Ahead of its global release on June 15, Nike Philippines gave the media and a few PBA stars a chance to experience the anticipated Nike LeBron Soldier XII ‘Agimat’, Thursday at the Hypercourt BGC (Titan Love Court) in Taguig.
The scribes covering the games, along with PBA pros Chris Newsome, Paul Lee, LA Tenorio, and Jayson Castro, enjoyed the event by playing in a mini three-on-three tournament to fully feel how it’s like playing in the Philippine-inspired sneaker.
The PBA cagers each served as coaches of the four teams that competed. Tenorio and Newsome suited up for their respective teams in the Finals, which was won by the former’s team that starred UP Lady Maroon Bea Daez.
The mini cagefest gave the event that authentic Filipino vibe, as the three-a-side set-up is a staple among Filipino ballers. It was also like an ode to the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup set this June 8-12 at the Philippine Arena.
Still, the main focus of the event was the Agimat Soldier XIIs, the second shoe next to the Nike LeBron 14 to be given the Agimat treatment.
Newsome, Castro, and Tenorio — all avid users of LeBron James’ signature shoes — had nothing but praises to the kicks, which features Zoom cushioning and a strap system Nike calls the seatbelt system for much better lockdown.
“I really like the Soldiers. I’ve worn a lot of the Soldiers through out my career — even going back to Ateneo,” Newsome reflected. “It’s just one of my favorite shoes because it fits my style of play. I mean, I’m an explosive player.
“We played on a cement court but you can barely feel the impact because the shoe has a lot of cushion on it,” added the Meralco Bolts star. “Also, for not having laces, it was really, really secured on my foot… The straps did a good job.”
“Sobrang komportable niya kasi wala siyang shoelace. Once na inistrap mo siya, parang kusang magfi-fit sa paa mo, which is maganda,” said Castro. “And this time, yung mga [bagong] LeBron [models], kaya nang isuot ng guards.
“And then ito, gagamitin ko sa game, this coming FIBA [World Cup Qualifiers]. Bagay na bagay sa uniform. Agimat, baka suwertehin,” beamed the Gilas Pilipinas guard, who will go to battle in the third window of the WCQ this June.
“It’s very comfortable for me,” Tenorio shared. “As a point guard ang pinaka-importante sakin is ‘pag mag-change of direction ako, ‘di ako magdadalawang-isip gawin consistently. Kasi minsan magiisip ka e, mahirap, kasi matigas.
“‘Pag pumunta ka sa right, matigas, sa left matigas. This shoe is comfortable,” he added. “Wala ako masabi. Hundred percent recommendation to wear this shoe not just for us athletes but for the normal basketball players din.”
Aside from the technology the shoe has, what makes the Agimat Soldier XIIs so pleasing — as far as aesthetics is concerned — is the usage of unique symbolisms that represent the Philippines and, of course, LeBron.
Both MNL and the number 330 stand for Manila and LeBron’s hometown of Akron, Ohio, respectively. A flame represents the country’s many volcanoes and LeBron’s intense passion. Four stars remind everyone of The King’s 4 MVPs.
Finally, a steep mountain is a subtle nod to the country’s terrain and James’ relentless drive to be the best ever.
The LeBron Soldier XII ‘Agimat’ will release on June 15. Limited pairs will drop at Nike Park Fort, Glorietta, Mall of Asia and Trinoma. Retail is at P 6,745.
But before it hits the shelves, the shoe will make its’ debut in the 3×3 World Cup. Gilas and Perlas Pilipinas have both been equipped with the Agimats as the squads will embark on a tough journey towards the championship.
