re: SI's cover, 24 years ago today

quote:

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I recall getting together with friends to watch a pay per view event of him and Bo Kimble playing one on one. I think Bo won. I can't imagine two college players today being a similar draw.

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I remember that. From what I recall, it wasn't CJ vs Bo Kimble directly; it was about 8 individual guys who did a tourney (win and advance). 1 on 1, make it-take it. Kimble won the tourney over Gary Payton.
CJ absolutely destroyed some MJ wannabe, I think his name was Willie Burton or something; a 6'6" guy from Minnesota maybe? Got into a rhythm and rained jumpers from everywhere. The ref (yeah they had one!) would retrieve the ball and toss it back to Chris who would then launch another, while his poor victim was still turning his head to find CJ after watching the last shot go in.

Gary Payton (the Glove, senior from Oregon St) beat Chris. The game got physical (by physical I mean Payton I think actually ripped Jackson's jersey). Payton was 6'4", athletic and kept his hands on his opponent continuously. He played like a linebacker on 4th and goal. I do remember CJ looking at the ref and saying "frick, c'mon man" or something like it.

Kimble beat Payton the final round, because Kimble was 6'5 and maybe 20 lbs heavier, and was too strong for Payton to wrestle down. I kinda remember Payton getting his arm stuck inside of Kimble's jersey on a drive...

CJ was too small to handle the physical nature of someone like the Glove, but if you played by strict hands-off rules, he was unstoppable