Apharrel
Years ago
Can we talk about "First Ever"
Firstly, it's a horrible name for a brand.
Secondly, the premise makes sense. NBL produces their own apparel which they can then use to make apparel for their 3 on 3 stuff etc.
Thirdly, the execution is shit.
It's the same material jerseys as previous years with the "First Ever" logo on it instead of Mitchell & Ness. There's literally nothing special about it.
The designs, we can talk about that on Monday. But the Breakers 18/19 jersey looks average. Again, the idea is right, but the execution is shit. Sponsor logos on shoulders are too large. Bumper sticker sponsor logo is too low. No integration with any of the design elements. They've incorporated tribal insignia, which is nice, but again, nothing new.
Options for branding - like I mentioned, the theory behind 'First Ever' is admirable. But surely the league being sponsored by one of the major sport brands (Nike/Jordan Brand, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma) would add more credibility to the league.
And I wonder if Nike approached the league and said "we want to sponsor the league" how quickly will we never hear of First Ever again?
In my opinion, it just feels cheap that the league is making a big deal out of 'First Ever' when really, it's just an entity organising apparel production produced by the same manufacturers that have produced NBL jerseys for the last few seasons.
As many of us would agree, the NBL jersey design and branding has been one of the league's weakest and poorly executed points for the last five years. I'm hoping they get it right this year, but the Breakers jersey reveal doesn't leave me with much optimism.
First Ever also produced some of the Team Australia apparel form earlier this year. Again this stuff was average at best. The neck lines on the training jerseys were terrible.
TL;DR - First Ever is just a front to get LK jr some experience on his CV. Apparel is the same quality and manufactured by the same companies as before and designs haven't improved.
