Super Star Shooter: Allen Iverson
Published 20 months ago
In the new Dazed December issue, we speak to the bad boy of American basketball who is gearing up to celebrate the anniversary of the Reebok Pump.
In the new issue of Dazed & Confused out today, Tony Hero spoke to the b-ball legend Allen Iverson about how he turned his life around from his impoverished childhood in Virginia to becoming a ten-time NBA All-Star and working with Reebok. Here is an extract of the interview and you can read the full feature in the new issue of Dazed out now. To celebrate the anniversary of the iconic Reebok pump, we are also giving away 12 pairs of pumps including two pairs of limited edition Pump Bringbacks. Look out for the hidden link within this article to find the competition details.
Dazed Digital: How are you enjoying your time in Europe?
Allen Iverson: I love it here man, I’m having a ball. Everyone’s shown me love, its been great to see all of the European basketball which is at such a high standard, and meeting all of the kids has been a highlight. I’m having a great time!
DD: We hear you met up with Thierry Henry while you’ve been here?
Allen Iverson: Yeah that’s my man, I saw him quickly yesterday, I first met him about 3 years ago. He’s one of the very best in the world so I like to come and check in with him.
DD: What do you think of European basketball?
Allen Iverson: I think it's high standard. I think it’s at a place its never been and that’s only a positive thing.
DD: Who do you think will perform well in the 2012 Olympics?
Allen Iverson: It's anyone’s for the taking. I saw Spain just did well in the European Championships but a lot of the teams are strong. You never can say. Everyone has their shot at doing good on the day.
DD: How do you feel about younger emerging players?
Allen Iverson: That’s what its
all about, the young new talent. I don’t feel threatened, I do what I
need to do and I may have experience on my side and they may have youth
on their side. I feel like I’m at the top of my game so its all good.
I’m excited.
DD: Is fashion important to you?
Allen Iverson: It's one of the most important things in the world to me. I like sweat pants, t-shirt, cap and sneakers. Its what I’ve always worn and its what the people around me have always worn, that’s just our look. I like everything to be loose fitted, you won’t see me wearing those tight clothes or jeans, that’s not my style at all.
DD: How do you find working with Reebok?
Allen Iverson: Its great, man. I love working with Reebok because they let me be me, I appreciate that. They don’t try and get me to do things or change the way I do things that aren’t me. They aren’t trying so say I’m something I’m not or get me to wear something I don’t like, so I love working with Reebok because its authentic.
DD: You have a range with Reebok, I-3, how involved are you?
Allen Iverson: I’m totally involved and that’s the only way I’d have it. I get to work on the design process and approve everything, I wouldn’t put my name to it if I didn’t have that.
DD: You’ve just signed with a new team, the Memphis Grizzlies. Are you excited?
Allen Iverson: Right when I get back from Europe I go to train with them and I’m real excited.
DD: There was talk of you coming to play in Europe, in Greece, what happened?
Allen Iverson: I appreciated the offer, I was open to coming to Europe and maybe its something that will happen in the future. It was a big deal for me, thinking about moving my family and everything to Greece, its bad enough moving everyone around anyway, I always have to think of my family first. I didn’t happen but I wouldn’t ever rule out playing in Europe.
DD: Whats your approach in basketball? what has made you the player you are today?
Allen Iverson: Play every game like its your last. If we play a game and lose, then we didn’t play good enough. Simple . Play better. I don’t analyse or think about it. If you have a talent, then you owe it to God and to your talent to use it to its best ability- always do your best.
DD: What defines you as a player?
Allen Iverson: Nothing defines me as a player. I guess my confidence has helped me, you can’t not have confidence in what you do. If I didn’t think I was the best I wouldn’t even bother to lace my shoes up and go out on the court.
DD: Who are your favourite basketball players?
Allen Iverson: Shaq, Yao Ming
DD: Who was your favourite artist growing up?
Allen Iverson: Michael Jackson, he was my hero.
DD: How do you stay in shape?
Allen Iverson: Keep up with my workout sessions, work out with different people. I do a bunch of stuff from lifting to court practice, I like to keep it varied and just get in and out. If I’m working out its focused, I’m doing squats or weights or whatever, then I just get it done.
DD: What do you say to those who portray you as a controversial figure?
Allen Iverson: They don’t know me at all. I’m definitely misunderstood!
