Pelicans Scoop

NOLA Artist Kendal Banks Gifts Zion Williamson Some New Gear

Zion Williamson got more than just a new bucket hat in a chance meeting with New Orleans artist Kendal Banks.

Chris Dodson

NOLA Artist Kendal Banks Gifts Zion Williamson Some New Gear
NOLA Artist Kendal Banks Gifts Zion Williamson Some New Gear /
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NEW ORLEANS- There are two big questions hanging over the New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson this offseason. How is he feeling about the city? Is he motivated? Well, thanks to a chance run-in with local musician, fashion designer, and artist Kendal Banks, fans have gotten a bit of an answer.

While most players are on some globetrotting vacations, Williamson ran into Banks in New Orleans. Yea, Zion is still in the city and looking a slim summer svelte, which says a lot. He also “hasn’t had a bucket in a minute.”

Banks, whose fits can be found at the Loyalty Club on Fulton Street in New Orleans and online at inNOLAwetrust.us, fixed that problem. Williamson gave the patented “Yessir!” when given an Only For The Motivated shirt and bucket hat. The two-time NBA All-Star added with some elongated ‘o’s, “And it fit! We good!” after trying on the gear.

Banks getting the merch into Williamson’s hands was a chance encounter. The Money Counter hit-maker said the meeting was, “It was crazy and random. I had just picked up the hats and was meeting my business partner at the gas station...We had an event going on that night and I just happened to have all the stuff in my trunk. It just goes to show some stuff is supposed to happen. My partner didn't feel like meeting up with me.”

"We pulled up at the same time...I was going into the store, looking to my left, and I see Zion taking a pic with a little kid. I said that's crazy and just went on in the store. I didn't even really press it. By the time I came out of the store, he was still out there so when I was walking past I asked 'What size tee you wear?' He said two-X! Two-X! I said bet!" Banks explained.

"You got it on you?" Williamson asked.

"I got you" Banks replied as he grabbed a couple of shirts out the trunk. "I kinda forgot I had the bucket hats on me but when he saw the bucket he lost his mind."

Brandon Ingram Zion Williamson
Apr 26, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) is congratulated by forward Brandon Ingram (14) after making a three point basket against LA Clippers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The meeting was just another message to keep working. Banks said of being an artist from New Orleans, "The whole thing about my music, you supposed to hear my music and feel like you can go through whatever it is you put your mind to."

As for what’s next? Well, Williamson is still working out every day with an eye toward next season. Banks has an album and a new spring/summer collection dropping soon. The hope is to have a few more players decked out in local designer gear once training camp rolls around.

Fans will likely be seeing and hearing more of Banks in the coming months. The Pelicans have expanded their investment into local artists and in-game entertainment. I would not bet against hearing Money Counter in the Smoothie King Center next season.

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Chris Dodson
CHRIS DODSON

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