UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Monday, March 18. 1996
5B
One year later, decision looks good
Return of Jordan has given a spark to Bulls and NBA
By Mike Nadel The Associated Press
CHICAGO — Michael Jordan already is guaranteed 70 wins in the past year, which one of his many accomplishments since saying those two little words a year ago: "I'm back."
eighth NBA scoring title
He's a cinch for an unprecedented eighth NBA
His Chicago Bulls are on pace for the best regular-season record in league history. And he has again shown that he can dominate just about any game.
"I'm never totally satisfied
Michael Jordan
because I start from perfection," Jordan said. "That's a part of my mentality. But I'm happy that I could come back and play the type of basketball that I know I can play."
It was one year ago today that Jordan sent his two-word fax into the Bulls' office, telling a waiting world that he was ending his 17-month
ANALYSIS
retirement.
He played the final 17 games last season, with the Bulls winning 13 times. And he's the only Chicago player to have started every game this season; the Bulls are 57-7 as they try to become the first NBA team to record 70 wins.
So with tonight's game at Philadelphia representing the equivalent of a full 82-game season for Jordan, he is 70-11 since beginning his comeback. And since losing in Jordan's United Center debut in Chicago March 24, the Bulls have won 39 consecutive regular-season home games.
Jordan had his moments in 1995, beating Atlanta at the buzzer in his fourth game back and scoring 55 points against New York three nights later.
But his memories are of shooting 41 percent from the floor, of making crucial mistakes during the Bulls' six-game playoff loss to Orlando and of hearing some members of the media say he could never again be the Jordan who carried Chicago to NBA titles in 1991, 1992 and 1993.
He also was criticized for changing uniform numbers during the playoffs. And his off-season included an unsuccessful bid to decertify the players union.
"I came back for 17 games and had some up-and-down periods. What it really showed me was I needed to get back in the gym and work on my
"All I want to do is play basketball because that's what I do best."
Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls guard
skills a little," said Jordan, who embarked on a rigorous training regimen.
Jordan said the media had given him some great constructive criticism.
"That motivated me," he said. "You don't know if I can get back to the level of basketball I've played at. I believe I can, and I'm going to show you.'
"I haven't heard much lately about if I've lost a step or if I can't make the right decisions down the stretch."
It's become obvious that even if the 33-year-old Jordan has lost a step, he's still several steps ahead of the rest of the league. And he again has shown he can carry the Bulls.
The latest example came in Chicago's most recent game Saturday night. Scottie Pippen was out with injuries, and Dennis Rodman was ejected in the first quarter. But
the bulls beat the New Jersey Nets anyway, as Jordan had 37 points and a season-high 16 rebounds.
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win," he said.
Jordan is averaging 31.1 points, 4.5 more than No. 2 NBA scorer Hakeem Olajuwon of Houston. His 53-point outburst against Detroit March 7 is the league's high game this season. He's shooting 50 percent and has improved upon his career rebounding and three-point averages.
Pippen said, "I'm not going to say that Michael is better than he used to be, but he's certainly not worse. And, given all the knowledge he's gained over the years and his ability to do what needs to be done, he might just be better."
It's been quite a year for Jordan, and the next 12 months figure to be no less interesting.
On the court, there's the race for 70 wins and the NBA title. Off the court, Jordan will take on management; his contract is up after this season, and he already has said he'd consider leaving Chicago if the Bulls don't treat him fairly and don't retain coach Phil Jackson.
Fair treatment of Jordan might cost owner Jerry Reinsdorf $15 million to $25 million a year.
"I figure all that stuff will work itself out," Jordan said. "All I want to do is play basketball, because that's what I do best."
Browning confident about making team
The Associated Press
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Tom Brownling sat in the Royals training room, looking frustrated, holding ice on an elbow that once won 15 games a season on a regular basis.
The 35-year-old pitcher, trying to come back two years after breaking his arm while throwing a pitch.
had just been tagged for seven runs in three innings by the Toronto Blue Jays, who went on to win 9-4.
"It just wasn't a good day," he said, sighing.
Thursday was a setback, but Browning thinks he can pitch his way into the fifth and final spot on the Royals' rotation.
The loss on
"I'm here fully-prepared," Browning said. "I'm in the best shape as I can be, as flexible as I can. I didn't want them to hold me back. I didn't want to be babied.
"I wanted to be treated like all the other guys. I wanted to prove I could be their fifth starter if that is what they need."
The Royals had been pleased with Browning's spring — before Thursday. Browning allowed six
Three came when Joe Carter hit the first pitch to him over the left-field wall for a three-run homer.
runs in the second inning.
"I was a little bit out of sync today and could not get into it," Browning said. "I didn't have a good change-up today. I didn't have one at all today, actually.
Royals manager Bob Boone drove down from Haines City, Fla., and watched him pitch.
"It was very good," Boone said, "But it's not too late for him."
Browning, 35, is the oldest player in camp. His competitors for the last starting spot include left-hander Dave Fleming, left-hander Jason Jacome, right-hander Doug Linton and rookie right-handler Robert Toth.
Boone said Sunday that, overall, Browning looked better than he did last season, when he went 0-2 with an 8.10 ERA and failed to finish the season because of mental and physical exhaustion.
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Browning offered a quick "oh, sure" when asked whether he thought he could still make the team.
"I know I can pitch," he said. "I won't say that there isn't any uncertainty in my mind. Last year I was fine, but as time went on I was weaker and weaker. I don't see that now, and I am pleased with that. I am pain free and able to let go."
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PLAYBOY is coming to KU
Attention female student body! Ever fantasized about being pictured in the number-one men's magazine in the world? Now your chance to tum fantasy into reality. Representatives from Playbay magazine are coming to Lawrence to interview and photograph female students for its fall 1996 pictureral, "The Women of the Big 12." Thousands of coeds have tried out for Playbay since it began its college conference pictorials 19 years ago. Many have gone on to become Playbay Playmates, models and actresses. Even more have become doctors, lawyers, scientists, professors, business and government professionals, wives and moms. Who knows what the future holds for you? Of course, you could always dig out your issue and relive your glary days with your grandkids.
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2 DATE OF BIRTH
To arrange for an interview, candidates should send a recent full-figure photo in a two-piece swimsuit (or less) plus a head-and-shoulders shot to Playboy's home office in Chicago. Polaroids, snapshots or slides are OK. Candidates should also supply the following information:
COURSE OF STUDY SPORTS/ACTIVITIES HEIGHT, WEIGHT AND MEASUREMENTS
Candidates must be 18 years or older and registered as a full- or part-time student at a Big 12 university. Clear copies of identification—one verifying enrollment in school and a photo ID that shows date of birth—must be included. All photos become property of Playboy and cannot be returned.
INTERVIEWS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 22 AND TUESDAY, APRIL 23. PLAYBOY WILL CONTACT CANDIDATES TO PROVIDE THE LOCATION WHERE THE PLAYBOY PHOTO TEAM WILL HOLD INTERVIEWS.
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NOMINATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
WOMEN'S RECOGNITION PROGRAM
THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN IS NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS TO HONOR OUTSTANDING WOMEN STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF FOR ITS ANNUAL
NOMINATIONS WANTED
WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME
OUTSTANDING WOMAN TEACHER
OUTSTANDING WOMAN STAFF MEMBER
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OUTSTANDING NONTRADITIONAL WOMAN STUDENT
OUTSTANDING WOMAN STUDENT IN COMMUNITY SERVICES
OUTSTANDING WOMAN STUDENT IN STUDENT SERVICES
OUTSTANDING WOMAN STUDENT IN LEADERSHIP
OUTSTANDING WOMAN STUDENT IN ATHLETICS
OUTSTANDING PIONEER WOMAN
DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS:
Wednesday, March 20th at 5:00 p.m.
Nomination forms may be obtained at the Emily Taylor Women's Resource Center, 115 Strong Hall, 864-3552.
The Women's Recognition Program will be held on Thursday, April 18th, 8:00 p.m. in Alderson Auditorium, Kansas Union. Commission on the Status of Women is funded by Student Senate.