06.27.2019

Beijing, For The Culture

The Whole SqUAd Shows Out in Beijing

Beijing is one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, a bustling urban center with a vibrant culture to match the massive population. Over the past few years, basketball and sneaker culture have quickly become mainstream, both in contrast and blending with the ancient cultural institutions of Beijing - the perfect setting to unite the UA Basketball sqUAd on the 2019 UA Basketball Asia Tour. 

 

Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Dennis Smith Jr. and Mo Bamba joined in China’s capital, first dropping in on the Under Armour Brand House in Wangfujing, the Dongcheng district of Beijing. The theme of the evening was all things Chinese art and culture. Four local artists had been on location all week customizing UA basketball footwear for fans, and on-site with the players, they presented special customized pairs of the Curry 6 Roaracle colorway for Stephen and the HOVR Havoc II for Joel, Dennis and Mo. The players also learned the traditional culture of Tang Hua, art created by molten sugar, and Mo practiced his hand with the creation of a Tang Hua basketball.

 

Later on in Beijing, Dennis and Mo went where they’re most comfortable - to the court. The players popped up at Chao Yang Park, a public court in the Chao Yang area of Beijing, and joined a pickup game with some young local players. Dennis threw down some monster dunks and before departing, Mo thanked the players with pairs of the new UA HOVR Havoc II basketball shoe. 

 

Before taking off for Shanghai, Joel and Mo visited the Great Wall of China -  among the most iconic structures in the world and an engineering marvel hundreds of years before its time. A symbol of strength and protection for the people of China and around the world, the Great Wall made the perfect spot for two of the most menacing rim protectors in the world to make a visit. Joel and Mo joined team UA on a sightseeing tour of the wall to admire the architectural phenomenon and learn more about its significance in Chinese history. To complete the trip, both enjoyed a fun ride back down to the bottom of the trail via the Great Wall Slide,  zig-zagging down the mountain with spectacular views of the Great Wall.