



Downtown Toronto, at the Footlocker just mere steps away from the Eaton’s Centre, Toronto Raptors guard Greivis Vasquez launched his first signature shoe with Under Armour called “The North Six”.

Vasquez, whose game is built on heaps of bravado claimed that the shoes’ sleek look helped give him a level of self belief. “You try to bring some swag, some confidence, the shoes look like confidence”.

Apart from their appearance, Vasquez also praised the shoes’ minimal structure and it’s effect on his comfort while playing. He says that while most of his NBA counterparts like to wear high tops while playing, Vasquez says the low-tops allow for greater movement and flexibility of his ankles on the court. He also gave great praise to the new CLUTCHFIT technology that the shoe possesses which adapts to players’ feet for a better fit.

Vasquez has been wearing Under Armour shoes ever since his days playing for the University of Maryland. Vasquez referred to the brand as being an underdog brand in the world of basketball and that its a perfect fit with the culture of Toronto Raptors basketball. Vasquez is also ‘very superstitious’ about his kicks, claiming that he dropped 22 points against the Chicago Bulls the first time he wore his signature shoes,

The special guests for the afternoon were young players from the Canada Elite basketball program. A select few of the kids were able to ask Vasquez questions. After the first question dealt with Vasquez’s decision to stay at Maryland after his junior year, the conversation would naturally shift to the importance of education. Vasquez, who received a degree in communications stressed that his basketball career is finite, and it’s important for him to be able to have a job after his basketball career is over.

The second question would take a more lighthearted feel, as the second child asked the 6’6 guard what his pre-game ritual is. He revealed that he always eats a plate of pasta (better be Primo!), napping, and listening to his eclectic playlist of music.

The final question would bring the conversation to his character as he was asked what his greatest challenge as NBA player has been. His answer was not a singular moment but rather a constant struggle to prove himself and to carry himself with toughness on and off the court. “My whole career has been tough. It’s tough when you have to guard Kyle Lowry in practice or Russell Westbrook.But it’s also tough if you have to leave your country when you’re 17 years old without speaking any English. In 11 years I haven’t spent Christmas with my entire family.”

The shoe was also made available in Baltimore at the Under Armour East Brand House.