NBA icon Allen Iverson drew a crowd of over 500 fans at a Perth streetwear shop meet-and-greet, with queues stretching hundreds of metres down the road. Some fans travelled from interstate to see the 50-year-old, who is in Perth for Hoopsfest at the invitation of the NBL.
Fans paid between $149 and $700 for photo opportunities and signed memorabilia. Goldie Thandi, who paid $350 for a photo and signed basketball, said Iverson complimented his outfit, calling it a 'dumbstruck moment'. Gus Green, a new fan, attended with a ticket from his mother and managed a quick photo despite being moved on quickly.
American NBL star Bryce Cotton, a five-time league MVP, also met Iverson. Cotton, who is the same height as Iverson, recalled being told he was 'too small' to play and how Iverson's success as the shortest number one NBA draft pick inspired him. He described the meeting as a 'full circle moment'.
Iverson advised Cotton to 'enjoy the moment' and not take it for granted, drawing on his own experience as an 11-time NBA All-Star and league MVP. The 50-year-old reflected on the impact Michael Jordan had on his career and the honour of influencing the next generation.
