MJ

When people think about phrases such as ‘the best of the best’ and ‘the greatest,’ a few different things pop into their heads. My mother’s cooking, The Social Network, the Beatles, Steve Prefontaine, the MHS teaching staff, Harvard, the New York Yankees (unfortunately). All of these things pop into my mind when I think about the very best. But I forgot one…

Michael Jordan.

A young Mike Jordan was born and raised in North Carolina, went to college at the University of North Carolina, and as a freshmen, was a key player for the NCAA championship basketball team. After completing four years of academics, Jordan was eligible for the draft and was soon drafted by the Chicago Bulls. It was 1984.

Jordan would not only learn to become one of the best players in the league, but to go down in history as the greatest player ever to set foot on a basketball court. He had an attitude towards basketball and competition that no other player had and he lead his Bulls to six NBA titles and the USA to two Olympic gold medals. Will he ever be topped?

No.

This photograph pictures his greatness in an instant as he flies through the air in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest. He went on to win this contest with a classic dunk from the free throw line, in honor of Dr. J, not Dr. Dre.

Michael Jordan in this photo is soaring through the air, body shining from the flashing cameras in the crowd, while the judges sit and watch this young star throw one down. Michael Jordan took flight that day, and he hasn’t landed since.

Michael Jordan is the best there ever was and there ever will be, but Drew Harris is my hero.

-B