• December 29, 2002

As a tribute to the greatest career in basketball, Gatorade Thirst Quencher launches a new commercial, to debut on New Year's Day, that showcases Jordan at the various defining stages of his career. Using cutting-edge technology never before used in a commercial, Gatorade brings to life one of MJ's -- and many of his fans' -- impossible fantasies: what would it be like if the wiser, current-day Jordan could play against the younger Jordan? In the spot, the current-day Jordan is challenged to a game of one-on-one by the younger Jordan as a 1987 Chicago Bull. After several moments of intense play which showcases modern-day Jordan's athletic wisdom and younger Jordan's raw physicality, the two hit the bench for a time-out to rest, catch their breath and refuel with Gatorade. In a surprise twist as the commercial draws to a close, an even younger Jordan as a University of North Carolina Tar Heel tries to get in on the action. The ad was created by Element 79 Partners (Chicago) and directed by Joe Pytka, who also directed Jordan in 1996 Warner Bros. movie "Space Jam." Gatorade will debut a :60-second and :30-second version of the spot, entitled "23 vs. 39," in a multi-bowl game launch during the BCS games on January 1 on ABC, including the Citrus Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl.