Reebok Launches New, "More Mature" Campaign Around Wizards' John Wall

Reebok last week launched a new campaign for Wizards G John Wall’s new Wall Season 3 ZigEscape, and in “many ways, having his own shoe and a logo have been cathartic for Wall,” according to Michael Lee of the WASHINGTON POST. Wall said, “When you’ve got your own logo, it brightens your day. You wouldn’t think you’d be in a situation where you have your own shoe, or anything like that. It’s still kind of shocking.” Reebok is “taking a different approach with its latest ad campaign, filming a more mature Wall and abandoning the cartoons that were used in previous commercials that highlighted his youth.” His new commercial will premiere on Nov. 15 and “will showcase Wall in familiar landmarks from his home town and with friends he has known most of his life.” Wall also was “very involved in the design of his latest shoe,” as he “sought having his signature on the side and baseball stitching on the tongue and back of his shoes.” Lee noted the baseball stitching “seems like an odd choice since Wall’s career as a shortstop and pitcher came to an end when he was in fifth grade.” Wall: “My shoe is doing pretty good, but we really haven’t done nothing as a team. I haven’t done anything to make myself more marketable and push myself on the basketball court.” He added, “The shoe will start selling more when you do good on the court” (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 10/19).

SAY UNCLE: ESPN.com’s Lynn Hoppes wrote “don't be surprised to see” Cavaliers G Kyrie Irving bring back "Uncle Drew" from the Pepsi Max commercials soon. Irving said, "I had no idea it was going to blow up as much as it did. It was funny that people didn't realize it was me. And, yes, there is a definite possibility that you'll be seeing him again” (ESPN.com, 10/22).