Yes, this was Phil Jackson in his finer, younger days. But this image represents so much more than a healthier PJ sinking a hook shot. If you grew up a Bulls fan in Chicago you know exactly what I mean. This man Is Basketball.
Last night, Pat Summitt was awarded the Arthur Ashe award at the ESPYs.
She’s a legend, an inspiration, and one of the most important figures in NCAA basketball, regardless of gender.
Scott Van Pelt did a great “One Big Thing” on Pat Summitt a few months ago. But I don’t think her story is over yet. Her battle with Alzheimer’s is likely to be just as motivational, just as inspiring, and just as relavent as her work on the court.
June 11, 1997. Michael Jordan plays through the flu to score 38 points and secure a win against the Utah Jazz in game five of the finals.
The dude was just ridiculous. The layup at 2:26 is so gorgeous. And moments like at 3:50, where the shot doesn’t go in and he just powers it in himself. It’s incredible. A powerful performance. He spent so much energy on his court awareness that he was totally unaware of how sick he really was. It just didn’t matter. The fourth quarter highlights are electric; I still get goosebumps watching them. I remember waking up the next day feeling SO PUMPED. I mean, they were a game away from taking the whole thing. And winning their fifth championship in the 90s. And then they’d go on to win six of them. I still have my “Repeat the Three-peat” hat.
Stuff like this is why we will forever hold Big Name Players to standards that they can never live up to. Jordan ruined it for all of us. It was so awesome.