APPLY YOURSELF: Allen Iverson and Reebok surprised Bethel High School’s class of 2021 Wednesday morning with news that the costs of their college applications would be covered.
The 44-year-old former NBAer informed the incoming senior class at his alma mater in Hampton, Va., via video. Free sneakers were also part of the deal for the students. Before his 14 seasons of playing pro basketball and two years at Georgetown University, Iverson was a promising high school player, and the NBA’s number-one draft pick in 1996.
The Virginia school won’t be the only beneficiary from the pro-college initiative. Reebok will also cover application fees for select students in the U.S., who apply online by explaining in 200 words or less how the coverage of their college applications “will enable them to reach their full potential and aspirations.” As brands in all sectors and sizes are trying to connect with consumers beyond purchases, Reebok appears to be zeroing in on an important point in many high schoolers’ lives. The arrangement also lends itself to consumer data acquisition.
Of course, there are new products in the mix, too. Reebok touted the new Origins Pack Wednesday which features reimagined versions of Iverson’s classic Iverson silhouettes like the
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