Rex Chapman refuses to change mind on big career decision despite call from Michael Jordan

Who would you choose between Michael Jordan and your idol? NBA veteran Rex Chapman chose the latter. Well, it took many years before MJ became the great Jordan who dominated the league in the 1990s. While Chapman was always in awe of Jordan’s game and skills, he chose his dream school, the University of Kentucky, over Jordan. In a recent interview with DJ Vlad, the former shooting guard recalled not changing his decision despite receiving a call from himself. This turned out to be a good thing for him. In his two seasons at Kentucky, he won numerous honors and even scored over 1,000 points.

Chapman recalled mentioning his interest in Jordan in a conversation with North Carolina head coach Dean Smith when his staff visited his hometown. He remembers how he later got a call from rookie Jordan, convincing him to attend North Carolina.in a recent episode Vlad TV, Chapman said, “Dean had Michael call me on my behalf and tell me how great Dean was and that playing at North Carolina was unmatched. “It was really cool, but I wasn’t going to North Carolina. “

He further said: “My lifelong dream school was the University of Louisville, and they were closer to Owensboro than Lexington, which is home to the University of Kentucky, so I grew up idolizing Daryl Griffith and those teams.“I added,”They (Kentucky) hired Eddie Sutton, who produced some really good linebackers, and at the last minute I went to Kentucky. “

Nonetheless, he went to the University of Kentucky. Chapman and Jordan developed a good relationship as a result of their many meetings. As Chapman watched the Chicago Bulls legend crush opponents with his skill and trash talk, he also tried his own mind games with Jordan on the court.

Michael Jordan’s iconic game against the Miami Heat

After being drafted in 1988, Chapman found his chance to light up the Bulls in 1996 while playing for the Miami Heat. No one expected the Miami Heat to beat the Bulls. However, Chapman scored 39 points against Jordan. Although the six-time champion soon got his revenge. During the game, he effectively defended Chapman, scored 32 points, and led the team to victory. Jordan didn’t allow Chapman to score more than 12 points.

Chapman wasn’t wrong when he said Jordan could be very competitive if he wanted to. During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, he explained, ““Michael would sometimes get into a mode where you were really at the mercy of him and his emotions.”

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