatigue got the better of me.

In the end, he beat me at my own game – shooting.

He rained in NBA three after NBA three.

Finally in game three, I tried to apply more ball pressure, but to no avail.

By the time I realized he wasn’t going to take me to the basket and make a poster out of me, the games were over.

I got better though because he showed me that I really need to work on shooting quicker, from deeper, and also work on getting to the basket and finishing strong against much larger defenders.

He also explained after the games, every single tendency of my game.  He knew when I was going to shoot and when I was going to drive.  He broke me down to myself in detail (I won’t share because players will use it against me) which left me amazed.  He had me figured out in a handful of minutes.

That’s one glaring difference maker in the approach of an NBA player.

It’s never been more evident that I need to work diligently on mixing up my game.

Even in defeat though, I learned a lot and thus – I got better!

So without further ado…here is Me vs. DeShawn Stevenson!

Me vs. DeShawn Stevenson (Video)

httpvhd://youtu.be/N5L61sXA-zo

 (link to video)

 Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

If you’ve been following my journey for awhile, you know about the struggle.  You know how many rejections came before this amazing YES.

I’ve been telling you that Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work for a couple of years now and THIS IS A HUGE EXAMPLE of that.

Life can be hard at times – no doubt.  There are going to be ups and downs and sometimes it seems as though there are just downs and more downs.  But you’ve got to keep believing!  You’ve got to keep pushing!

I believe we were all created to do amazing things!

My goal on this journey and through this experience with DeShawn is to motivate you to move in a positive direction.

To look at me and say IF HE CAN DO THAT, SO CAN I!

mevsMJ.com isn’t about basketball.  It’s about life.

1 game – me vs. Michael Jordan – the amazing journey continues!!!

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THANK YOU DeShawn Stevenson!  Thank you for taking the time to make a dream come true.  Thank you for being an example for so many others.  Thank you for inspiring me and those that follow this journey.  You’ve made a HUGE difference and for that I am forever grateful.

####

Special Thanks to Orlando Hoops!

I have to give a special shout out to Gerrod Trytten and the entire Orlando Hoops family for constantly and consistently BELIEVING in me and my journey!  Without their willingness to HELP none of this would have been possible.

####

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.

On Friday, the 20th day of December 2013, Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work, was proven once again as I spent the morning on a basketball court with Orlando Magic Legend, Nick Anderson!

For over two hours, the man that has created so many memories for fans over his career in college and the NBA, made some lasting memories for me by taking time out of his day to share stories, lessons, and time on the court as I continue my journey towards playing Michael Jordan.

The Nicest Guy

The Friday before, at a friend’s urging, I sent Nick a text message asking if he’d be open to doing something with me for the site.  Over two years ago, to my surprise, Nick called me one morning to encourage me on my journey.  I’d had his number since that time and while we had sent messages back and forth over the years, schedules just never seemed to match up.

The man is very busy.  Busy helping, that is.  I believe since our time together he has made at least 5 to 6 appearances in the community, donating his time to make a difference.

But about an hour after I sent the text, we were on the phone talking once again.

This time everything aligned and a week later we were on the court shooting and talking about defense, offense, trash talking, tricks of the trade and of course the steal against MJ!

Nick couldn’t have been any nicer.

In the more than two hours we spent together, he never seemed rushed at all.

“I’m going to walk you over and introduce you to Michael.” – Nick Anderson

As we closed out our time together, I asked Nick if he would take a picture with me wearing one of my mevsMJ.com shirts.  He said, “Absolutely!”

Then as he unfolded the shirt, he read the message printed on the back that I’ve been sharing and is the slogan for this journey, Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

He then called his brother over, who was there with him, and read it again to him, closing with, “I like that!”

That of course set me on a path to explain how those eight words came about and what they mean to me.  I told him how difficult the journey has been and how most are quick to say that what I’m looking to do is impossible.  That most would believe that spending time with Nick Anderson, which I had just done was impossible.  And that my journey beyond the game is to inspire others and show that you can accomplish anything in your life if you believe and work tremendously hard.

I told Nick that him spending time with me was not only a dream come true for me, but that through his willingness to help, he would inspire so many people in their own lives.

Nick then said, “You know what I’m going to do.  The next time the Charlotte Bobcats are in town, I’m going to make sure you’re at the game.  You know MJ usually comes to the game.  Well, I’m going to make sure you’re there and I’m going to walk you right over and introduce you to him.  MJ’s my guy.“

My Time with Nick Anderson (Video)

httpvhd://youtu.be/OZS5pY4Cz8g

(link to video)

An Act of Kindness

In the couple of days since this all took place, as I’ve reflected, I’ve become even more amazed at the kindness and selflessness of Nick Anderson.

There was no real benefit for him to take time out of his day to spend with me this past Friday.  I told him as much on the phone prior to our meeting, but all he kept saying is that he looked forward to getting out on the court with me and helping.

It was an act of kindness.

One that I will always appreciate.

One that I hope inspires you in your own life and dreams to BELIEVE a little more.

Thank you so much Nick!

Dreams DO come true my mevsMJ.com family!

What’s next?  Stay tuned!

1 Game.  me vs. Michael Jordan.  The anything is possible with faith and hard work journey continues!

####

Special Thanks to Orlando Hoops

I have to give a special shout out to Irwin Hudson, Gerrod Trytten and the entire Orlando Hoops family for opening up the lab for me, just for this special time with Nick Anderson.  Without their facility, time, and friendship, none of this would have been possible.

####

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.

 (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!

####

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.

On January 16th, Corey Maggette of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons found me on Instagram and it changed everything.

Just 11 days later, after some messaging back and forth between myself and Corey, I was at the Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons game on Sunday to meet him, thank him for his kindness and to hand deliver a mevsMJ.com shirt!

Me and Corey Maggette (Video)

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcYb4dBIyOc

One Man’s Kindness

It’s amazing what one seemingly simple “like” on an Instagram picture can do.

Mind blowing, the chain of reaction that one’s kindness, can begin.

After the game on Sunday, I asked Corey how he found me and he told me that he’s just always searching around for things.

His search, turned into a “like”, which led to a retweet of this site to his +1 million followers on Twitter and then 11 days later, me meeting him in person and hand delivering a mevsMJ.com shirt!

I mean, it is overwhelming that an NBA player like Maggette knew me when he came out of the locker room.  Just wild that he has my shirt.  Wow!

For me, it was awesome to have the opportunity to thank Corey in person for helping me show others, like YOU, that everything I’ve been saying is true!  Anything really Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

He allowed me to tell him all about my journey, never seeming rushed and listening intently the entire time.

I could tell he got the bigger purpose behind what is mevsMJ.com.

Truly, such a nice guy.

Maggette’s kindness also led to more….

Joe Dumars and Bo Outlaw

While waiting for Corey to come out of the locker room I was able to share my faith and my journey to play Michael Jordan with two former NBA greats, Joe Dumars and Bo Outlaw.

Both were kind, generous with their time, extremely encouraging and genuinely interested in the mission.

At one point, as I was describing what this journey is about and all that has happened thus far, I said to Joe, “God is so amazing!”

Joe smiled, shook his head in acknowledgement and replied, “That’s why I’m (Joe) standing here talking with you right now.”

Before we took the picture and he left to make his way to the team bus, he encouraged me to stay persistent in my pursuit.

I most certainly will!

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

1 Game – me vs. Michael Jordan…it’s GOING to happen!

####

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.

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

 [slider_pro id=”1″]

[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!

On May 31st, before Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. the San Antonio Spurs, I sent out the following tweet just after 8pm:

Do the spurs win again tonight?I’m taking okc – Durant with 53!!!Haha

— Kenny Eller (@KennyEller) May 31, 2012

Then a little over 30 minutes later I was on the pre-game show on TNT with Ernie, Kenny, Chuck and Shaq, very unexpectedly of course:

httpvh://youtu.be/yHo7yuRHnQY

[Click here to see video of me on NBA on TNT Pre-Game Show]

I actually had the TNT pre-game show going in the other room at the time and was in my office on the computer when my buddy Justin called and said, “Nice job making it on TNT!”

I laughed and said, “Yeah, right, that would be nice.”

To which he responded emphatically, “No I’m serious, they just showed your tweet!”

I of course had no idea which tweet he was referring to.  At the same time, while he was talking to me, I could hear my phone blowing up with messages, as I held it to my ear.

All I can say is, thank goodness for the DVR!

The funniest thing to me is how worked up Charles Barkley got and he was actually agreeing with me, even if he didn’t know it!

“Well you’re wrong Kevin Eller! (Shaq in the background “Kenny, Kenny, Kenny…Kenny Eller, haha”) OKC is going to win tonight!  The Thunders going to win tonight!”

Chuck and I were both right on that night.  OKC did win (Though KD didn’t come close to 53, haha)!

The odds of the TNT staff picking my random tweet out of the millons of tweets being sent are obviously extremely slim.

To me, it is just further proof that I’m on the right track!

me vs. MJ…the sometimes you get on the NBA on TNT journey continues!!!  As always, thank you for following along!

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

####

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!