One of Jordan's biggest rivals on the court with Isiah Thomas. He led the way for the Pistons in their epic clashes with the Bulls. But in truth Thomas is a true Chicago original who has never lost touch from his hometown roots. Our tribute to Black History Month this presented by the Marines and Chris Burton takes a look at the past and present life. Of Isiah Thomas. This salute to Black History Month is presented by the United States Marine Corps. The few the proud. The Marines. We don't win championships. No longer myself Mark McGwire Doc Rivers. Eddie Johnson Craig Hodges the -- he can tell me we -- -- here. Isiah Thomas the engine that drove Detroit's dominating bad boys at age thirteen years of being one of the NBA's all time best. Relished in his role as the public enemy especially when he came to me heated battles -- his hometown team that was on its way to -- the Chicago Bulls. It wasn't Arsenio was it was competition. You know when. We're good. You get the tag of being in the because of good and you cannot do that he's not giving them. But back in the mid to late seventies Thomas was a shining star -- in Chicago. The north one -- -- community Saint Joseph high school Westchester. Coach Jean -- -- clearly saw his determination on and off the court especially dealing with the social went out there -- of those times. Kids in cars. Would be chase and -- because of all kinds that haven't. So he had to struggle to get here because of that. But when he went home the same thing happened. When he would take the bus they go home get off the bus. In the games -- afternoon to join the games so he was running for his life to get here is rather relate what Wendell. First of us very tough city. Turns -- competitive and competition the -- on the court everyone's trying to be. It doesn't matter what your reputation is you have to bring it on that day. It's consequently makes you better. As a national champion -- -- Bob knight's Indiana Hoosiers and a twelve time NBA all start with two championships. Thomas is that is triumphs but he's also had its troubles with failed efforts as a front office executive and coach. Lately though the 51 year old hall of famers create another winning formula. He's been home again and to basketball events like the -- tournament and the Chicago the classic. Thomas is a bigger purpose as a leader in the fight against gangs and street violence. If we can agree has black man and this country. This stop shooting and killing each other we need to start from that vantage point are. He was always like that whatever it takes. If you sacrifice himself that's fine as long as we went. The way they see that you know that's just -- basketball like I think he's carrying that. Into the wherever he does you know have to basketball. We've got to report. These things need to be discussed. What's more important than winning a basketball game it's about winning. Like right now.