When asking young kids what they hope to be when they grow up, it’s not surprising to hear answers like: a basketball player like Michael Jordan! Or, a tennis player like Serena Williams! Or, a boxer like Muhammed Ali! Such was the case for 17-year-old Bennie “Trey” Flowers.
Ever since he first learned to play basketball, he’s dreamed of playing on the same court as his Chicago Bulls idol, Michael Jordan.
And yesterday, that dream became a reality thanks to his friends at Make-a-Wish Oregon and Illinois.
In 2015, Trey suffered from acute liver failure and underwent an eight-hour liver transplant. While this sounds like it would be anything but easy, the doctors at Stanford University were shocked to find that Trey recovered three months earlier than they anticipated, thus earning him the nickname “The Rockstar.”
After hearing about Trey’s dream to play in the same arena as Jordan (and his new favorite player Dwayne Wade), the Make-a-Wish Foundation worked to get 17-year-old Trey a ceremonial one-day contract with the NBA’s Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls tweeted out a photo of Trey signing his contract yesterday with the caption: “Official: #Bulls sign Trey Flowers to a one-day contract from @ORWish!”
Official: #Bulls sign Trey Flowers to a one-day contract from @ORWish! pic.twitter.com/tYCTuNo0Jf
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 28, 2016
And Trey could not be more ecstatic. He told The Chicago Tribune:
“I’m excited to be a part of the organization. I’ve always admired Dwyane Wade and am eager to experience the game at the United Center. They tell me I’m a fighter because of what I’ve overcome. I look forward to bringing that fighting spirit to the Bulls.”
So what exactly did this one-day contract entail? According to KGW, Trey got the chance to meet the players, tour Untied Center, and watch their shoot-around in preparation for their game against the Brooklyn Nets. Oh, and he was also obliged to high-five his teammates upon reasonable request.
In a statement issued by Chicago Bulls general manager Gar Forman, he had nothing but positive things to say about the signing:
“I am thrilled to welcome Trey to the Bulls, as I know he will be the perfect teammate and professional on and off the court. Trey brings an unprecedented level of toughness and strength to our team after what he has been through, and we know he will be able to inspire his new teammates with his story. I am confident that he has all of the intangibles to be a real contributor to this team right away.”
And we are, too.
You can check out the full press conference and signing here: