Under Armour will be launching a new basketball apparel and shoe line this fall and the company's first endorsement goes to someone not currently playing in the NBA.That distinction goes to Brandon Jennings, the uber-talented high school star from Los Angeles who has bypassed the University of Arizona to play professionally in Europe for at least one year, who has signed a multi-year deal with the sports apparel company from Baltimore.
His move is already paying off, in more ways that one. When Jennings originally made his move, I argued that it would be the level of endorsements he earned that would motivate more high schoolers to follow in his footsteps moreso than his European contract. And right now, Jennings footsteps will made in Under Armour's first basketball shoe.
Jennings said no to Nike and Addidas, clearly showing he's not about to do anything normal in his basketball career. I eagerly look forward to his success in Europe and his transition to NBA basketball. It will go much more smoothly than any of his peers who spent the year in college. And it will be at that point that the NBA will need to address its impending problem.
Time for David Stern to protect his house.
Brandon Jennings to become face of Under Armour basketball line [Balitmore Business Journal]
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