Latest news with #SeattleSuperSonics
Forbes
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Jay Ellis And Rabbit Hole Blend Whiskey And Art In New Collaboration
Jay Ellis drinking a cocktail with Rabbit Hole in it. For actor and producer Jay Ellis, whiskey has always been more than a drink. 'It reminds me to savor the moments we have with people,' said the actor known for his roles in Insecure and Top Gun: Maverick. 'So much of it, for me, happens around connection — with friends, family, people I work with.' That ethos of presence, creativity, and storytelling now lives in a bottle, thanks to a new limited-edition single barrel release that is a collaboration between Ellis and Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian. A Meeting of Minds—and Palates The collaboration began with a conversation. Zamanian, a former psychologist turned whiskey entrepreneur, had heard about Ellis's love for bourbon and his passion for storytelling. The two met in Park City, Utah, during the Sundance Film Festival, where Zamanian brought a selection of samples for Ellis to taste. 'We sat and tasted through different options,' Zamanian recalled. 'It was a really collaborative, fun process. We talked about what stood out, what felt distinct. Jay has a great palate and a clear creative vision.' The final selection? A single barrel selection of Dareinger, a riff on a core Rabbit Hole offering that is a wheated bourbon finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks—rich, smooth, and layered. 'You can have it neat or in a cocktail. It's got depth and balance.' Dareringer Single Barrel Pick with Jay Ellis. The Bottle as a Canvas The bottle's design is just as intentional. Created by South Korean fashion illustrator Kasiq Jungwoo Lee, the label features a modern reinterpretation of Lewis Carroll's White Rabbit—complete with a skateboard and an Apple Watch. 'The skateboard came from my daughter,' Ellis said with a laugh. 'She kept asking for one, and my parents finally gave in. So when I saw that detail, it just clicked.' Other elements are persona to Ellis: the green in the rabbit's jacket is Ellis's favorite color, and the green-and-yellow palette nods to his childhood love of the Seattle SuperSonics. The watch, he said, is a symbol of time—how we spend it, and who we spend it with. 'It was a really cool process,' he said. 'They let me have an imprint—my own expression—through the artist. That doesn't happen often with brand collaborations.' Rabbit Hole Distillery Whiskey as Storytelling For Zamanian, openness to creative input is part of Rabbit Hole's DNA. Since founding the distillery in Louisville in 2012, he's made it a mission to challenge convention—not just in whiskey-making, but in how the industry presents itself. 'I wanted to make manufacturing look attractive,' he said during a recent tour of the Rabbit Hole facility. 'We designed the distillery to be transparent, beautiful, and educational. Every step of the process is visible.' That philosophy extends to the brand's core releases, each of which is named with intention and rooted in local history or personal meaning:Cavehill, a four-grain triple malt bourbon, pays homage to generations of Louisville distillers and the historic Cave Hill Cemetery, where many of bourbon's pioneers are a high-rye bourbon, honors Christian Heigold, a German immigrant and stonemason who settled in Louisville after the Civil War and carved patriotic symbols into his home as a response to anti-immigrant a sour mash rye, celebrates Louisville's rich boxing heritage and the city's legacy of turning local talent into world a sherry-cask finished bourbon, is a tribute to Zamanian's wife—'the daring ringer' who inspired him to take the leap into whiskey-making. 'Every name tells a story,' Zamanian said. 'It's not just about drinking—it's about connection, about learning something new.' Zamanian is known for telling lesser-known stories in whiskey. He's also behind Mary Dowling Whiskey, named after an unsung historic female distiller, and co-authored a book about her. One of the most striking features of the distillery, where both Rabbit Hole and Mary Dowling is made, is a commissioned art piece by Brooklyn-born artist Jeremy Dean. Created in response to Executive Order 13769, which banned travel from several Muslim-majority countries, the piece weaves together threads from the U.S. flag and the flags of the banned nations. It's a quiet but powerful statement about inclusion and identity. 'We don't preach,' Zamanian said. 'We live by example. Art is one way we express our values.' Jay Ellis, Kaveh Zamanian Supporting the Next Generation That commitment to creativity and community is also what drew Ellis to the partnership. Through his short film program, Intrinsic, Ellis supports emerging filmmakers by funding and mentoring their first projects. Rabbit Hole is now contributing to that mission by donating camera equipment and offering additional support to selected filmmakers. 'There are so many barriers for young artists,' Ellis said. 'If you can help open one door, that can change everything.' Zamanian agreed. 'We started sponsoring Sundance because we believe in that ecosystem—of discovery, of giving people a shot. This partnership with Jay is a natural extension of that.' A Shared Vision Both Ellis and Zamanian are outsiders who found their way into traditional industries—Hollywood and Kentucky bourbon, respectively—and brought fresh perspectives with them. Their collaboration is a testament to what can happen when creativity, intention, and craft come together. 'This isn't just about whiskey,' Zamanian said. 'It's about creating something meaningful.' Ellis echoed the sentiment. 'It's personal. It's about savoring the moment, telling stories, and building something that lasts.' The collaboration ($125) is available at Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky for a limited time.
Washington Post
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Lenny Wilkens has statue unveiled outside Seattle arena where he led SuperSonics to NBA title
SEATTLE — Lenny Wilkens couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he gazed at a bronze statue of himself at the site of his greatest coaching triumph. On Saturday, the former Seattle SuperSonics player and coach became the first person to have a statue unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena. Wilkens led the Sonics to the 1979 NBA title. But the 6-foot, 700-pound statue, sculpted by Chicago-based Lou Cella, depicts Wilkens as a player. Cella also produced statues of University of Washington football coach Don James and Seattle Mariners greats Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez.
Al Arabiya
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Lenny Wilkens has statue unveiled outside Seattle arena where he led SuperSonics to NBA title
Lenny Wilkens couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he gazed at a bronze statue of himself at the site of his greatest coaching triumph. On Saturday, the former Seattle SuperSonics player and coach became the first person to have a statue unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena. Wilkens led the Sonics to the 1979 NBA title. But the 6-foot, 700-pound statue sculpted by Chicago-based Lou Cella depicts Wilkens as a player. Cella also produced statues of University of Washington football coach Don James and Seattle Mariners greats Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez. 'I've been blessed,' the 87-year-old Wilkens said. 'I'll be the first to tell you.' For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. A point guard, Wilkens played 15 NBA seasons, including four for Seattle, and was a nine-time All-Star. He averaged 16.7 points and 6.5 assists. Climate Pledge Arena, home to the WNBA's Seattle Storm and NHL's Seattle Kraken, has never hosted an NBA game in its current incarnation. Known as KeyArena when the Sonics played there, it reopened in 2021 after a $1.15 billion renovation. The Sonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 and became the Thunder; that franchise won the NBA title this month. Wilkens' statue won't stand alone for long. Longtime Storm point guard and four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird will have a statue unveiled outside the arena on Aug. 17. 'Lenny Wilkens' legacy in this city is undeniable – he helped lay the foundation for Seattle's deep love of the game. Both Lenny and Sue have brought home championships, inspired generations and helped shape Seattle into the incredible basketball city that it is today,' Storm president and CEO Alisha Valavanis said in a statement. 'The Storm are honored to be part of this monumental moment for Lenny, and we can't wait to celebrate Sue and all that she's meant to our city when we unveil her statue later this summer.' Wilkens, a three-time inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, was joined by SuperSonics greats including Spencer Haywood, Jack Sikma, Detlef Schrempf, Nate McMillan, and coach George Karl. McMillan said Wilkens' impact on the Sonics was similar to that of Jerry West on the Los Angeles Lakers and Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls. Wilkens is third in career wins by an NBA coach at 1,332, trailing only Gregg Popovich and Don Nelson. 'He's one of the greatest leaders the NBA has ever seen,' McMillan said.
Associated Press
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Lenny Wilkens has statue unveiled outside Seattle arena where he led SuperSonics to NBA title
SEATTLE (AP) — Lenny Wilkens couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he gazed at a bronze statue of himself at the site of his greatest coaching triumph. On Saturday, the former Seattle SuperSonics player and coach became the first person to have a statue unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena. Wilkens led the Sonics to the 1979 NBA title. But the 6-foot, 700-pound statue, sculpted by Chicago-based Lou Cella, depicts Wilkens as a player. Cella also produced statues of University of Washington football coach Don James and Seattle Mariners greats Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez. 'I've been blessed,' the 87-year-old Wilkens said. 'I'll be the first to tell you.' A point guard, Wilkens played 15 NBA seasons, including four for Seattle, and was a nine-time All-Star. He averaged 16.7 points and 6.5 assists. Climate Pledge Arena, home to the WNBA's Seattle Storm and NHL's Seattle Kraken, has never hosted an NBA game in its current incarnation. Known as KeyArena when the Sonics played there, it reopened in 2021 after a $1.15 billion renovation. The Sonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 and became the Thunder; that franchise won the NBA title this month. Wilkens' statue won't stand alone for long. Longtime Storm point guard and four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird will have a statue unveiled outside the arena on Aug. 17. 'Lenny Wilkens' legacy in this city is undeniable — he helped lay the foundation for Seattle's deep love of the game. Both Lenny and Sue have brought home championships, inspired generations and helped shape Seattle into the incredible basketball city that it is today,' Storm president and CEO Alisha Valavanis said in a statement. 'The Storm are honored to be part of this monumental moment for Lenny, and we can't wait to celebrate Sue and all that she's meant to our city when we unveil her statue later this summer.' Wilkens, a three-time inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, was joined by SuperSonics greats including Spencer Haywood, Jack Sikma, Detlef Schrempf, Nate McMillan and coach George Karl. McMillan said Wilkens' impact on the Sonics was similar to that of Jerry West on the Los Angeles Lakers and Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls. Wilkens is third in career wins by an NBA coach at 1,332, trailing only Gregg Popovich and Don Nelson. 'He's one of the greatest leaders the NBA has ever seen,' McMillan said. ___ AP NBA:
Miami Herald
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Thunder win in Game 7 draws highest NBA Finals viewership in 6 years
An otherwise mediocre NBA Finals in terms of viewership put on a historic show on Sunday thanks to Game 7. As the Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-91 to claim the franchise's first title since winning as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979, Game 7 drew an average of 16.353 million viewers on ABC and ESPN+, peaking at 19.281 million in the 15 minutes leading up to 10 p.m. ET. The result: Sunday's Game 7 becomes the most-watched NBA Finals contest since Game 6 of the 2019 Finals between Golden State and Toronto, which attracted 18.3 million viewers. Overall, the 2025 installment averaged 10.266 million viewers, which is down from 11.3 million in last year's five-game series between Boston and Dallas. Market size could certainly have played a factor, considering Indianapolis stands as the 25th-largest media market in the country while Oklahoma City ranks 47th. According to ESPN, the entire 2025 playoffs aired on its network and ABC averaged 6.118 million viewers across 34 games, reflecting a 10 percent increase from a year ago. Field Level Media 2023 - All Rights Reserved
