BALLIN’ WITH BASKETBALL AT THE NIKE HOUSE OF HOOPS PRESENTED BY FOOTLOCKER

Article By: Octavia Obermuller

Are you a basketball lover and admirer, or look up to your favorite player? Or, are you just an ordinary person who watches basketball? Have you ever went to a sneaker store and couldn’t find anything you liked, and when you went to another sneaker store they had the same exact thing? Well, you won’t have this problem anymore at the NIKE HOUSE OF HOOPS, presented by FOOTLOCKER. This sneaker store is devoted to basketball and its fans. House of Hoops is located at 268 W.125th street in Harlem, right across from the famous Apollo Theater.

HOUSE OF HOOPS is filled with excitement and inspiration. It has a full force of history that’s never been told, which amazes you in every aspect. When entering the HOUSE OF HOOPS, the first thing that sparks in your eyes is the player wall. The player wall is dedicated to the 6 most valuable players; Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, LeBron James, and Amare Stoudemire. What shocks you the most is a glass wall filled with signed sneakers from some of the leagues most valuable players. It’s not just an ordinary sneaker they signed, its their own sneaker that they have worn on the court.
HOUSE OF HOOPS has a variety of exclusive apparel from top players and special teams. It includes exclusive footwear and matching apparel from Jordan, LeBron, DWade, and Carmelo.  Each section is dedicated to these players and special teams. In addition to the locker room set up, there are numerous trophies and awards symbolizing each player’s achievements. There is also a Hoops essential made by Nike. Its apparel that basketball players wear to warm up and practice in, it has a wide selection in sizes and color. Now you can also warm up in the same as your favorite player or team color gear rain or shine.  Even better is the fact that local New York City high school basketball teams can order their sneakers adorned with their school’s team colors.  Now, how’s that for originality?

If you want to relax from shopping, take a wonderful break in the “VIP Section”, where you can sit back and have fun! Take time to watch basketball history and tips on the game on a flat screen, or take part in a Bball game on the Play Station 3. If you are the active person, you can run up front to the half court and shoot some hoops! Feel like being a little creative, check out the “T-Shirt Bar” where you can design a t-shirt of your choice with prices ranging from $20-$25 bucks.  Not a bad deal, considering that it only about takes five minutes.  Before leaving the HOUSE OF HOOPS , stop and take a good look at the breathtaking, Patrick Ewing mosaic. This fabulous piece of artwork honors one of the leagues greatest players.

I personally think HOUSE OF HOOPS is an amazing, inspiring, and unique establishment.  It’s not just your ordinary sneaker shop, but a store with plenty of enjoyment centered around the theme of basketball. The staff is great and is willing to show you around. I encourage all basketball lovers to visit this place. You’ll have the time of your life and will not want to leave!