Series, which has 44 spots up for grabs in the months leading

OKLAHOMA CITY -- For decades, basketball players have dreamed of being like Mike.Thunder guard Russell Westbrook really is like Mike.So says Mike himself.Basketball great Michael Jordan inducted Westbrook into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Thursday night and heaped high praise on Westbrook, one of the most visible and accomplished Jordan Brand athletes.I am truly a fan of his, said Jordan, the six-time NBA champion and five-time MVP. When I watch him play, I see a lot of resemblance of his passion for the game of basketball, the way I played the game of basketball.Westbrook is a two-time All-Star MVP and was the 2014-15 scoring champion. Last season, he posted 18 triple-doubles. This season, he has three triple-doubles and is averaging a Jordan-esque 31.8 points per game.Even with all that, Westbrook declined when asked to compare himself to Jordan, instead focusing on how fortunate he feels to have built a relationship with him.Michaels obviously the best that ever played the game, Westbrook said. Hes done so many things for the game of basketball, so many ways and broken so many barriers for guys like myself to be able to go out and compete at a high level, so it means a lot in that aspect. Off the court, hes carried a great brand. Its something I eventually want to do when Im done.Jordan commended Westbrook for re-signing with the Thunder after Kevin Durant left and signed with the Golden State Warriors.Im not here to try to bash anyone thats not here, Jordan said, drawing laughter from the crowd at the Cox Convention Center. Everybody has a choice. Im not saying you dont have a choice. Everybody has a choice, and when I saw that he chose to stay here in Oklahoma, I was so proud.Westbrook appreciated the fact that Jordan, the current Charlotte Hornets owner, answered Thunder owner Clay Bennetts call to attend.M.J.s one of those guys -- obviously, Im a part of his brand, and hes a guy that respects you and the things that you do, Westbrook said. He took time out of his day to come all the way to Oklahoma City to do this for me is an amazing honor. Im happy to have him here.In 2015, Westbrook won the NBAs Community Assist Award for his philanthropic efforts. He has opened several reading rooms, providing books for kids in low-income areas. Westbrook served at his WhyNot Foundations annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Boys and Girls Club on Tuesday. Jordan specifically mentioned Westbrooks off-the-court accomplishments as a reason he was proud to be the presenter.It was a memorable night for Westbrook, whose teammates all dressed up and attended the banquet.Its an unbelievable honor to go in, he said. Its definitely a blessing. Its something that you wont forget.---Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP . Gerald Everett Rams Jersey . Luis Suarezs double powered Liverpool to a 4-0 victory over Fulham, and Southampton easily overcame Hull 4-1 to continue the south coast clubs impressive start to the season. Liverpool and Southampton sent Chelsea down to fourth place as the west London club was held to 2-2 at home. Marshall Faulk Womens Jersey .ca look back at each of the Top 10 stories of 2013. Today, we look back at Boston Strong - a citys recovery from tragedy. http://www.ramsrookiestore.com/Rams-David-Long-Jersey/ .Y. -- Sabres forward Drew Stafford has witnessed plenty of turmoil during his eight seasons in Buffalo. Greg Gaines Womens Jersey . -- Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings was selected Monday to his second straight Pro Bowl, while guard Kyle Long made it after a solid rookie season. Tyler Higbee Rams Jersey .B. - Sebastien Auger made 44 saves as the Saint John Sea Dogs edged the visiting Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Australians Cameron Smith and Ashley Hall lost a playoff Sunday at the Emirates Australian Open, but the pair -- along with fellow Aussie Aaron Baddeley -- still punched their tickets to The Open in July.All three earned their places at Royal Birkdale via The Open Qualifying Series, which has 44 spots up for grabs in the months leading up to the years third major. The next two entries will be available at the SMBC Singapore Open, which will be played at Sentosa Golf Club from Jan. 19-22.Smith, 23, has never played in The Open, which will be contested July 19-23. He has teed it up in four majors, with a T-4 at the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay being his best finish.Hall, 33, qualified foor his second Open and just his second major championship, the first coming in 2012 at Royal Lytham & St Annes.dddddddddddd.Baddeley, the 35-year-old four-time winner on the PGA Tour, claimed his spot in the 146th Open Championship by virtue of a higher world ranking (149th) than those players he finished tied for fourth with at the Australian Open. Ryan Fox (158th), Rod Pampling (166th), Geoff Ogilvy (232nd) and Jason Scrivener (322nd) all would have made the field at Royal Birkdale had their world rankings been the highest among the group that finished T-4. ' ' '