Every basketball fan has dreams of getting up shots on their team's court and getting to know a franchise icon or two at some point.
Thanks to Michelob ULTRA's "Play Like a Pro" event, this writer was able to do both, hitting the court at Fiserv Forum with Brandon Jennings recently. The event revolved around a five-against-five game on the court the Milwaukee Bucks play on nightly. It was a wild ride from start to finish, with an ending that couldn't be described as anything other than thrilling.
Playing like a pro with Milwaukee Bucks icon Brandon Jennings
Prior to tip-off, this writer and Jennings had a one-on-one conversation, which included topics such as the recent rise of Bucks guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. Jennings, smiling from ear to ear, also highlighted his excitement to be a part of the "Play Like a Pro" festivities, where he would serve as the head coach for both teams.
"[I'm most excited about] giving fans the experience of a lifetime, being able to play on the Fiserv Forum court, where the Bucks won the championship. You get custom jerseys, you hear your name announced and you're getting coached by Brandon Jennings."
Once that session concluded, the teams were divided up. One unit donned Milwaukee's Association (white) Giannis Antetokounmpo jerseys, while the other wore Icon (green) Damian Lillard jerseys. This writer was on the green team. Player introductions were next in line, with everyone hearing their name called throughout the arena and getting the chance to run out of the tunnel.
After that, the game was off and running. It was a low-scoring first few minutes as everyone began to feel things out and get out the nerves, but after seeing a couple of shots fall, a switch flipped for all of the participants. With plenty of encouragement from Brandon Jennings on the sidelines, who even jokingly got into it with the referees, the intensity of things only continued to increase.
Defenses tightened up, shots started to fall, battles for boards down low ensued and there was even a handful of fouls called due to some surprising physicality. Things simply became more fun for all.
After the first half, the white team possessed a four-point advantage. Coach Jennings did his part to provide some motivation, delivering a pep talk to the green side before the second half as everyone tried to catch their breath. It worked, as the second half was undoubtedly one for the books.
The teams traded buckets throughout, and once it hit clutch time, it felt like something straight out of a playoff game with the intensity. After a 3-pointer and layup, the green team had the lead. A 2-point make on the other end tied things, giving the green side the ball with a chance to win in the closing seconds. Indeed, as the seconds lessened, an incredibly clutch green 2-pointer sealed the deal.
It was a thrilling experience to play at Fiserv Forum and something this writer will cherish forever.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.