World Basketball Festival Tips-Off Tomorrow!

Aug. 11, 2010 • New York, N.Y.

On Thursday, August 12, NIKE, Inc.will bring together the world of sport and entertainment in an unprecedented way as one of basketball’s most prestigious teams shares the stage with one of the world’s greatest entertainers.

Music mogul and multi-platinum selling recording artist Jay-Z will take the stage at New York’s Radio City Music Hall for an electrifying musical performance following a one-of-a-kind, on-court showcase featuring finalists for the 2010 USA Basketball World Championship Team as part of the inaugural World Basketball Festival - brought together by Converse, the Jordan Brand and Nike Basketball.

Players and fans alike are excited about tomorrow's start to the World Basketball Festival.

We spoke with a few of the USA Basketball players to get an idea of why they're anticipating a great time for everyone tomorrow.

" I am excited about it," said Tyson Chandler. "It’s been a lot of hard work that we’ve been putting in and it’s always fun to enjoy some of the festivities that go along with it.

" It’s going to be a fun atmosphere, being in Radio City with a court on the stage," said Stephen Curry. "As a team we’re definitely coming together, finding our chemistry together, having a lot of fun and it’ll be a nice little showcase of what we’re trying to get accomplished."

Chandler and Curry are both eagerly anticipating Jay-Z's performance.

"It’s going to be awesome having Jay-Z there," stated Curry. "I’ve never seen him live and I’m looking forward to it. We have to take care of basketball first, then we’ll sit back and enjoy everything else that’s going to happen. I know all of the fans that come out are going to definitely enjoy the whole day."

"I think it’s going to be huge to have Jay-Z there," echoed Chandler. "I’ve never seen him live in concert. It’s something I’m looking forward to. It’s a big honor. It’s a big honor for him to come out and do something like that for us, it’s a big honor for us to be a part of it."

Playing on an actual stage will be something a little different for all involved.

"Hopefully nobody will fall off (the stage)," joked Curry. "In the NCAA Tournament we played on a stage setting, where there was a little drop-off right beyond the court. But I’ve never played in a landmark like Radio City Music Hall. I’m looking forward to it."

"I’ve never played basketball on a stage before," added Chandler. "The NBA is a stage every night and so are the World Championship games, but not an actual stage. This will be fun. It’s always fun to play in a different atmosphere."