WERM got hopz

[Streetball’s Finest  – 7.26.13] – WERM got hopz

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 
Images: Brandon Lacue (via email and Facebook)

This month’s “Streetball’s Finest” feature shifts the spotlight to one of the world’s best dunkers and renowned high-flyer – Brandon Lacue aka WERM.

One of the most popular players on the AND1 Mixtape / AND1 Live Tour, the Franklin park, Florida native quips “I’m the type of player that brings excitement to the game.”  He is known for his high-flying dunks and thunderous jams.

Brandon has won the Sprite Slam Dunk Competition four (4) times and speaks about his monicker “I got it (my nickname) by the way I play.  I felt nothing could stop me and I could do anything in the air.”

                               Check out a Youtube clip of Werm below (click to play):

Werm was gracious enough to answer my questions that I sent via his email despite his busy schedule and tours (he routinely flies all over the world for his AND1 Live commitments and basketball guestings/shows).  Here’s what he has got to share:

Flash: Who is Werm as a baller / dunker?

Werm: “My dunking style is the same as Guy Dupuy (Easy J) but we do a couple of different dunks that the crowd loves.  What sets me apart though is that I show so much style and I jump so high.  People be like “what earth are you from”!  I think it’s the way I dunk the ball - I never dunk hard and I never hang on the rim.”

Flash: What is your trademark/favorite move or dunk when you play?

Werm: “My trademark is my hair - everybody knows me by my hair.  My favorite dunk is “The Scoop” because I’m like the only person that does that dunk.  I made it up in New York with SpecialFX (Ryan Williams) and Elevator (Quentin Slaughter).”

Flash: Who are your influences in playing basketball?

Werm: “My cousin JR is my influence because he was going to be a McDonalds All-American in high school but he ended up going to jail for murder - so I told and promised him that I would be a good role model for our family and my kids.”

Check out a Youtube clip of Werm below (click to play):

Flash: If you actually had to pay to watch one (1) streetballer play, who would that be and why?

Werm: “I would pay to watch ALIMOE because I never saw him in person and he was like the first person I heard about when I was in high school.”

Flash: Name some of the most memorable NBA players that you’ve played with or against.

Werm: “I have played with so many people but the ones that was cool and that gave me advice were Gary Payton, Nick Van Exel, Horace Grant, and Dennis “The Worm” Rodman - but Rafer Alston (aka Skip To My Lou) told me everything about staying humble and don’t go down the wrong path.”

Flash: How does it feel to tour around the world and play for AND1 Live?  Any plans of visiting the Philippines soon?

Werm: “It feels great to travel with AND1 Live, I get to show my talent and the fans love me because of what I do.  I really do want to come to the Philippines like ASAP but I have to wait until they call me to go over there.”

                  Check out a Youtube clip of Werm below (click to play):

Flash: What was the best AND1 pair you've ever hooped in? Any fond memories of that shoe?

Werm: “The best pair of And1s was the grey pair back in 2004 - And1 Open Run (in Miami). I wish i could get them back.  The next best pair is my shoes with And1 - the Guardian Mids.”

You can catch Werm online by following him in Twitter and Instagram (@wermgothopz, same user profile names), or thru his Facebook account (Facebook.com/wermgothopz).  He also has a Youtube channel: Youtube.com/werm06 or wermgothopz.

For his parting words, here’s what he has to say for his fans: “To all my fans worldwide I just want to say thank you for watching me grow, and for supporting and watching my videos – there are more to come.  If you play any sport, I just want to tell you to not give up - if you love it, stay with it.  Its nothing like playing the sport you love.”

                                Check out a Youtube clip of Werm below (click to play):

AND1 Ph will continue to feature other local and international streetball players, so feel free to send an email to and1pinas@gmail.com for your suggestions on who you want to be seen here next.  Please check out and LIKE our Facebook fanpage (www.facebook.com/and1ph) and follow us on Twitter (@and1ph) for more news, spotlights, and the latest updates about the And1 brand in the Philippines.  And that’s the 411, AND Juan!

The And1 Too Chillin’ 2013 (off-court)

[Sole Spotlight – 7.22.13] – The And1 Too Chillin’ 2013 (off-court)

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Images: FLASH and various online sources

It’s been quite some time already since Sole Spotlight focused on an AND1 off-court pair, and this month – we highlight one of the most revolutionary models of all time, AND1’s Tochillins, recently retooled and re-released as the Too Chillin’ 2013.  This model’s predecessor, the original Tochillins was the most commercially successful model in AND1’s history.  Featuring some minor tweaks from the original design  – the popular off-court pair is back for 2013 in different colorways.  Posted below some images of the said model.

This model (and all of its color variants) features:

o    Lycra mesh, antimicrobial foam cools foot.

o    Heel pull-tab allows for easy entry/exit.

o    Molded EVA midsole offers cushion.

o Herringbone outsole eases movement & reduces weight.

Originally announced exactly a year ago (click HERE for the July 2012 article), the Too Chillin’ 2013 sports a different sole from the original, but fuses old and current AND1 logos on the final product – giving that throwback feel with the modern treatment.

Classic Tochillin and Too Chillin' 2013 comparison.

Check out the throwback AND1 “boomerang” logo on this silhouette.

Personally, I felt that the shoe didn’t run true to size - probably owing to the original mold.  When buying a pair, it’s highly recommended to get one size bigger (not even a half size upgrade).  That means if you’re regularly a size 10 US in AND1 performance kicks, you might want to get a size 11 US for the Too Chillin’ 2013 for that maximum comfy feel.  Other than that, this shoe is automatically a must-cop for any AND Juan out there.

More pictures of the shoe below.  I originally had a similar pair back in the day, and other than sheer nostalgia, this pair offers a comfortable alternative to wearing slippers/sandals before and after a good hooping session.  Sneakerheads and regular basketball junkies are also sure to appreciate the simple and yet stylish look that this model brings.

This model is set to be released within Q3 of this year according to sources from AKT!V / Relzbach (local distributor of AND1).  Colorway selections are as follows:

• V.Red/White/Silver
• Royal/White/Silver
• Black/White/Silver 

Check us out regularly for more Sole Spotlight features from AND1 Ph as we continue to post new models in the coming months.  ONE!

2013 Los Angeles Summer Pro League (presented by AND1) kicks off 40th year

[Shoe Session – 7.17.13] – 2013 Los Angeles Summer Pro League (presented by AND1) kicks off 40th year

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 

Images: Summer Pro League website

The Los Angeles Summer Pro League is back on its 40^th year, and will re-open its doors to another batch of ballers beginning July 20 with a two-day tryout camp on July 17-18.  Similar to last year’s run, AND1 will be co-presenting the event and is a major partner (uniform sponsor for the tournament).  This year’s tournament also coincides with the AND1 brand’s 20^th anniversary (founded 1993).

The official tournament dates are as follows:

• Tryout Camp dates: July 17 and 18, 2013.
• League dates: July 20 - 29, 2013
• Championship game on July 31, 2013.

*Dates subject to change.

A teaser of this year’s SPL run has been posted online by Frederick Smith, Jr - founder and executive producer of The Basketball Channel.  You can view the Youtube clip by clicking HERE. 

Last year’s champions, AND1 Select, will be back to compete against topnotch teams bannered by collegiate standouts and professional basketball players from different parts of the USA (click HERE for related blog article).  SPL alumni includes current NBA players Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, Shane Battier, Tim Duncan, Paul Pierce, and Dirk Nowitzki, among others.  Over 800 former and current NBA players and thousands more of professional players around the world have played in the SPL, and every NBA team has already participated in it throughout its history.

Last year's champions, the AND1 Select team 

(image taken from SPL website banner).

Other event sponsors are Macleem, Dr. Kosari, IBL, Powerade, Coast Guard, The Basketball Channel, Wilson, Winning Ways Pro, ESPN Deportes, Hotels.com, Vincent Insurance Services, Eastbay, Blue, Website Maintenance and Design, and the NBA.

For more info about the SPL, check out their website by clicking HERE.  Shoutouts to Walt Thompson, SPL’s VP of Operations for sharing tournament info.  Stay tuned to AND1 Philippines for international features and the regular local updates by following us on Twitter (follow @and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/and1ph).  And that’s the 411, And Juan!

The And1 Entourage Mids 5 Elements pack – Water (performance)

[Sole Spotlight – 7.4.13] – The And1 Entourage Mids 5 Elements pack – Water (performance)

Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Hey AND Juans, Sole Spotlight for the month of July features a new colorway from the recently released Entourage Mids model of AND1.  Part of the 5 Elements pack that is yet-to-be-released locally – the Water pair (alongside Fire, Metal, Wood, and Earth) sports a wave-like skin, and comes in a bright blue/gray colorway.  S/O to Rob Purvy and AJ Vander Woude (AND1 US) for this recent batch of shoes that I received last June 2013.

Water and Wood (green) are set to be released within Q3 of this year according to sources from AKT!V / Relzbach (local distributor of AND1).  The 5 Elements pack was previously featured here in AND1 Ph, click here for the related article.  Posted below some images of the said model.

This model (and all of its color variants) features:

-          Upper:

o    High density synthetic upper material provides lighter weight and increased durability.

o    Hybrid low-sew process enhances comfort.

o    Triangular quarter ventilation windows provide great breathability and lateral support.

o   Mesh tongue keeps the feet cool.

-         Bottom:

o    High rebound sockliner provides excellent energy return.

o    Molded EVA midsole design gives extra cushioning.

o    Non-marking, high quality tinted rubber compounds provides great traction.

o    Extended airbag provides comfort and reduces shock.

o L2G design provides optimal court feel by reducing distance from the ground.

AND1's version of icy soles.

I’ve recently hooped with this model on the hardwood, and I’m so impressed with its performance that I’m making it my default playing pair whenever I use a blue jersey.  While I’m currently using the Empire Mids for playing (both varsity red/white and white/blue/red Japan CW), the Entourage Mid has slowly entrenched itself in my sneaker rotation to ball in.  This pair is a must-get, as it boasts of good breathability, ankle support, superior traction, and yes – just the right weight.

Check out the Kanji symbol on the heel section, matching the dynamic colors that tie back to the Water element.

On a personal note, I wish this Water CW had a different color of laces, but that’s just a minor gripe as those can easily be replaced to match any jersey/pair of shorts.  I’m currently keeping the stock laces, but I might swap it for another pair of electric blues or quite possibly a gray set (to match the sole’s colors).

More pictures of the shoe below.  Similar to the Empire/Empire 2.0 Mids’ performance, this pair is recommended for players looking for a shoe that can provide comfort, support, performance, and on-court attitude (the 5 Elements pack does feature some bright colorways, making them highly noticeable).

Sole Spotlight from AND1 Ph will continue to feature more new models in the coming months.  Stay tuned and check us out regularly, AND Juans.  ONE!