Nice Kicks: How does it feel to be the face of the up-and-coming basketball sector of Under Armour?
Brandon Jennings: It feels great to be the face of the basketball division for Under Armour. It?s a blessing. I?ve always been a trendsetter, and I like to do things a little different. When I was given the opportunity to be the first NBA player to sign with Under Armour, I couldn?t pass that up. It?s an honor to be part of something from the beginning and watch it grow into something great.
Nice Kicks: Did you have any influence on the signings of fellow brand members Kemba Walker, Derrick Williams and others to Under Armour?
Brandon Jennings: I have a close relationship with Under Armour and talk to them about a lot of different aspects of the business. I had an internship there over the summer and they allowed me to be part of their conversations about athletes, marketing and design. Kemba and Derrick are both good guys and have potential to make an impact in the league. I?m happy they joined the Under Armour family, and we are growing. We now have five NBA athletes.
Nice Kicks: What was the most enjoyable part of your internship with Under Armour?
Brandon Jennings: I loved everything about my internship with Under Armour. I had an office that overlooked the city and got to be involved in the design and creative process of different shoes – not just basketball shoes. I gave them some ideas that I had and hopefully they?ll use them for new running shoes. The Under Armour building also has a basketball court and a complete gym, so I got to work out every day to make sure I was ready when the season started. I had a great time interning there.
Nice Kicks: During the off-season, you also spent a lot of time playing basketball in New York and Baltimore. How are the basketball scenes there unlike any others you’ve seen in different regions, including the West Coast?
Brandon Jennings: The game is always played the same way. It doesn?t matter whether you are. You could be in NY, Baltimore or Compton, but the game doesn?t change. Playing on the East Coast raises your level of competition though. Guys are always going to come after you, but on the East Coast those guys feel like they have something more to prove. They want to see if they can compete against you. It’s all fun to me though. I enjoy it all.
