Chris Mullin recalls playing against MJ in high school: 'He was flying on the court'

Chris Mullin's name might not top the list of NBA legends, but growing up in the basketball-crazed streets of New York, he was undeniably one of the hottest young prospects of his time.

Known for his smooth shooting and high basketball IQ, Mullin was on everyone's radar during his high school years. However, one encounter during his youth left a lasting memory on him—not because of who he was, but because of who he faced.

Meeting as young players

Growing up as a young basketball prodigy in the early 1980s, Chris played alongside future NBA legends, and a lot of sheer talent surrounded him, but there was one name that stood out even then—Michael Jordan.

"Mully" first encountered Jordan in a setting that many up-and-coming players dream of—the McDonald's All-American Game, a showcase for the nation's top high school talent.

For the former superstar forward, who was known for his finesse and technical skill, witnessing MJ's sheer physicality was both humbling and eye-opening. At that moment, the seeds of Mike's legend were planted in Mullin's mind; he knew immediately that this was someone destined for greatness.

"I played with and against a lot of great players in New York growing up. Some that didn't make it were better than guys that did make it," Chris said. "But they kept saying that this guy was so good, so the first thing I saw—remember this—we're in Wichita, Kansas, at the McDonald's All-American game; we had one of those fake practices, and this dude was flying up and down the court. The first thing I saw was the speed, and I'm like, this dude is crazy. He was just flying up and down the court with nasty athleticism."

College environment

While the Golden State Warriors icon went on to St. John's University, carving out an impressive college career that earned him All-American honors, "His Airness" was busy making waves at the University of North Carolina. The two would cross paths again, this time in college, where Mullin got an even closer look at the budding superstar.

By then, "His Airness" had already delivered one of the most iconic moments in NCAA history: his game-winning jumper in the 1982 National Championship against Georgetown. Chris, like the rest of the basketball world, couldn't ignore the future Hall of Famer's talent for the extraordinary.

"Played against him in college, and all of a sudden he's at North Carolina in his system but still sticking out with his incredible cut... Every game he played, something was just mind-boggling," Mully said.

"Mully" had an illustrious college basketball career. As a skilled small forward, he became the school's all-time leading scorer with 2,440 points. He was also a three-time Big East Player of the Year (1983–1985) and led St. John's to the 1985 Final Four.

His exceptional performance in 1985 earned him the prestigious John R. Wooden Award as the nation's best collegiate player. Mullin's contributions cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in college basketball history.