AND1 endorser Markieff Morris participates in BBVA Rising Stars game (2012 NBA ASW)

[Shoe Session – 2.26.12] – AND1 endorser Markieff Morris participates in BBVA Rising Stars game (2012 NBA ASW)

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 
Images: NBA, Getty Images, and And1 Basketball (Facebook fanpage)

Earlier this month, I’ve posted an article (click HERE for the February 3 blogpost) about the signing of the Morris twins from the University of Kansas, Marcus and Markieff, as new And1 brand endorsers.  Currently playing for the Phoenix Suns, rookie forward Markieff Morris has recently participated in the BBVA Rising Stars game during the 2012 NBA All Star Weekend held in Orlando, Florida.

The former Jayhawk debuted his special Empire Mids (image posted below) during the mid-season classic.  It is interesting to note that it is the first sighting of an And1 pair in the NBA scene this year, and things are looking up from hereon.  This comes on the heels of the departure of former endorsers LAL Steve Blake, Marquis Daniels, and GSW star guard Monta Ellis from the And1 roster.

Morris played alongside the likes of Blake Griffin (LAC), Landry Fields and Asian sensation Jeremy Lin (NYK), Kemba Walker (CHA), Spanish pointguard Ricky Rubio (MIN), and former Cleveland State standout Norris Cole (MIA) for a team that was handpicked and “drafted” by former NBA great and current TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal.  They were pitted against Team Chuck, put together by co-TNT analyst Charles Barkley.  Chuck’s team eventually won the game, with Cleveland point guard Kyrie Irving taking home the best player honors (8-of-8 3-point shooting).

Logging 15 minutes in the two-20 minute halves, Morris showcased his versatility by nailing 2 out of 3 three-point attempts, finishing with a 5-of-7 shooting from the field.  He tallied 12 points and 2 rebounds, and also hooked up with Spanish star guard Ricky Rubio for a couple of highlight-worthy plays, including a right handed tomahawk off a between-the-legs behind-the-back assist from the Minnesota pointguard (Youtube video posted below).

I’ve posted below some more images of Markieff in his special And1 Empire Mids during the game, plus a snapshot of the pre-game photoshoot of the big man.

Stay tuned for more And1 news and updates both locally and internationally from And1 Ph.  Any Juan can follow us in Twitter (@and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/and1ph).  And that’s the 411!