16 years ago…

Sixteen years ago today(March 18, 1995), a faxed arrived that made the world stop. If you are around my age or older you, most likely, remember where you were when you heard the words “I’m Back.” I was at my house on that Saturday doing what a lot of 15 year old kids do– nothing. My mom called on her way home from the grocery store and said that Michael Jordan is back. After being paralyzed from the waist down for a few seconds, I ran to put the tv and radio on to hear the news. I was hyped up to the point that you would have thought I slammed 12 Red Bulls. Yes, they announced it over the speakers at the Jewel my mother was at. You can say it was kind of a big deal.

There was no tv special–no pumped in drama or media leaks to suck holes like Stephen A. Smith & Chris Broussard. It was just a guy who had gotten that itch to come back to the sport he was meant to play. He had seen just how hard it is to try and master another sport. The struggles on a minor league baseball field made the best in the world realize the gift he had been given. And, it wasn’t chasing 57 foot curve balls.

Jordan returned a day after the fact, and scored 19 points in a Bulls overtime loss to the Pacers. I didn’t mind the loss because not only was MJ back, it meant we didn’t have to watch Pete Myers or Ron Harper start anymore that season. Jordan’s return game registered the highest Nielsen rating of a regular season NBA game since ’75. Four games later, he gave Spike Lee’s beloved Knicks the “double nickel.” The rest, as you know, is history. Three more NBA titles, and a cemented legacy as the greatest basketball player ever. If you are old enough to remember that day, I’ll bet you drinks that you remember where you were when the news broke.

I would rather watch Sidney Deane & Billy Ho play pickup games than some of the awful NCAA "action."

I had to mention the anniversary of Jordan’s return because I had to get the thought of bad college basketball out of my head. I know, there were a lot of thrilling finishes to some of the “2nd round” tournament games, but let’s be real. Don’t confuse exciting finishes with good basketball. The tournament is fun, and I enjoy it. Just don’t ever come at me with college ball is better than the NBA. I might slap you upside your dome. I’m sorry if teams dribbling out 25 seconds of the shot clock before bricking a wide open jumper does it for you. Most of these games bore me to death. I saw more missed layups on Thursday than I do at my pickup hoops games.

I am a basketball purist, what can I say. I like seeing the best in the world at what they do. I don’t watch amateur golf, I watch the pros. Did I enjoy the shit out of Morehead State sending Louisville packing? Of course. Just don’t tell me that it’s great basketball. It’s fun, it’s a reason to gamble(or an extra reason), and it’s a chance to scout the potential players that will have an impact at the next level. Oh wait, this tournament doesn’t feature much to end talent because the 2011 NBA draft will be the worst since the bum-a-thon that was the 2000 debacle. There is only one player I want to see.

Yes, I am a Jimmer head. I love watching this kid play. As much as I loathe white basketball, I can’t get enough of Jimmer. Fredette poured in 32 points in BYU’s opening game, which means we get at least one more shooting exhibition. He became the 19th player in NCAA history to score 1,000 points in a season. He isn’t taking anyone by surprise anymore, which makes it even more impressive. Take away two starters who are hurt(Brandon Davies & Chris Collinsworth) and Jimmer says “okay, I got this.” He isn’t just a Kyle Korver spot up shooter. He has a nice crossover, creates separation, and is a better passer than one might assume(7 assists vs Wofford).

Jimmer vs Gonzaga on Saturday is a white basketball dream game. Jimmer won’t be able to go 2-9 from 3-point range to beat the Zags, but he has a unique ability to raise his game and carry his lesser teammates. This, I am excited for. Do you think the Utah Jazz can control their excitement until draft night? They would run like ’94 Deion Sanders to make that pick.

If you missed the Bulls 8th win a row Thursday night, what is wrong with you?! This team keeps rolling as Carla Boozer nurses his sore ankle. They closed out an improving Nets team(who had won 5 straight) 84-73, and are rolling towards the #1 seed in the east. The only downside to the game was the Bulls wearing those hideous green uniforms. I get it, it was St. Patrick’s Day, but that doesn’t mean the Bulls need to participate. There is enough drunken ass-bags parading around Chicago to celebrate the day. Anyway, that’s not why I called. D Rose gave us another in a season worth of highlight plays. Look for Deron Williams’ jock strap…..

The only person who looks good in the Bulls green, is the one and only Brian Scalabrine. Today is Scals’ 33rd birthday. How could I not honor The White Mamba?! I came across this video on YouTube and had to share. Enjoy…..

The world’s greatest better be on the Bulls for as long as Tom Thibodeau is coach. I am starting a campaign to get him to replace Bill Borington on the Bulls radio call. They can find a replacement for Swirsk too while they are at it.

Being the big Mila Kunis fan I am, I was giddy seeing her new movie trailer. Friends With Benefits will be a must see for yours truly this summer…..