Hoop it up with.....Nautica?

If you haven't noticed yet, my favorite topics to write about are at the intersection of advertising and sports. Today I came across a vintage hoops ad from the late 90's that sparked my interest. Anyone remember Glen Rice? The stealthy three point shooter from the now defunct Charlotte Hornets? Fresh off his All-Star game MVP selection he inked a lucrative deal with a apparel company to promote their new line of hoop kicks. What makes this so fascinating is that the deal was with Nautica. When I think of Nautica I think of white men sailing the rough sees with water spraying their face all while they enjoy a nice glass of champagne. Not helping basketball players with a killer crossover.

I am sure wherever Glen Rice is, hopefully enjoying the fruits of his labor and not broke, he can look back at this part of his life and laugh. Because that's what I am doing.

A few thoughts on the clothing. Looks like they ripped the design straight from FILA. How original. I can't take Glen seriously as he poses in the Nautica tank trying to be a hard ass. Just imagine all the heckling he got when he showed up to the Hornets locker room wearing his Nautica Kicks. I bet gold tooth Larry Johnson and shorty Muggsy Bogues went to town. 

Add Nautica Competition to the list of apparel brands that tried to enter the sports category and completely whiffed. I am surprised they didn't try and outfit the entire NBA with warm-up jerseys. More like warm up khakis and sweaters tied around the neck.


Check it out yourself and let me know what you think.