Do The Mike Thing

Adam Reich

To say that Michael Jordan is the greatest inspiration in my life is an understatement. At age 7 my dream to be like Mike started when I saw him playing for the Washington Wizards. At the time I knew little about basketball, but MJ's obvious passion, love of the game and competitiveness inspired me to start playing. Although only 7 years old, I dreamt of playing just like 'His Airness'; flying to the hole for dunks, breaking ankles and making game winning shots.

Today I feel like I'm living the dream. With Michael Jordan to thank I am the under 16 NSW Country MVP, I play for NSW and have competed at National Championships. I try to replicate MJ's game e" I watch the highlight videos of him over and over and then practice them for hours on end. I even wear number 9, the number he wore as part of the Dream Team. Come crunch time of a game I know that I can rely on my Jordan shoes to guide me to a win. I know it's a cliche, but Jordan's make me run faster and jump higher. It's like Spike Lee says "It's gotta be the shoes".

Jordan shoes and clothes are an obsession of mine. I truly am a 'Sneakerhead'. I remember my very first pair of Jordan shoes; every night I would hug them to sleep until they were so old and smelly that my parents threw them away. My Jordan sneakers have, and always will be my most prized possessions. I spend most of my free time at Footlocker drooling over the fresh new Jordans, sweet retros and matching apparel. Then when the shops close, I go home and trawl through Sneaker Freaker, Ebay, Niketalk and ISS. I'm hooked to say the least.

I'm not really sure what makes Jordan shoes so timeless; there is just an indescribable feeling when you wear theme, a unique vibe about them. Jordan's lead the shoe game. Their designs are always innovative and fashionable. I think the Jordan XXIII's are a testament to that, as they combine futuristic looks with performance and environmental sustainability. Personally the Jordan III's are my favourite. Just look at them; they are a piece of art. Tinker Hatfield the man is a genius - he captures Michael's game and personality.

My favourite movie is 'Like Mike' and, just like Calvin Cambridge, I yearn for a pair of basketball shoes blessed by the one and only Basketball God - Michael Jordan. To own a signed pair of Spiz'ikes would be like a childhood dream come true. The shoes are even in my size - it's like it was meant to be!