In 1994, Hakeem Olajuwon won the NBA title and Finals MVP, because Michael was trying out baseball with the Birmingham Barons. “Illmatic” and “Ready to Die”, arguable the two most iconic albums in Hip Hop history were released. There was the OJ Simpson chase and let’s never forget Rodney King, a victim of police brutality, who was finally awarded $3,800,000 compensation.
In the same year, Oakley introduced its very first 3D modelled sunglasses and named their baby “The Eye Jacket” and it was an instant game-changer. Together with Michael Jordan as their new poster boy, they changed the way we looked at sunglasses forever.
Nearly 30 years later, still iconic. So when Oakley dropped us a line about the re-release of the infamous shades, we were more than excited.
We are very honoured to re-imagine the Michael Jordan Eye Jacket campaign with our very own players of Berlin Braves 2000. We talked with them about MJ, their 90’s inspiration and their love for each other’s style. The Return of the Eye Jacket by yours truly the Berlin Braves.
Who are you?
Faris aka Faris the Ferocious. #9
Do you have any special skills:
Remembering lyrics.
Dame Dolla vs Blade – Who wins?
You have to choose:
Dame’s special powers or Blade’s– which obviously includes slowed ageing and immunity to vampire bites?
Blade all day, Dame ain’t bad but Blade is the real deal, watch the movies and you’ll know!
Favourite MJ moment and why?
The last shot. The game-winner against the Jazz to win his 6th championship. But tbh there are way too many so I just chose one that came to my mind.
Favourite 90’s movie?
White Men Can’t Jump.
Who is the Most Swaggy all-time NBA player: Kelly Oubre Jr. – Dennis Rodman or somebody else?
Rodman is one of my favourite players and definitely somebody who set the trend for all these outfits in the tunnel nowadays but Shai is already one of the best dressers ever in my opinion.
Who is the Most Swaggy of your team? And why?
David. He combines well and has a great shoe game.
Who looks best with the Eye jacket?
Easy, that’s me.
What does this team need to win it all?
We need a little more fight and grit in us.
One more dance – with who, why and on what song?
My girlfriend and obviously, Fallin in Luv by Lil Yachty and Gunna.
Who are you?
I’m Elias Groß, Point Guard/ Shooting Guard of the Berlin Braves. #35
No real aka’s, but my teammates often create some to joke with me, being the youngest player of the team.
What are you?
A Berlin native first of all. Growing up in the east of the city, I spent a long time with Alba before I went to the Berlin Braves last year.
What is the most 90’s basketball in your game?
I used to do Allen Iverson’s signature hesitation crossover a lot, might have to bring it back to my game.
What is your most modern signature move?
The Up and Under layup but it’s really a timeless move.
Favourite MJ Moment and why?
My favourite MJ moment is the one fast break where he steals the ball, saves it from out of bounds, gets it back and finishes it with a 360 layup around Bill Laimbeer. Such a well-timed play.
Who looks best with the Eye jacket?
Probably everyone! Such a great looking team!
Most swaggy NBA player of all time?
Can we all agree on Allen Iverson?
What does this BB2000 team need to win it all?
Continuation and positive energy on and off the court. The talent is there.
One more dance- with who, why and on what song?
I don’t know with who and when but it has to be an NBA Youngboy song for sure. Otherwise, it Make No Sense
Who are you?
My name is Jorge Roche aka “The Spaniard” aka “Joje” in Germany, and “Jorgito” in Spain #24
What are you?
I am happy to be a project manager here and I am also a proud Spaniard to play for Berlin Braves 2000.
What is the most 90’s basketball in your game?
Call me Jason Williams, baby! The passes, and the hustle.
What is your most modern signature move?
The “Jorgito’s between the legs” dime.
Favourite MJ Moment and why?
Most Stylish NBA player and teammate?
Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Simon Dube Paul
What does this BB2000 team need to win it all?
Play like we are in the ’90s. With real toughness and a passion to share the ball.
One more dance- with who why and on what song?
With all my friends, in a parking lot outside a disco somewhere on the coast of Spain, with the wonderful Flying Free playing!
Who are you?
My name is Bojan Tietz aka Big Bo aka Bojangles and I am a basketball player for the Berlin Braves 2000 Squad. I also study Sports management in Potsdam.
Any special skills?
I shoot 3’s and I can juggle 3 balls of any sort.
Dame Dolla vs Blade – Who wins?
This is a hard one but at the end of the day, you know what time it is. DAME TIME! And vampires do not really exist, you know or do they?
What is the most 90’s basketball in your game?
My competitiveness.
Favourite MJ moment and why?
“I’M BACK” The second 3 Peat. After “retirement”, playing baseball and coming back and winning 3 more is crazy.
Most Swaggy NBA player:
No question, it’s Dennis. You can’t compare him to anybody else. This guy had a different haircut like every game and wore whatever he wanted from a dress to a crop top.
Who is the Most Swaggy of the BB2000 team? And why?
Dube. Just look at him or his IG. He’s the model of the team and always comes to the games, like he is one of the NBA guys.
One more dance- with who why and on what song?
Well of course I gotta take my girlfriend. With the song Only you – Steve Monite Why? Because we couldn’t go dancing last year.
Who are you?
My name is Danny Borchers #7 aka Danny-Benny.
What are you?
Student of Business Administration and Engineering. Point Guard of the Berlin Braves 2000 Squad.
Favourite MJ moment and why?
The Flu Game, the brother was drunk and still balled out! lol
Most Swaggy NBA player:
Rodman, Obviously.
Who is the Most Swaggy of the BB2000 team? And why?
Faris, kick game – always 100!
What does this team need to win it all?
Trust each other and believe!
One more dance – with who, why and on what song?
With Kobe, closest to Michael’s game and such an iconic worker. Listening to J.Cole’s Farewell
Who are you?
A happy human being. I am called Thabo Paul aka ThabiBarbie or Bobo. #5
Dame Dolla vs Blade – Who wins?
Blade, by far. OG
What is the most 90’s basketball in your game?
Fouling.
What is your most modern signature move?
Flopping.
Favourite MJ moment and why?
Michael Jordans emotional breakdown after winning his first championship since his father’s death on Father’s day in 1996.
Who looks best with the Eye Jacket?
Probably, Faris.
Who is the Most Swaggy of the BB2000 team? And why?
Elias Groß, because he is wearing diamonds on his shirts like it’s the ’90s. And he brings a young and dynamic flavour to the team.
What does this team need to win it all?
Determination, focus and consistency.
One more dance – with who, why and on what song?
Flashmob with all my friends ’cause I’d have all significant people around me in one place to Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO
Who are you?
I am Simon Dube Paul but most people call me Dube. A Son, a brother, a father and a husband. #33
Do you have any special skills?
I can procrastinate really really well.
Dame Dolla vs Blade – Who wins?
You have to choose:
Dame Dolla special powers or Blades? Which obviously includes slowed ageing and immunity to vampire bites?
Blade all day, though I need to shout out Dame Time. He is a killer on the court and probably the best NBA “Rapper”.
As I model for a living I’d definitely go with Blade. Not ageing would come in clutch for my profession.
Favourite 90’s movie?
Watching Space Jam as a kid. The movie also made me fall in love with the sport. Even though I was a small kid, one could tell that he was special. Unfortunately, I never witnessed him playing Basketball.
Most Swaggy NBA player:
That’s a tough one! I’d say Rodman is the most iconic fashion influencer in NBA history. But in regards to “swaggy”, there are a couple of contenders. Kelly Oubre, Shai, Jordan Clarkson, PJ Tucker to name a few.
What is your most modern signature move?
“The Hesi” Hesitation move, freezing the defender by adjusting pace, faking a shot or change of speed
Who is the Most Swaggy of the BB2000 team? And why?
I have to say overall our team is the best dressed in the league. The “swaggiest” are probably Faris and Elias!
Who looks best with the Eye Jacket?
Hard to say. Not really, it’s probably me 😉
What does this team need to win it all?
Consistency and no injuries.
One more dance – with who, why and on what song?
One last dance with Kobe “Bean” Bryant, unparalleled work ethic and understanding of the game. No particular song as I’d rather have a conversation.
Who are you?
Roman Bedime aka Bedtime, forward of Berlin Braves 2000. #11
What is the most 90’s basketball in your game?
Probably my spin move but not sure if it’s a 90’s move.
What is your most modern signature move?
The AI Crossover.
Who is the Most Swaggy all-time NBA player: Kelly Oubre Jr. – Dennis Rodman or somebody else?
I would say, Russell Westbrook.
What does this team need to win it all?
A big man.
One more dance – with who, why and on what song?
LeBron James. Because he is my personal best player of all time but not sure yet which song yet.
Who are you?
David Feldmann aka Feldmoney. I play for the Braves and I am a shooting guard. #44
Do you have any special skills?
Shooting 3’s – Quick release.
Dame Dolla vs Blade – Who wins?
You know what time it is. Dame-Time! He is so clutch and can’t lose when the game is on the line. The guy has ice in his veins and shoots lights out from the logo.
What is the most 90’s basketball in your game?
Playing with my headband and being a pure shooter.
What does this team need to win it all?
Hard work, endurance and team spirit.
One more dance – with who, why and on what song?
One more dance with the Braves Family after winning the championship on Ye’s “Off The Grid”.
