Every so often, a guy comes along who is just meant to tear down walls and blaze trails for others to follow. These types usually get a head start on this pretty early in life. Milwaukee Bucks point guard, Brandon Jennings, is no different. His decision to forgo college and play one year of basketball in Europe after high school, before entering his name in the NBA Draft, has 
had people talking for a few years now. In fact, many are still buzzing because he was the first to do this. He is also the first basketball player to endorse Under Armour athletic gear, and last Thursday at the Cooper Square Hotel, Under Armour held a sneaker launch in Brandon’s honor.
I was lucky enough to be in the house for this event, representing The Hoop Doctors. The rooftop balcony of this hotel was the perfect scene for such an event. The evening view overlooking Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs set the mood for the fun, alive atmosphere. The music was good, and so were the hors’d oeuvres being handed out by the friendly wait staff. The mozzarella and tomato was clearly the best. Partway through, the DJ turned down the music so that the Under Armour Director of Footwear could address the roughly 50 people in attendance before introducing Brandon.
Standing in front of a wall of Under Armour basketball sneakers and decals, Brandon thanked everyone for coming out to his first sneaker launch. He commented on how excited he was for the future of Under Armour basketball and appreciated how far they have 
come. He then personally called out certain members of the Under Armour staff who were instrumental in helping him get to where he is today with the company. After joking that he’ll continue to make everyone proud when he’s on the court, since he didn’t win Rookie of the Year, the event resumed when the DJ turned the music back up, right when Kanye West’s “Power” began. Very fitting.
Brandon signed with Under Armour nearly two years ago, but his shoes have never been made available to the public. That will all change soon. His signature “Micro G Black Ice” kicks will be available this November. Just in time for his sophomore season. After averaging just under 16 points and 6 assists in his rookie campaign, which were highlighted by a 55-point outburst (after going scoreless in the 1st quarter), a spot on the All-Rookie 1st and a trip to the playoffs, Brandon has quickly become a household name in the NBA. That being said, his shoes should do well. Under Armour and basketball is still a fairly new concept, but I can’t lie, the shoes are pretty sharp. Sky’s the limit for this duo. More photos of the kicks after the jump….
If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes.
