He has a wonderful upside because of his size and his athletic ability. He's a basketball player. He's an athlete. He's just been a big part of our progress. He took on a leadership role.

These guys don't have all the physical ability but they are able to win basketball games because they play the right way.

Not only do I admire Jordan's accomplishments and his phenomenal basketball ability, but also the way he has conducted himself on and off the court. I don't think there will ever be another player to have the same impact on the game of basketball as Michael Jordan.

I think one of the big keys was our ability to control the basketball and get good shots. We were able to run some clock off and shoot a good percentage. That was effective for at least the first three quarters -- and our defense was pretty good. Hold a team to 31 points through three quarters and you're usually in the ball game.

His feel for the game, his basketball I.Q., his size and his God-given basketball ability made him stand out. We've had some kids with skills, but I don't think we've ever had someone with that skill level, that size and that knowledge.

When I met him I saw a well-mannered kid with raw basketball ability who at the same time was struggling with everyday life skills. At first to me it was a challenge to help this kid because he was so likable. I wasn't thinking he'd be a big player or anything. I was trying to change the kid's life around for him.