University of Kentucky Athletics Director C.M. Newton talked with NBA star Michael Jordan in Rupp Arena after the Chicago Bulls’ practice before their exhibition game on Oct. 15, 1991. A crowd of 20,775, more than double the largest to see a pro game in Lexington, saw Jordan score 20 points in his 22 minutes during the 98-83 win over the Seattle SuperSonics. For all the promise of flying jams and unreal moves to the basket, the moment crystallized on two Jordan free throws (of all things). With 6:04 remaining in the third quarter, Jordan stepped to the line. Flash bulbs accompanied each free throw. A strobe-like effect befitting a rock concert prompted a smiling Jordan to back away from the line. The first for Rupp was old news for Jordan. “I’ve done it quite a few times,” he said of the blinding free throws. “It’s not new to me. But everybody got a kick out of it.” The crowd got two patented Jordan dunks — a fast-break stuff early in the first quarter and a leaning right-handed slam in the third. That season, Jordan would lead the Bulls to their second of three consecutive NBA titles. Photo by David Perry |Staff
Many fans in attendance of the Bull’s-Supersonics game on Oct. 15, 1991, proclaimed their reverence to star Michael Jordan with their clothing. Many fans wore Jordan’s No. 23 jersey, and some even painted their faces. One fan’s mother explained: “Scott has one Jordan shirt for every day of the week.” Some fans waited two hours hoping to get Jordan’s autograph as he entered the arena. Photo by Jennifer Podis | Staff