AND1 style, going behind the scenes during NBA All Star Weekend 2012 (Orlando, FL)

[Shoe Session – 3.29.12] – AND1 style, going behind the scenes during NBA All Star Weekend 2012 (Orlando, FL)

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 
Images: Rob Purvy, Skaeryd (via Shutterfly), Gettyimages.com

A month ago, I posted an And1 Ph article about Markieff Morris’ participation in the NBA All Star Weekend 2012 (Rookie-Sophomore BBVA Rising Stars Game) while representing AND1.  Rocking custom-made Empire Mids in Phoenix Suns colorway, he made sure the brand got a lot of attention with his game-long brilliance and versatility, and his PEs definitely made heads turn.  Click HERE for the said blog article.

This time, I bring to you a behind-the-scenes look of the NBA 2012 All Star Weekend, AND1-style!  With images courtesy of And1 President Rob Purvy and Skaeryd (via Shutterfly), we show you how it went down in Orlando, Florida.

Before Markieff played in the BBVA Rising Stars Game, he and twin brother Marcus were officially welcomed by AND1 management at The Palm Restaurant along with their family members.  Check out the menu, the featured drink actually says “Morris Martini”.  I guess it’s shaken’ (bakin’) not stirred, pardon the Bond pun.

And1 head honcho Rob Purvy shows off the custom-made Empire Mids, plus a still shot of the shoe.

Right before dinner, Markieff receives his player exclusive footwear.  Rod Keller (Brand Marketing Director), Rob, and Marcus Morris (twin brother playing for the Houston Rockets) pose for posterity.

Here’s an aerial shot of the AMWAY Center basketball court, plus a glimpse of Markieff as projected in the arena’s overhead display.

Markieff going to work on NBA ASW 2012 in his custom Empire Mids.

Stay tuned for more And1 news, features, 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).  ONE!

AND1’s official press release on the signing of the Morris twins as brand endorsers

[Shoe Session – 3.25.12] – AND1’s official press release on the signing of the Morris twins as brand endorsers

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls / Press release c/o And1 Basketball

Just got my hands on AND 1’s official press release due to be posted online within this week and all I can say is that things are absolutely looking up for the brand.  Markieff and Marcus Morris are now official brand endorsers for AND 1, having signed up for a 3-year shoe deal with the company.  I’ve previously posted an article about them back in February 2012 and you can click HERE to read more about it.

I’ve posted a screenshot of a portion of the said document, particularly the header, and you can immediately notice that it sports the new AND1 Player logo already.  Check out the image below:

The press release reveals that the twins, born and raised in Philadelphia (which is also the birthplace of the And1 brand), have long been achievers in the game of basketball, with an outstanding high school basketball career - back-to-back PIAA Class AA titles in 2006 and 2007, prior to suiting up for the University of Kansas Jayhawks. That 2006 title was the first time a Public League school won the state championship.

According to the press document, And1 Brand President Rob Purvy narrates.. “The Morris twins are great young talent and embody everything we love about the AND 1 brand.”   Furthermore, he mentioned that “Markieff and Marcus bring it. With their hometown work ethic, hunger, and true passion for the Game, we’re proud to have them play a big part in the future of AND 1.”

Rob Purvy shows the Morris twins the way to build their Empire.

Markieff Morris, who recently played in the NBA 2012 All Star Weekend BBVA Rising Stars game (Rookies-Sophomores), said “For two guys from Philly, there's really no other brand we'd want to represent. We're excited to work together and promote the Game we love.”  He is currently playing forward for the Phoenix Suns.

His twin, Marcus Morris, who plays for the Houston Rockets , couldn’t agree more.  "We've been fans of AND 1 as long as we can remember. We grew up on the MixTape, and to now be a part of the AND 1 family is really an honor," he quips.

Dedicated to all things basketball, the AND 1 brand and its legendary AND 1 Mixtape Tour (now known as AND 1 Live), is currently headquartered in Long Beach California and New York.  The basketball footwear, apparel, and accessories manufacturing company will be celebrating its 20^th anniversary this coming 2013 and the And1 Ph team will be there to provide every Juan an all-access pass to what is happening with the brand and its partners worldwide.

Stay tuned for more 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).

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!

Double-Double! AND1 signs the Morris twins (Marcus and Markieff) as brand endorsers

[Shoe Session – 2.3.12] – Double-Double!  AND1 signs the Morris twins (Marcus and Markieff) as brand endorsers

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 
Images: Various sources

A bit of good news for us And Juans to start the month of February as the Morris twins, Marcus and Markieff, are now part of the And1 family after having signed a contract earlier today.  Playing straight out of the University of Kansas, the former Jayhawks will banner the And1 brand throughout the season and will provide an NBA presence sorely needed with the apparent departure of Steve Blake, Marquis Daniels, and Monta Ellis.

Markieff (drafted by the Phoenix Suns with the 13^th pick) and Marcus (picked by the Houston Rockets right after with the 14^th selection and currently playing with the Rio Grande Vipers in the NBDL), are fraternal twins born 7 minutes apart.

Marcus Morris playing for the Houston Rockets 

and currently assigned to the NBDL team Rio Grande Vipers.

Markieff Morris playing for the Phoenix Suns and providing quality minutes off the bench.

Interestingly, during the 2011 NBA Draft, they got selected just 7 minutes and 13 seconds apart.  It marks just the 3^rd time in NBA history that twins were selected in the first round of the draft (previously, the Grant twins – Horace and Harvey, and the Lopez twins – Brooks and Robin).  Credit goes to Yahoo Sports for this bit of trivia.  Click HERE for the related article and check out the Youtube video below taken during NBA Draft night.

I’ve posted below some more images of the twins during their remarkable basketball journey, taken during their college days in Kansas.  I’ve also added a couple more Youtube videos of their in-game highlights and features to give every Juan a glimpse of their skills.

I couldn’t recall a time since Kevin Garnett (and Donyell Marshall) that And1 has signed big men to their roster.. so this is a nice move in my opinion.  I’m looking forward to more And1 scoop about new faces to represent the brand, and will make sure to keep every Juan posted (pardon the pun).

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, And Juan!