Allen Iverson and Shaq announced as VP and President of Reebok Basketball; sign LSU Star Angel Reese
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Shaquille O’Neal has been larger than life since he burst on the scene as a dominant 7’2” freshman at LSU. He entered the NBA in 1992 with a big expectations, a big personality, and the biggest sneaker endorsement deal ever at the time. Shaq quickly became Reebok’s first athlete with a signature shoe and the “Shaq Attaq” dressed with Reebok’s proprietary, forever classic Pump™ technology.
“With the combination of his deep-rooted history with Reebok and reigning influence he’s made on the game, there is no one better than this guy to take the helm and lead our brand back to reclaiming its rightful place and dominance in basketball.” says Reebok CEO Todd Krinsky of Shaq coming back into the fold
Image Courtesy of Reebok
Though Shaq broke the mold for big men selling shoes, Reebok hit the jackpot in 1996 when they signed #1 draft pick and basketball and HipHop Icon, Allen Iverson as a signature athlete. The Reebok Question was AI’s first and only iteration of that shoe, but left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of basketball fans everywhere. So much so, the shoe still releases in various colorways some 27 years later. The Answer line saw its ups and downs, but brought about iconic commercials, and led Reebok to signing Iverson to a lifetime deal.
Shaq ventured from the brand in 1998, but the two Hall of Fame Reebok titans have reunited with the brand as Shaq and AI have been named the President and Vice President of Basketball, respectively. Both roles are new, but it seems fitting that the two most memorable faces of Reebok basketball now play an important role in its resurgence.
Image Courtesy of Reebok
The first major move made by Reebok basketball duo was to sign LSU women’s basketball Champion and Superstar, Angel Reese. Reese is the first NIL signee under Rebook’s new leadership, and, according to Reebok, Reese will be positioned at the forefront of Reebok lifestyle, fashion and performance products beginning Fall 2023.
“For my first appointment in this role, it had to be the GOAT. There is no one making a bigger impact on the game right now than Angel Reese,” exclaimed Shaq of his fellow LSU tiger.
Image Courtesy of Reebok
Reese says, “It means the world to me that they trust in me to extend their legacy to a new generation.”
Reebok basketball is no stranger to taking chances. With the aforementioned Pump, Shaq’s Shaqnosis, and the Kamikaze in their lineage, and Shaq’s undeniable business savvy, it will not be a surprise to see Reebok Basketball become a respectable player sooner rather than later.
For now, fans cop pieces from Angel’s first curated collection entitled “Angel’s Picks” on Reebok.com and can follow along for more info via @Reebok and @AngelReese10 on social platforms.
Image Courtesy of Reebok