Adidas signs top 2014 NBA Draft prospect

MANILA, Philippines – Adidas recently announced a partnership with Australian NBA Draft prospect Danté Exum.

The 18-year-old, 6-foot-6-inch combo guard is projected to be one of the top picks in the 2014 NBA Draft. Exum brings a unique skill set and background to one of the most highly touted draft classes in recent years.

“I’m really excited to join the adidas family,” said Exum. “I’ve had the opportunity to play in adidas Nations in the past and I’ve always liked their shoes and gear. I look forward to what’s to come for me and adidas.”

A graduate of the prestigious Australian Institute of Sport, Exum’s career includes a gold medal finish at the 2013 FIBA Oceania Championship and silver medal finish in the 2012 FIBA Under-17 World Championships. Exum also participated in the adidas Nations program in 2011 and 2012, leading Australia to a fourth place finish in 2012. Exum grew up with strong basketball roots, his father Cecil Exum was a member of the 1982 University of North Carolina NCAA National Championship team before playing professional basketball in Australia.

“Danté is a gifted player,” said Chris Grancio, adidas head of global basketball sports marketing. “His hard work ethic and play have made him successful at every level of competition, but what makes him special is his great attitude and unselfish team approach to the game.”

Exum joins a group of elite adidas basketball point-guards highlighted by Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, John Wall of the Washington Wizards and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. He will be featured in a variety of upcoming adidas initiatives and will play a role in the development of basketball footwear and apparel.

Other adidas athletes include Dwight Howard of the Houston Rockets, WNBA MVP Candace Parker and four-time FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi FC Barcelona.

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