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How a retired Michael Jordan humbled a brash young rookie
Michael Jordan, the iconic figure of the Chicago Bulls, embodied the essence of true competitiveness. His drive was so fierce that he willingly faced off against a confident 21-year-old rookie who audaciously claimed he could defeat His Airness in a one-on-one match.
Too much barking
According to former big man Chris Anstey, the rookie wingman was Corey Benjamin, a former standout of Oregon State, who the Bulls selected 28th overall in the first round of the 1998 NBA Draft. This was the season after Jordan and the Bulls won the NBA title in their so-called "Last Dance."
Anstey recalled that the team started off slowly, losing their first five games. But Benjamin was relentless in his crusade to get more playing time. He even went as far as saying that he could beat Jordan in a one-on-one game.
"We started the season 0-5 and Benjamin had logged very few minutes," Anstey said. "Not only was he vocal in his belief he deserved more minutes, he went as far as to say that he could beat anyone in the world 1-on-1, including Michael Jordan. Word got back to Jordan that a young kid on the team had been running his mouth."
Jordan taught the rook a lesson
Perhaps Benjamin didn't know any better, or maybe he was just trying to prove himself. But his words reached Jordan, who was enjoying his retirement then. He took Benjamin on his challenge and invited him to a one-on-one match at the team's practice facility.
"We had just finished a training session after returning from a road trip, and in strolls Michael Jordan," Anstey continued. "Basketball in hand, he walked straight up to Benjamin, who was shooting on a side rim: 'I heard you've been running your mouth. You and me, let's go.'"
As great an experience as it was for Benjamin to take on a legend like Jordan, it was clear that His Airness wasn't as welcoming. The 36-year-old MJ easily defeated the young rookie, beating him to 11 and teaching him a lesson about respect and humility.
