Foot Locker nets campaign with budding NBA star

It doesn't really matter whether shoppers are familiar with hoops star Emmanuel Mudiay yet, because Foot Locker is launching a campaign that explains everything.

The specialty athletic retailer has launched a YouTube video campaign called "Life Changes After the Draft" – a series of four, 15-second commercials with Under Armour featuring top-NBA Draft prospect Emmanuel Mudiay.

"The NBA Draft represents a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we're excited to partner with Under Armour and Emmanuel Mudiay on this campaign," said Stacy Cunningham, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Foot Locker. "As we did with last year's campaign, we are bringing some light-hearted fun to the Draft with Emmanuel wittily demonstrating how different life is before and after the Draft."

The latest ads are part of Foot Locker's successful "Approved" marketing platform and comically examine Mudiay in real life situations before and after the Draft. Mudiay is featured throughout the series of spots sporting custom Under Armour player-edition ClutchFit Drive Low sneakers.

"My journey has been defined by life-changing moments and without a doubt my NBA Draft experience will forever change my story," said Mudiay. "Being a part of Foot Locker's 'Life Changes After the Draft' campaign is something I'll remember as a special part of this experience, and it's exciting to know people will have an opportunity to see a fun side of my off-court life."

In "Gift," Mudiay gives his mother a fruit bouquet for her birthday. A year later, after the Draft, he gives her a new home.

Before the Draft in "Brother," Mudiay introduces his brother simply as, "J-Mike," and after the Draft as his "brand manager and head of business development."

In "Name Drop," Mudiay hears typical rap lyrics, but after the Draft, the lyrics intone, "…just got back from overseas like Emmanuel Mudiay."

In "Magazine," Mudiay gets his latest issue of SLAM in the mail with Stephen Curry on the cover, and after the Draft, Mudiay graces the SLAM cover.

Each of the four spots will debut digitally on Foot Locker's YouTube channel and will be featured on NBA.com on Tuesday, June 23. The spots will make their television debut on ESPN during the first round of the NBA Draft presented by State Farm® on June 25.

Foot Locker Inc. is a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,500 stores in 23 countries.