Michael Jordan picks Dean Smith over Phil Jackson Posted Aug 9, 2015 Michael Jordan did a Q&A with campers at his annual Flight School, and the kids in attendance asked Jordan some pretty interesting questions. Here are a few of the highlights: If I played one game, who would I want to coach: Phil Jackson or Dean Smith? Dean Smith. Dean Smith helped me become the basketball player I am today. Phil was lucky because I was taught the game by Dean Smith. (USA Today)