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On July 26, 2002 about forty boys ranging from ages 11 to 24 gathered at Riverbank State Park’s indoor basketball court, to prove to AND1 and the rest of the world that they were good enough to play in the AND1 Mix Tape Tour 2002. AND1 is a company that creates sportswear and footwear designed for basketball. At first glance they seem no different than companies such as Footaction or Nike but this however is not the case. AND1 is the only company that actually gives back to the public by creating their own community events which gives youth the opportunity to display their talent to the public. David Bender, the director of marketing initiated AND1 tours 3 years ago in October 1999 at Hunter College.
In a gymnasium full of competitive and ambitious boys like Darnell, Duke, Jay and Stewart, the only thing that could make this game better is a little music. Hot 97 was there to provide that. The music seemed to be the fuel to the player’s and the audience’s adrenaline. It made the game real. Mike, a member of the Hot97 street team said that Hot97’s involvement with AND1 benefits both companies but most importantly helps the community. “We want to help the community with positive events”. AND1 is definitely doing so. They should be commended for their genuine commitment to giving back to the people that keep their company going. AND1 is applauded for keeping it in the streets. |
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People
in the audience nod their heads subconsciously to the beats of Jadakiss
and Busta Rhymes as they focus on the players on the court. A resounding
“ooohhhhhhhhh” echoes through the gymnasium as a player’s
attempt to dunk is deflected by his opponent. The cries escalate and
get even louder as the opponent dribbles the ball upcourt, trips up
the defense with his crossover, fakes a throw over his challenger’s
head and sinks a shot from the 3 point line. At the sight of his mini
victory the player’s facial expression changes into a smug half
smile as he continues to play with his teammates. Where can you find
a game with such attitude, vigor, competition, and excitement? Only
with the open run of the AND1 Mixed Tape Tours. 
The
AND1 Platinum Player game was the first of several free tournaments
that allowed the most flavorful and talented boys from the streets to
show off their skills in a basketball game like no other. Today, in
the year 2002, the AND1 Mix Tape is back on tour in cities such as Philadelphia,
Detroit, Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York. They are looking for new
players not only for the Tour itself, but also for ESPN2’s presentation
of Street Ball: The AND1 Mix Tour. This is the first time a documented
film on how the AND1 tours are done will be aired on ESPN2. No other
company or organization has done this. ESPN2 will be airing the show
on September 3rd. The Tour will be choosing only a few privileged as
well as talented young people to participate in this project. How the
boys are chosen is very important.
17
year old Darnell Boetwight is senior at Fredrick Douglass Academy. He
is a power forward on his Riverside Church team and has been playing
basketball for about 9 years. He was chosen to be a part of