In DC, Adam Zielonka noted Wizards F Rui Hachimura "topped the list" of best-selling NBA jerseys in Japan. Hachimura has become a "phenomenon in his home country," with 24% of all NBA jersey sales in Japan now being Hachimura jerseys. Rounding out the top five were Lakers F LeBron James, Warriors G Stephen Curry, Nets G Kyrie Irving and Rockets G James Harden. The Wizards accounted for 13% of "all team merchandise sold in Japan" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 2/27).
MAN'S BEST FRIEND: NBCSPORTS.com's Drew Shiller noted Warriors G Klay Thompson "recently filmed a new commercial" for Chinese sportswear brand Anta, which features his English bulldog, Rocco, as a "key component." There is "no clue" on whether or not this ad will "air exclusively in China." Regardless, it is an "awesome commercial and very on-brand" (NBCSPORTS.com, 2/25).
DRINK UP: Malinalli Tequila was named the official tequila and official margarita of the PGA of America, PGA Championship, KPMG Women's PGA Championship and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. Malinalli Tequila also was designated as an official supplier of the PGA Championship (PGA of America).
HELLO KITTY: Global lifestyle brand Sanrio signed a partnership with Team USA for the Tokyo Games this summer in time for the company's 60th anniversary celebration this year (Sanrio).
