Jordan Brand Explores the Link Between British Basketball and Its American Heroes
Looking at how Zion Williamson is influencing the sport on both sides of the Atlantic.
Jordan Brand has released a new documentary, telling the dual stories of Zion Williamson and the current state of basketball in Britain. Titled The Next Dance, the documentary has a particular focus on how British players are influenced by stars across the Atlantic, with Williamson’s rise to the top of the sport a particular inspiration for a generation of players.
Launching the project, director Laurence McKenna explained, “We wanted to create something that beautifully captured the current state of British basketball and the potential it has, couple that with Zion’s unique personality and story. Throughout we discovered the parallels between the two and how basketball, as a whole, can seek to inspire and motivate all across the world, no matter where you come from.”
On one side, The Next Dance charts Williamson’s rise, including the launch of his first signature sneaker aged just 20. Telling this story, Jordan Brand designers who worked with Williamson feature in the film, which also explores his role as one of the NBA’s most recognizable faces.
Alongside this, the documentary features several well-known faces from the UK basketball world, including the likes of Harry Pinero — who discusses the link between basketball and fashion — as well as London-born former professional basketball player Steve Bucknall and the London Lions’ Justin Robinson.
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