THE REVOLUTION

Some called it trash talk. Others called it the voice of a new generation. Regardless, the revolution began on the streets of Philly in 1993. By shining a light on a game that lived in the shadows, streetball started shaping the basketball lifestyle. And in the middle of the storm was the Player.

The Player made it okay to talk trash as long as you could back it up. The faceless and raceless icon gave ballers everywhere the confidence to take on all comers. He brought attitude back to the courts and swagger to the streets. The Player backed down to no one, and he wasn’t afraid to say it.

PERFORMANCE

The true Player walks the talk. And like the ballers who reinforced the attitude of the brand, AND 1 also upped its game with performance Shooting Shorts. Bigger, roomier, and baggier, they gave players more mobility on the court and the freedom to create their own style. They were products of the game – by players, for players. This became the AND 1 way.

It was a philosophy that AND 1 also applied to its kicks. Their bold style got the attention of players at the highest level. The Starburys, the KGs, and the Sprees hit stores. You could see them in the city parks, playground courts, and colleges across the land. It was an era of sponsorships and product launches that led to nearly 25% of the NBA wearing AND 1s.

The revolution culminated in the 2000 NBA dunk contest where an un-sponsored NBA star chose to wear the Tai Chi Mids to throw down one of the biggest dunks in contest history. Its reverberation still shocks viewers online. It’s as mind blowing today as it was 10 years ago.

THE MIX TAPE TOUR

While the brand gained traction on the hardwood, a grainy, low-quality video would start a movement all its own. It was called the Skip Tape. This home video compilation showed Rafer Alston (aka Skip to my Lou) tearing up NYC courts and high school ballers alike. Its popularity launched the Mix Tape Tour, which brought streetball to the eager masses. From videos to DVDs to the long running ESPN series, fans watched, studied, and emulated the AND 1 crew as they traveled the world spreading the religion of streetball.

AND 1: THE BASKETBALL COMPANY

Today, basketball is an international game and AND 1 is known the world over for its bold statements, creative play, and legit heritage. From products to lifestyle, AND 1 is dedicated to all things basketball. A brand born of the game. A brand named after the game. AND 1 is The Basketball Company.