The third ad in Cavaliers G Kyrie Irving's "Uncle Drew" series for Pepsi Max yesterday debuted online with appearances by Nuggets G Nate Robinson and WNBA Lynx F Maya Moore, but the "identity of the newest cast members was kept secret" until the premiere, according to Jason Lloyd of the AKRON BEACON JOURNAL. Irving, who wrote the script for all three ads, yesterday said, "They all signed a form that they had to remain silent until today." The six-minute film was "shot in one 12-hour day at Chicago’s Seward Park last summer." Robinson was "a fan of the first two pieces and began badgering to appear in the third." He plays "Lights," a "basketball star-turned-musician whom Uncle Drew finds in a jazz club." Moore is "his significant other and warns 'Lights' he can’t play again because he had his hip replaced." The two men "ignore her warnings and return to the court for typical Uncle Drew antics." Moore’s character "eventually shows up at the court and starts dropping shots, too." Irving said that there are "two more installments of the series, then he is ending it" (
AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 10/29). Irving said of the ad, "I'm as excited to see it as you guys are. I'm looking forward to it. I think you guys will like it. It's a funny commercial, and I'm looking forward to seeing the reaction." He added of making more ads in the series, "I'm coming up with ideas every single day just thinking about it. But my focus right now is the season'' (
Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 10/29).
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS: In Cleveland, Laura DeMarco reported Irving yesterday "launched another new venture," as "about 500 fans lined up inside and around" a Cleveland-area Target store for the release of the new handheld PlayMG Android gaming device. To get a "photo with Irving fans [needed] to purchase a PlayMG." Fans said that they "learned about the event and device when Irving tweeted about it" earlier in the afternoon. The "game-loving" Irving is not only a spokesperson for PlayMG but also a part owner, along with actress Olivia Holt and "several private investors." Irving said, "It's a generational video game, something for younger kids." PlayMG Founder Geoffrey DeStefano said that his company "first approached the Cavs star because of his youth." DeStefano said, "He represents our target market, the young sophisticate. ... We wanted someone from middle America, from the heart of America." DeMarco noted the PlayMG "comes stocked with 11 apps, with access to more than more than 60,000 more to play on the 4-inch touch screen." It currently is "only available at Target, Amazon.com and PlayMG.com" for a retail price of $179.99, "comparable to a smartphone." Irving said it is a "great thing" if fans have younger kids. Irving: "You give them this and they go crazy" (CLEVELAND.com, 10/28).
