Bryon Russell challenged Michael Jordan to a one-on-one basketball game after hearing the speech of the Hall of Famer. Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and described how many people’s words and actions fueled his drive to win and be the best basketball player ever.

Michael Jordan challenged by Bryon Rusell.

Jordan described how Bryon Russell motivated him when the then-rookie forward of the Utah Jazz introduced himself and challenged His Airness. Jordan stated:

“At this time I had no thoughts of coming back and playing the game of basketball. Bryon Russell came over to me and said, ‘Why’d you quit? You know I could guard you. If I ever see you in a pair of shorts…’

Jordan added:

“When I did come back in 1995 and we played Utah in ’96, I’m at the center circle and Bryon Russell is standing next to me. I said, ‘You remember the comments you made in 1994 about, ‘I think I can guard you, I can shut you down, I would love to play against you? Well, you’re about to get your chance.’ ”

While Bryon Russell admits that the story was accurate, he had other things to say as well. He insists that there should have been an offensive foul call on the play but nonetheless, it was the greatest basketball play ever and that he was honored to be a part of it. Russell challenged Michael Jordan to a one-on-one basketball game by saying:

“I’ll play his a– right now. This is a call-out for him to come play me. He can come out here in his private jet and come play. He’s got millions of dollars. He can pay for the jet. He can meet me at the Recreation Center in Calabasas. We can have Mark Jackson do the commentating. We can have Mitch Richmond do the officiating. We can put it on TV and see if Michael’s still got it.”

Bryon Russell also encouraged Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan to get his phone number from a mutual friend if he’s game for the challenge. He also assured Jordan:

“I keep my basketball shorts on.”

Watch the Michael Jordan Hall of Fame induction speech video.