Shock G Jennifer Azzi is "arguably one of the most
famous female athletes in Michigan, thanks to an endorsement
contract with Reebok," in addition to the Pert and Sears ads
she starred in after the '96 Olympics, according to Joanne
Gerstner of the DETROIT NEWS. Univ. of Detroit-Mercy
Marketing Professor Mike Bernacchi, on Azzi's fit in
Detroit's marketing landscape: "There's a real void in this
town for a good, solid female celebrity. She's a beautiful,
intelligent and talented young woman who would be
outstanding and could jump right in." Burns Sports
President Bob Williams said one "problem" for Azzi is that
she played in "relative obscurity" in the ABL, but added she
"certainly has the look, personality, talent and name
recognition" to become one of the league's more marketable
players. Reebok's ad budget is "set" for '99, but Azzi
"could figure prominently" in 2000. Reebok Dir of
Basketball Marketing Joanne Borzakian-Ouellepte: "I see us
using her in commercials appealing to all women, showcasing
her fitness and cross-training." But MI-based "sports
marketer" Jim Grossman said that Azzi "might have to wait a
year or two before making an endorsement splash" in the
city: "People are just starting to figure out what the WNBA
is, much less who its stars are" (DETROIT NEWS, 5/23).