Four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson, along with Golden State Warriors teammate Kevon Looney, made a quick visit to Manila as part of the ANTA Squad Asia Tour 2023.
The duo graced ANTA’s Shock the Game tournament finals and unveiled the KT9, the latest release from Thompson’s signature shoe line.
When asked about their inaugural visit to the Philippines, the Warriors stars had nothing but good things to say about the country and the fans.
“It’s cool to be in a place where basketball is everybody’s first love,” Thompson said.
Looney chimed in and said that from the moment they got here, it has been “great so far” and that he’s excited to “try out the great food and see more basketball.”
Integrating Klay’s love for the open waters
ANTA slowly continues to become popular across the globe, and Thompson’s legacy couldn’t be more profound in the KT8. The designers of ANTA made sure that Thompson’s on-court confidence and fierce demeanor were seen even in the smallest details of his shoes. The KT8 has gained a lot of traction among young athletes, easily blending in the style and functionality much needed by Filipino ball players.
Now, with the new K9, ANTA decided to take it up a notch.
Thompson’s new shoe, which boasts an improved design to provide a more stable performance, was launched in a colorway that takes inspiration from his passion for boats and the open waters.
“This shoe is for Klay — a shoe for the best shooters. That’s our ambition [here in ANTA],” ANTA General Manager Ben Tsai shared.
Other colorways expected to come out are “Phantom of the Bay,” “Water Rhythm,” “Captain’s Log,” “Heavy Machinery,” “Opening Night,” and “Golden State Mist.”
During their press event, Looney, meanwhile, was sporting the ANTA KT9 Looney PE which was dressed in black, yellow, and green, a colorway that pays homage to the significant milestones of his basketball career.
Thompson with lofty personal goals
For some, the launch of Thompson’s new shoe can be indicative of his foreseeable performance in the upcoming NBA season. Throughout his 12-year tenure with Golden State, he has won four rings with the Warriors.
After tearing his ACL in 2019, Thompson initially struggled to regain his shooting consistency. But in the upcoming season, he is looking to return to the All-Star form he was in before he got hurt.
“This season is important to me, especially with the month ahead. After three years [since the injury], I’m excited to return again hopefully with a championship-ready form,” Thompson expressed.
“I’m also excited to return to the All-Star Game, one of the most exciting avenues for basketball aside from the World Cup Finals and Olympic Finals. Those are just huge goals of mine.”
