Jerry Stackhouse Reflects on Playing Michael Jordan in College: “An Experience I Will Never Forget”
Jerry Stackhouse was one of the most hyped high school players coming out of North Carolina in the early 1990s. With his 6’6″ frame, bald head, and explosive athleticism, many fans and analysts couldn’t help but draw comparisons between him and the legendary Michael Jordan. Both were Tar Heels, both hailed from North Carolina, and both brought national attention to the state’s basketball pedigree.
When Stackhouse arrived at the University of North Carolina, the shadow of Michael Jordan loomed large. By then, Jordan had already become a global icon, but he would occasionally return to Chapel Hill during the off-season to play pickup games with current players. That’s where Stackhouse’s unforgettable moment happened—an impromptu one-on-one battle with MJ.
Stackhouse recently opened up about that experience, calling it “an experience I will never forget.” It wasn’t just about the game itself; it was about going up against someone who had already accomplished everything Stackhouse aspired to achieve. At the time, Stackhouse was filled with confidence. He was making a name for himself at UNC and had earned a reputation as one of the best players in college basketball. Playing Jordan, even in a casual setting, was an opportunity to measure himself against the very best.
Though details of that game are light, the outcome was less important than what it represented. For Stackhouse, it was a moment of realization—seeing firsthand the intensity, precision, and competitive fire that made Jordan who he was. It wasn’t just a friendly scrimmage; Jordan came to win, and so did Stackhouse. The game symbolized a passing of the torch, even if temporarily, and gave Stackhouse a memory that would stay with him for life.
Years later, Stackhouse entered the NBA and eventually found himself playing alongside Jordan again—this time as teammates on the Washington Wizards. By then, Stackhouse was a seasoned pro and one of the league’s top scorers. However, his experience in Washington wasn’t what he hoped it would be. Despite averaging over 20 points per game and even outscoring Jordan that season, Stackhouse later admitted he wished he had never played there. The chemistry was off, the system didn’t suit his strengths, and sharing the spotlight with a fading but still-dominant Jordan proved more frustrating than fulfilling.
The comparison to Jordan that had once fueled Stackhouse’s rise became a burden. He went from competing with his idol in a one-on-one at Chapel Hill to being constrained by his presence in the pros. It was a full-circle moment—exciting, humbling, and ultimately complex.
Still, Stackhouse holds on to that early game with Jordan as a defining moment in his development. It was a glimpse into greatness, a test of his own skill and mindset, and a reminder of the relentless work it takes to reach the top. For a kid from North Carolina, going toe-to-toe with the greatest player of all time wasn’t just a thrill—it was a dream come true, even if it came with a few hard lessons along the way.
