Gilbert Arenas opens up about why Michael Jordan was never his favorite player growing up
Most kids growing up in the '90s worshipped Michael Jordan—but not Gilbert Arenas. Despite being raised in a Bulls-loving home and forced to watch every MJ game, his heart latched onto a different star, Penny Hardaway.
One highlight reel, one jersey number change, and Arenas was all in. His story proves that sometimes, your true basketball hero isn't the one with the rings—but the one who made you feel something.
How Penny Hardaway's High‑School Highlights Stole Arenas' Fan Heart
Gilbert Arenas shares that while his dad insisted he watch all the Chicago Bulls games—complete with the
Michael Jordan
craze—his genuine love for basketball originated from a different source. After he caught Penny Hardaway's thrilling high school highlights leading up to the 1993 NBA Draft, he was completely hooked.
Arenas recalls, 'My first favorite player was Penny Hardaway… I changed my number to 25 in high school' as a nod to his idol. That one gesture laid the groundwork for his lifelong devotion.
GILBERT ARENAS EXPOSES HIMSELF AS THE ULTIMATE GLAZER
In a world where most were mesmerized by Jordan's six NBA titles, Arenas felt a subtle pull towards Hardaway's Magic—their speed, skill, and style made a stronger impression than Jordan's honors.
This passion wasn't just a phase. During high school, Arenas would get into debates with his classmates to champion Hardaway as the better player and purposefully selected #25—the number Penny wore while playing for the Orlando Magic.
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It wasn't a lack of understanding about how great Jordan was. Arenas admired him—his father had even filled their house with Bulls memorabilia—but emotions won out over the accolades. 'Michael Jordan was not my favorite player… but my dad forced me to watch Jordan all day'.
This tug-of-war between responsibility and enthusiasm uncovers a significant truth: the first fandoms we create aren't always driven by numbers or victories—they're shaped by intuition and individual bonds.
Gilbert Arenas took that early motivation and turned it into results: while at Arizona, he snagged First-Team All-Pac‑10 honors in 2001 and capped off his sophomore year by guiding the Wildcats to the NCAA Championship game. He was picked 31st overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2001, and he climbed the ranks to become the NBA Most Improved Player in 2003, eventually becoming a three-time All-Star with Washington.
During his career, Arenas embodied Penny's style—quick guard moves, bold scoring, and a game that was all about creativity and confidence. His personal motto? Go with what inspires you, not what conforms to expectations.
Also Read:
Memphis Grizzlies make a sneaky trade on Sunday that could change their defensive outlook
The story of Gilbert Arenas highlights how fandom can be irrational—and that's part of its charm. Even though Michael Jordan was a global superstar, it was the style of Penny Hardaway that caught the eye of a young kid, not the championships.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
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Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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