Super Mario poses double threat for Bulls' opponents

One would never compare him to his namesake, but Mario Jordan's actions certainly reflect Michael Jordan's famous words: "Some people want it to happen. Some people wish it would happen. Others make it happen."

Jordan, a talented member of the UB men's basketball team, makes it happen. The 6-foot-6-inch junior is a double threat on the court, valuable both inside the paint and around the perimeter.

"When I have a guard on me, I overpower him because I'm bigger than him but when I have a forward on me, I can take him out to the perimeter and use my perimeter skills," said Jordan.

While Jordan may be bigger than the typical guard, he tends to be a few inches shorter than the usual forward, causing a height deficit for which he needs to make up.

"I try to make up for the difference by moving, using my speed," said Jordan. "I'm a lot quicker than most of the post players in the MAC and I try to take that to my advantage."

Jordan, a psychology major, psyches himself up for the game by listening to music and mentally preparing. Ultimately, a win motivates him the most.

"I try to think about winning before the game starts," said Jordan. "Every win is crucial so that motivation helps out a lot."

During his career at Benedictine High School in Cleveland, Ohio, Jordan had the chance to play against LeBron James, high school phenomenon and current Cleveland Cavalier. In that contest, Jordan posted 24 points and learned a thing or two about his abilities on the court.

"That game showed me a lot about different talent levels," said Jordan. "Honestly, I felt like I had a lot of talent. Of course I wasn't on LeBron's level but I felt like 'okay, maybe I can do something with a basketball career.'"

Jordan was the first player of his class to sign on as a Bull. He officially became part of the team during the NCAA early signing period in November 2001. When he made his decision between UB, South Alabama, North Carolina A & T, and Bowling Green, he hadn't even been on an official visit to the school.

"I didn't really come on an official visit but when I came I felt like a part of the team already before I even got here," said Jordan. "That was one of the biggest things."

When he chose UB over the other three schools, he didn't know that just over two years later, he would start his first game against a school he had declined.

Jordan's name was first announced as part of the starting lineup in his sophomore year at Buffalo against MAC rival Bowling Green. He had already played in 27 games, but for those he served as a force off the bench.

"I went into the game and I had six charges and really helped out the team," said Jordan, who scored 12 points, drew six charges, and had four steals in his 33 minutes of game time.

Jordan has been in the starting lineup for every game except three since that first start against Bowling Green.

Before Thursday night's game, Jordan was averaging 23 minutes and 4.4 rebounds a game. He has led the team once in assists and twice both in rebounding and in scoring so far this season. He was shooting 43 percent from the field and 52.8 percent from the line while averaging 7.1 points a game. The Bulls are 5-1 when Jordan reaches double digits.

Jordan has 15 steals on the season, thanks to his speed and aggressiveness. This season, he has posted his career high for assists, as he notched five dimes during the game against Indiana State. He has also tied his career highs for rebounds and steals, grabbing nine boards against Penn State and grabbing four steals against Indiana State.

While he is an energetic and assertive player on the court, Jordan says his demeanor off the court is something different.

"Off the court, I'm kind of low-key," said Jordan. "It's a little different when you are on the court and you got to bring that energy. Off the court, I'm quiet. My teammates will tell you, I'm silly at times, but most of the times I'm pretty quiet."

When Jordan has quiet time of his own, which is seldom between practice, schoolwork, and games, he can be found wherever there is a movie playing.

"I love movies," said Jordan. "I have a big DVD collection. I sit around the house and look for different movies I haven't seen on TV so I can watch them."

Jordan credits his sister, Shayla Jordan, for having the biggest influence on his life.

"We grew up together," said Jordan. "We talk every day. Even to this day, she gives me a lot of support."

Jordan is a versatile athlete who enjoys his time on the court playing basketball and at home watching movies, but when it comes down to it, Jordan has one thing on his mind.

"A MAC Championship," said Jordan. "We all have that on our mind. Every last one of us and we're not going to stop until we get it."

Jordan currently finds himself in the process of helping to turn that thought into reality for the Bulls.

Five Random Questions

1. What's your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is to be unsuccessful in life.

2. What's your favorite kind of potato chip?

Honey Barbeque Fritos.

3. Who's going to win the Superbowl: Eagles or Patriots?

Eagles.

4. What's the hottest song out right now?

T.I and Nelly, "Get Loose."

5. Who has better hair: Roderick Middleton or Mario Jordan?

Oh, Mario Jordan! Mario Jordan. He's not going to like this but my hair is so much longer than his. He tries to compete, but no.