Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls
Images: Flash, Gettyimages.com, and Rakuten.jp
Images: Flash, Gettyimages.com, and Rakuten.jp
Greetings, AND Juans!
Just last week (October 10, 2013), the first ever NBA Preseason Game in
the Philippines was held at the SM MOA Arena.
It featured the Houston Rockets going up against the Indiana
Pacers. Two NBA players currently signed
as AND1 brand ambassadors were in town to play, Indiana’s Lance Stephenson (aka
Born Ready) and Houston rookie Isaiah Canaan.
Prior to the actual Preaseason Game, AND1 Ph was able to secure some very exclusive invites to the NBA Welcome Reception held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza courtesy of Relzbach
Ventures Inc (RVI), the local distributor of AND1. The cocktails were held last Wednesday (Oct
9, 2013), and guests were able to mingle with NBA legends and
personalities. Among those spotted in
attendance were Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale, Indiana Pacers head
coach Frank Vogel, associate head coach Nate McMillan, and Pacers team President
and member of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players – Larry Bird.
The Bachmanns (RVI, local AND1 distributor), Larry, and Kevin
all having a good time last October 9, 2013.
Former Boston teammates Larry Bird (Pacers President)
and Kevin McHale (Rockets head coach).
Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel and associate head coach Nate McMillan.
Also seen were former Portland
Trailblazer/Houston Rocket Clyde Drexler, Robert Horry, and Jalen Rose. Some local celebrities and sports
personalities were also present, headlined by PBA players Ali Peek and current
Gilas Pilipinas players Jimmy Alapag, Gabe Norwood, and Beau Belga.
NBA legends Robert Horry and Jalen Rose.
Gilas Pilipinas players in attendance during the NBA Welcome Reception,
Gabe Norwood (left) and Jimmy Alapag (right).
AND1 Philippines' Flash and RVI's Bob Bachmann were in attendance during
the HOU-IND match at SM MOA Arena last October 10, 2013.
During actual gameday,
Lance Stephenson wore his custom AND1 Tai Chi exclusive PEs while Isaiah Canaan
rocked Tha Beast Mids in black/red. More
images on Lance’s and Isaiah’s kicks below:
Flash with AND1's finest Lance Stephenson aka Born Ready right before tip-off.
Tai Chi Mid - Lance Stephenson custom PEs
AND1's latest brand ambassador, Murray State alum and current Rocket -
Isaiah Canaan poses for AND1 Philippines before the start of the game.
Houston's Isaiah Canaan (jersey #1) rocking his AND1 Tha Beast Mids.
Tha Beast Mid - black/black/varsity red colorway.
As for the game itself, SM
MOA Arena was definitely buzzing with energy and basketball frenzy was at a
fever pitch. Crowd attendance was
reportedly at 12,885, and despite a lackluster start by Indiana, the game
started to become tighter between both teams by the end of the 2nd
quarter. Just a couple of possessions before
halftime, Lance Stephenson scored on a tough drive despite being fouled – thereby
giving him the chance for an (quite fittingly) AND1 opportunity. Check out the Youtube video below:
Click to play.
Relying on their high-powered offense, Houston simply outshot and outmuscled Indiana by the 2nd half. The game ended with the
Rockets coming out on top, winning handedly by 20 points (116-96) over the
Pacers.
A view from inside the SM MOA Arena.
The Rockets defeat the Pacers, 116-96 in the
first ever NBA Preseason Game in the Philippines.
Shoutouts to Bob Bachmann
and the rest of the Bachmann family (RVI / AKT!V Lifestyle and Sports) for the
NBA tickets. 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). Bonus
images from both days are posted below.
Flash (in his white/red Tai Chi Mids) poses at the podium.
Pacers Danny Granger, George Hill, Lance Stephenson (middle)
and Paul George during the NBA Welcome Reception.
AND1 Ph's Flash poses before the game.
Houston's James Harden can be seen in the background.
Flash with a quick photo op near the Pacers' bench.
NBA preseason game crowd attendance was reported at 12,885.
