The And1 Empire 2.0 Mids – Lance Stephenson PEs (performance)

[Sole Spotlight – 2.25.13] – The And1 Empire 2.0 Mids – Lance Stephenson PEs (performance)

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 

Images: AND1, Dime Magazine (thru Warren Shaw), Getty Images, ESPN

Hey AND Juans, we begin 2013 with the latest edition of Sole Spotlight, and what better way to kick things off with the follow up to the Empire Mids, the Empire 2.0 Mids.  Lance Stephenson aka Born Ready and AND1’s current brand ambassador has been spotted wearing not one, not two, not even three…but FOUR different colorways of the Empire 2.0’s done in Indiana Pacers colorway to match his team jerseys.  Thanks to AND1 US for sharing the images that you see below.

With two “Home” and two “Away” colorways, Lance has been helping lead the resurgent Pacers on top of the NBA’s elite, and as of this writing, Indiana is ranked #2 right behind the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference.  Check out more images of Born Ready rocking the different versions of his player-exclusive kicks.  

For those looking for performance reviews of the Empire 2.0 Mids, do check out the previous blog post last August 2012 by clicking HERE.

As with any other PE, his personalized kicks bear his own logo (LS1) at the heel section, as seen below.  Stephenson has also appeared in a recent SLAM magazine ad, and things are heating up as the 20th anniversary of the brand continues to roll this 2013.  Don’t be surprised if he suddenly wears another PE version of an upcoming AND1 model come playoff time.

For more AND1 shoe news, sightings, and updates, follow us on Twitter (@and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook (facebook.com/and1ph).  So until next blogpost…ONE!

Previously posted on his Instagram account (@stephensonlance), a PE version of the upcoming Entourage Mids.  This would look really good if done in IND colorway.

The And1 Empire Mids - Japan Edition 1 (performance)

[Sole Spotlight – 12.27.12] – The And1 Empire Mids - Japan Edition 1 (performance)

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 

Images: Flash, plus various other sources (CounterKicks, etc)

Hey AND Juans, the latest edition of the Empire Mid is out now locally.  Retailing for Php 4995, it now comes in dominant white with blue and red highlights that’s not only very Philippine colors-friendly, but also compatible with other countries using the red-white-blue hues (USA, Australia, Chile, France – among others).  As for NBA team jersey compatibility, it looks good alongside apparels for the Philadelphia 76ers, LA Clippers, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards.

The latest silhouette sells for a thousand pesos less since it first came out in 2011 – check out our article back then by clicking HERE.  Locally, it has been released in at least three colorways prior to the latest Japan edition (black/gold, all white, and varsity red).  Tons of images below.

Lace 'em up!

For those looking for performance reviews of the Empire Mids, check out Sandy Dover’s article for SLAM Online and Bryan Hinkle of Counterkicks (click names to be redirected to their sites).

One key difference of this shoe’s latest incarnation is the heel logo.  The previous models (pre-Japan edition) used the old Player logo, whereas the new one now sports the updated look of the Player, with ridged and embossed lines that while subtle from afar, really looks detailed upon closer inspection.  More close-up images of the shoe below.

Close up pics of the shoe tongue, lateral view, medial view, and sole.

For more AND1 shoe news, sightings, and updates, follow us on Twitter (@and1ph) and please don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook (facebook.com/and1ph).  See you again next year for Sole Spotlight and so until next blogpost…ONE!

The Painted Face Web Series – Episode 2

[Streetball’s Finest  – 12.12.12] – The Painted Face Web Series – Episode 2

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 
Images: Jude Thomas aka The Painted Face (via email)

Jude Thomas, otherwise known as The Painted Face and Hollywizzle is back with the 2^nd webisode of his The Painted Web Series.  Previously featured last month (click here for the article), the web series covers his basketball and acting exploits, and provides a touch of comedy for good measure.

Episode 2 is now up in Youtube, and we’ve embedded the clip below for everyone’s viewing entertainment.

Some of this episode’s guests include - Brian Smooth Man, DeAndre "Ice" Turner, Tommy "Deuce" Ingle, and Isaiah Joseph Thomas (Jude’s son) – and directed by Dominique Purdy.  Subsequent webisodes will feature some AND1 kicks too.

 

Watch out for more upcoming episodes of the “Who is the Painted Face?” series only here in AND1 Philippines.  For now, check out Jude’s Facebook fanpage (www.facebook.com/ThePaintedFace) for updates.  Stay tuned, AND Juans!

More shoe models for 2012 Q3/Q4 now locally available!

[Shoe News – 12.6.12] – More shoe models for 2012 Q3/Q4 now locally available!

Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Available now in most AKT!V stores and AND1 outlets are new  models slated to round up the 2012 footwear line-up for the 3^rd and 4^th quarter of the year - three different versions of the much-anticipated Dragon Mid; plus a new colorway of the previously released Empire Mid.

Price point as follows:

• Empire Mid = Php 4,995

• WHITE/VARSITY RED/BLUE/GOLD

• Dragon Mid = Php 4,195
• VARSITY RED/VARSITY RED/24 KARAT
• BLACK/BLACK/GREY
• ROYAL/ROYAL/BLACK

Please also do check out these two previously published AND1 Ph blog articles about the 2012 Q3/Q4 footwear releases. 

• New AND1 footwear for 2012 Q3/Q4 have finally arrived!
• Additional AND1 shoe models for 2012 Q3/Q4 now locally available!

Another round of thanks goes to Relzbach Ventures/AKT!V partners (s/o to Joe Hook Up of Gola Greenbelt) for the regular update on these new arrivals and price points.  A couple more colorways of the Empire Mid from the Japan Collection are due out soon, so check us regularly.  Follow us on Twitter (@and1ph) and please LIKE us on Facebook (facebook.com/and1ph) so that our posts appears on your newsfeeds.  Check out the new models for yourselves, And Juans!

AND1’s official press release on the signing of Lance Stephenson as latest brand endorser

[Shoe Session – 11.26.12] – AND1’s official press release on the signing of Lance Stephenson as latest brand endorser

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls / Press release c/o And1 Basketball 
Images: Getty Images / ESPN.com / Various other web sources

The word’s out that AND1 has a new brand endorser, and the latest sign-up is no other than Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson.  Check out the screenshot of the press release below:

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Lance aka Born Ready has been playing in the NBA for 3 years already.  He was drafted 40th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft and bannered for Lincoln High School (Coney Island) - where he remains as NY state’s all-time leading scorer in high school basketball (2,946 points).  Posted a couple of Youtube highlights mixes below of young Lance in high school.

Click to play the videos.

In comes no surprise that Stephenson has reaped a lot of awards before joining the NBA, with city basketball championships (four years with Lincoln), named New York State Mr. Basketball, a McDonald's All-American Team selection in 2009, and was awarded the Big East Rookie of the Year in 2010 with the Cincinnati Bearcats.

The explosive guard is on a path to a breakout year with the Pacers, having earned a starting slot in Indiana coach Frank Vogel’s rotation.  As of this writing, (14 games into the 2012-13 season), his in-game stats are 7.9PPG plus 3RPG while shooting 47% from 3pt range.  Peep his latest NBA highlight move below, a vicious spin move plus the sweet finish against the Spurs.

Click to play video.

According to the press document, And1 Brand President Rob Purvy quips.. “Lance is a welcome addition to the AND1 family.”   Furthermore, he mentioned that “He is a very promising young talent and is committed to playing at the highest level.  We at AND1 share the same passion as we produce only the best basketball footwear and apparel for our customers.”

Stephenson rocking AND1 Empire 2.0 Mids.

To which Stephenson replies..”I’m really honored to be considered by AND1 to be part of its roster of NBA endorsers."  The 6-foot-5, 228-pound playmaker adds “I believe that my on-court playing style and dedication to the game is a perfect match for the AND1 brand’s commitment to producing only the best basketball gear.”

Lance is currently sporting the AND1 Empire 2.0 Mids (as seen in his move against Tony Parker above), but has also been seen wearing the Guardian Mids and original Empire Mids.  Fans can connect with him via Twitter (@StephensonLance) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lance.stephenson.14).

Lance in Guardian Mids (left) and Empire Mids (right).

 

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).

The Painted Face Web Series – Episode 1

[Streetball’s Finest  – 11.8.12] – The Painted Face Web Series – Episode 1

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 
Images: Jude Thomas aka The Painted Face (via email)

Exactly eleven months ago, we featured one of the most enigmatic streetballers in our 1^st ever “Streetball’s Finest” blog sub-section.  Jude Thomas, otherwise known as The Painted Face and Hollywizzle chimed in last December 2011 and shared his story about his beginnings on the courts of Hollywood plus his experiences as a streetball player competing against some of the best in the world.

Recently, The Painted Face has decided to come out and produce a series of webisodes that in his own words “is for the love of basketball and acting.”  Episode 1 of “"Who is The Painted Face?" is now up in Youtube, and we’ve embedded the clip below for everyone’s viewing entertainment.

He mentioned that “since I'm a rookie actor and love streetball, I thought to combine both elements together..while waiting and still trying to get into movies, TV shows, and commercials etc..I thought in-between my down time is to practice my acting/comedy.”  Furthermore, the player also known as Hollywizzle said “..don't get me wrong there will be a lot of real in-game footage as well this first episode was just an introduction of who I am with a little comedy (featuring the McDonald's cheeseburgers).”

Subsequent webisodes will feature real actors/actresses just like Rosemary Lopez (a budding actress from the San Fernando, California area) and could include clips showing some AND1 kicks.

Behind the scenes images with 

actress Rosemary Lopez and director Dominique Purdy

Watch out for upcoming episodes of the “Who is the Painted Face?” series only here in AND1 Philippines.  For now, check out Jude’s Facebook fanpage (www.facebook.com/ThePaintedFace) for updates.  Stay tuned, AND Juans!