Post by CamZaar on Sept 11, 2012 17:29:09 GMT -5
stupiddope.com/2012/09/10/nike-co-founder-phil-knight-inducted-into-basketball-hall-of-fame-news/
Monday, September 10th, 2012 | Posted by Darren Griffin
When James Naismith invented the game of basketball, I can’t imagine he knew how far it would reach and how many lives it would touch. In 1891 the game was born. Now, well over one hundred years later, the players have changed and the influences are plentiful. Basketball players aren’t the sole focal point or source of inspiration surrounding the game. It was Nike who famously said “Just Do It” spawning worldwide inspiration in not only basketball or sports in general, but a notion to overcome all fear and doubt when encountering any challenge. Phil Knight, co-founder and chairman of the illustrious brand had an unparalleled impact on the game of basketball. Those efforts were recently rewarded as he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Knights accomplishments with Nike are immeasurable. Equally, his influence on basketball knows no bounds. From branding to advertising and everything in between, Nike’s Chairman is one with the game. The vision for his own brand was so profound it brought other initiatives to storied heights, most notably the NBA. Knight strategically invested in players which lead to an explosion in the sneaker and apparel industry. His partnership with the NBA has been invaluable so this induction was very well suited. A friend and longtime partner of Knight’s saw fit to introduce him at the ceremony, Michael Jordan. Here’s what Knight had to say about his induction:
“My knees buckled. My knees actually buckled when I got the call that I was to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. This is an incredible honor to be recognized for contributing to the expansion of the game, and for collaborating with players over the years to deliver performance innovation.”
Signed, Darren Griffin