WATCH: Allen Iverson on playing against Jordan, secret to greatness

MANILA, Philippines – It was an iconic moment that stamped Allen Iverson as a superstar player for years to come. Playing in his rookie year, the Philadelphia 76ers’ first overall draft pick in 1996 met face-to-face with Michael Jordan and his Chicago Bulls.

“He’s the reason that I played basketball. That was my idol. Little kids looked up to me but that was the guy that I looked up to and I actually wanted to be like Mike,” said Iverson on Tuesday, November 4 at the NBA Cafe in Bonifacio Global City, who was in town to coach the All-In charity game on Wednesday.

All that was an afterthought once it was game time, however. Iverson took His Airness head-on during one play that has now become immortal, showing off his legendary crossover move before hitting a jump shot in Jordan’s face.

“That’s when the competition level comes to mind. When that play happened, I used always tell my family and friends, if Michael was guarding me I was gonna try my move on him. Just so happened that it went down. I tried it and it’s legendary now.”

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Iverson also went on to share his thoughts on the mental part of the game and what it takes to be the best on the court. 

“It’s simple: play every game like it’s your last. Go as hard as you can and try to learn as much as you can. Just be a student of the game, don’t always rely on your athletic ability. Learn how to play the game.

“I don’t think it was a secret, it was the confidence level. Just feeling like, if you on the basketball court, if it’s me or you, it’s me. It’s not cockiness, it’s not arrogance, it’s believing in the talent that God gave you.” – Rappler.com