Nice Kicks: Does the custom graphic on the “Compton” Bloodline mean anything specific?
The custom graphic on the ?Compton? Bloodlines is a bandana. It doesn?t mean anything specific, but I just like the way that design looks on the shoe. The shoe itself represents my hometown and the hard work it took to get to where I am today.
Nice Kicks: What were your go-to shoes on and off the court while growing up in Compton?
Brandon Jennings: Growing up, the only shoes I ever wore were the Reebok AIs. AIlen Iverson was my favorite player, and his shoes were the only ones I played in.
Nice Kicks: What did it personally mean to you to give back to your hometown by refurbishing Compton’s Rowley Park?
Brandon Jennings: There is no greater feeling than to be able to give back to the city that raised you, and the city you grew up in. It is something that I always wanted to do. I knew for a while that I wanted to refurbish the Gardena basketball court and the Double Rock Learning Center, the pre-school I went to in Compton. To be able to do both of those things and do them during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles seemed like the perfect time and place to do it. I don?t think you should ever forget where you came from, and you should always do what you can to give back.
Nice Kicks: In your opinion, who is the best basketball player from Compton not named Brandon Jennings?
Brandon Jennings: There are a lot of good guys to come out of Compton, but right now, I think one of the best players to come out of Compton is Kenny Brunner. He was just an all-around beast. He had the speed and quickness to get to the basket, he could score, lock up opposing point guards, shoot, defend, pass – basically, every thing you could want in a point guard. He is definitely one of the best players to ever come out of Compton.
