Sue Bird.Photo: Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty
Twenty-five years of basketball icons now have the gear to highlight their GOAT status.
The WNBA honored its top 25 players in honor of its milestone season during Game 1 of the league’s Finals on Sunday. The ceremony happened as the Chicago Sky took on the Phoenix Mercury, with the former ultimately victorious, 91-77.
After the first quarter, athletes including Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart were honored with custom letterman-style jackets, all of which featured patches highlighting their careers.
Sue Bird and Cathy Engelbert.Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty
What was the design process like for the patches?
Fast! I didn’t have much time if we had a chance of getting into production — so I tried to attack it pragmatically. What can I get done at the highest quality that will best show my team’s skill and honor the recipients most? What you see is where we ended up.
Breanna Stewart’s jacket.Steven Freeman/WNBA
Sue Bird’s jacket.Steven Freeman/WNBA
How did you draw inspiration from each player?
How did you focus your art on telling a story of the honored athlete?
What impresses you the most about these athletes?
Steven Freeman/WNBA
Do you have a favorite patch you designed?
I love the custom player patches — Tina Thompson specifically, I just think the red lipstick is so iconic. I also love the oversized chenille lady on the front. I think it is so fun and nostalgic, and I haven’t really seen that done before.
The 2021 WNBA Finals continue on Wednesday in Phoenix.
source: people.com
