Sprite, a brand of The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, launched a search for undiscovered and “uncontainable” basketball players from around the world. Twenty-four amateur players will be chosen to represent either Team Sudden or Team Intense in the Sprite Uncontainable Game at the 2013 NBA All-Star game in Houston.
The soft drink brand’s program is in partnership with Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James of the Miami Heat in addition to NBA players hailing from around the world including the following: Toronto Raptors’ Andrea Bargnani from Italy, Atlanta Hawks’ Al Horford from the Dominican Republic, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Omri Casspi from Israel, and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka from the Republic of Congo.
Bryant, Bargnani and Horford will coach Team Intense, which will include players whose moves are characterized as agile, surgical and precise. Team Intense is searching for players who land lean one-handed dunks, execute off the pick-and-roll and drop passes on a dime, the brand says.
The competition, Team Sudden, will include players with moves that are strong, forceful and bold. The team will be coached by James, Casspi and Ibaka and is looking for players to soar in for tomahawk dunks, grab monster rebounds and execute full-court passes, according to the brand.
Those interested in joining a team must identify the team that best represents their personal style and skills. Hopefuls from the United States can try out for the first round by uploading a video at sprite.com. Global contestants from the 27 countries listed on the Sprite Uncontainable game roster can show off their moves at local tournaments and events. Finalists in each country will be determined by select judging panels, the company says.
In addition, the Sprite Uncontainable Game will leave a lasting impression on countries across the world by fostering local talent, bringing communities together and shining a light on stand-out players. Throughout the world, the brand also will support initiatives and organizations that improve conditions at local basketball courts, the company says.
In conjunction with player tryouts, fans can compete to demonstrate how uncontainable they are online, at local events and through mobile texting challenges. The most expressive fans will be given the chance to win a trip to watch the Sprite Uncontainable Game in Houston during the 2013 NBA All-Star game.
