#8.

I gotta admit. I had my doubts. This whole project was insane to produce. Imagine coordinating all the parties involved: Nike Product Team, Nike Marketing Team, Nike Basketball, contractors/installers, Kobe, Kobe's Security, The NYPD, The NRF, Reed Space, ourselves...it was insane. And to be honest, it was crazy right up until #8 walked thru the doors of Staple Design. But once he did, it's like the clouds parted and it was smooth sailing from there. That's preparation right there. You prepare, you try and tie up every loose end, and hope that when the light turns green, you have all the bases covered. I would say we did. The night was incredible. It was like Kobe chillin with his boys. Bobbito was integral to this. He kept the conversation flowin and laid back. It didn't feel like some BS Nike media campaign, or a press conference. It was a dynamic, natural free flowing conversation. We touched upon the 81 points, the new Nike Zoom Kobe I, being at Nike vs being at adidas, favorite opponents, training techniques, mental preparations, even discussed the science behind a crossover. It was really cool. Kobe was intelligent and professional throughout, as was the audience. I'm extremely pleased with the way it turned out.
After Kobe finished talking with the NRF, he went over to Reed Space and greeted the kids waiting in line for his shoes. Man were they suprised! It was dope! Kobe signed some autographs and was very approachable.
Each pair of the Kobe's we are either auctioning or raffling have been signed by Kobe tonight. Speaking of, this is the deal with the kicks. There are 8 pairs up for grabs. 4 are for a raffle. Come into Reed Space and buy a Kobe t-shirt. This enters you into the raffle. There are 81 t-shirts so you have a 4 in 81 chance to get one. There are still a few left so come quick cuz they are flying out. The other 4 shoes are for silent auction. The auction ends 2/6/06 at 7pm. Check stapledesign.com or thereedspace.com to see the current highest bids (updated daily). Bids must be made in person. The proceeds will go to the Gauchos Basketball Program.

Preparation people. That's the key. A lot of hard work and effort of a lot of people went into this. But if the event is a success, no one should notice all that hard work. It should feel smooth & seamless. Here's some rarely seen behind the scenes shots.

Bobbito really handled the evening. I realize his strength is really in being able to control the crowd. Whether he is behind the turntables, behind the mic, or behind the radio, Bob has the situation under control. Thanks Bob.

The crowd and Kobe interacted like were they old friends.

The Staple Angels (Aya and Yuka) getting in some Kobe-time at Reed Space.

The three stooges.

I'm giddy.