Eric Gordon is widely respected in the NBA for his long-standing career, but one of his most memorable moments came during his high school days, when he faced off against none other than Michael Jordan’s sons, Marcus and Jeffrey Jordan. In a recent appearance on ‘Jeff Teague’s Club 520’ podcast, Gordon reflected on that iconic game.
(Cleaned up for better understanding)
“I didn’t know anything about Loyola Academy, but you know, the first thing that came to my mind was that it’s a Chicago school, so I had certain expectations. But then, when I watched them on film, I realized everything revolved around the Jordan kids—they were the best players on the team.”
“Their team was small, so I thought, ‘Okay, every time I get the ball, if I don’t have a catch-and-shoot opportunity, I’m taking it to the rack every time, or at least trying to dunk.'”
“But the main thing I really wanted was to do one of Jordan’s dunks in-game.” (1:41)
He revealed his mindset going into the game, especially given the hype surrounding Jordan’s sons and the presence of Michael Jordan. Gordon knew that Loyola didn’t have the depth or size to contain him, so he was determined to attack the rim relentlessly.
In 2007, Gordon’s North Central High School team took on Loyola Academy, where the Jordan brothers played, in a highly anticipated game. The showdown, which was televised on ESPN, drew significant attention—not only because of Jordan’s sons but also because Michael Jordan himself was sitting in the stands. In that game, Gordon delivered a performance that left a lasting impression, scoring 43 points and showcasing his talents in front of the greatest basketball player of all time.
But there was something else on Gordon’s mind that night—he wanted to impress Michael Jordan by mimicking one of MJ’s signature moves. During the game, he got his chance, pulling off a two-handed dunk that was a homage to Jordan’s famous “rock-the-cradle” move. While it may not have been a perfect replica, it was enough to send the crowd into a frenzy and further solidify his dominance in the game.
The final score was a lopsided 88-47 in favor of North Central, with Gordon contributing nearly as many points as Loyola’s entire team. His 43-point performance, paired with his relentless attacking style, showcased why he was one of the top high school players in the country at the time. For Gordon, that game was about more than just winning; it was an opportunity to demonstrate his skills in front of basketball royalty.
Even Jeff Teague, who hosted the podcast, couldn’t help but acknowledge the audacity of Gordon’s approach, calling it “disrespectful” but in a positive way. Gordon’s desire to perform one of Jordan’s dunks right in front of him, and against his sons, displayed a competitive hunger and confidence that has followed him throughout his NBA career.
Despite the hype around Marcus and Jeffrey Jordan, the game was all about Eric Gordon. His decision to attack the basket relentlessly and imitate Michael Jordan’s iconic moves showcased both his talent and fearlessness. While Michael Jordan is known as the GOAT, that night belonged to Eric Gordon, who made a statement that went far beyond just scoring points—it was about proving himself on a grand stage.
Looking back, Gordon’s performance against the Jordans has become a legendary story in basketball circles. For Gordon, it was an unforgettable moment, one that propelled him into the national spotlight and set the tone for his eventual NBA career. The game might have been about Michael Jordan’s sons on paper, but in reality, it was a showcase of Eric Gordon’s talents and a defining moment in his basketball journey.
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