Rusty reunion

If you thought watching Michael Jordan fake out Bryon Russell in the '98 NBA Finals was painful, try seeing it again — when they're middle-aged.

Utah Flash owner Brandt Andersen is offering a $100,000 donation to the winner's favorite charity if MJ and B-Russ will square off in a one-on-one game. The idea was hatched after Jordan mentioned Russell in his Hall of Fame induction speech.

Charity is a great idea, but honestly, why not just donate the money and skip the game?

We've already seen the TV replay a few hundred times.

Does anyone really want to see it again, only slower?

Love reborn

Speaking of unwatchable, Greg Ostertag wants back in the NBA.

Reports have linked 'Tag to Portland and Dallas, after he recently told media he missed being in the game.

Which is weird, since nobody can remember him liking the game all that much when he was playing.

Comrade power

The NBA has been looking to go international for 20 years.

Now it's on the verge — in a strange way. A Russian billionaire has made a deal to buy controlling interest in the New Jersey Nets and move them to Brooklyn.

And while NBA commissioner David Stern thinks it's a good idea, here's assuming Andrei Kirilenko thinks it's a great one.

Maybe then he will hear the words he longs to hear: "Вам будет моя звезда игрока" ("You will be my star player.")

Payback time

Remember Oregon, the team that seemed to be struggling after it lost to Boise State?

Tony Seminary does.

He's an Oregon alumnus who traveled to Boise to watch the teams play. After the Ducks' loss, according to published reports, he wrote coach Chip Kelly via e-mail and attached an invoice for his travel costs, saying he deserved a refund. Next thing Seminary knew, he was opening a righteous check for $439, signed by Kelly.

Which raises a question. How about the coach paying for media who cover the team, if it loses? The way I have it it figured, Ute coach Kyle Whittingham owes me $462 for my trip to Oregon.

Since BYU's loss to Florida State was a home game, I'll cut Bronco Mendenhall some slack and just bill him for a week's worth of cable.

Sworn statement

Utah State University announced last week it will be holding open basketball tryouts, Oct. 13.

All the candidates need to bring are a pair of gym shoes, shorts and a notarized letter of intent to win a game in the NCAA Tournament.

e-mail: rock@desnews.com