User:Magesis/Hops
Hops Sportswear Ltd
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Hops Sportswear Ltd, also known as Hops, is a privately owned sport shoe and apparel supplier based in Melbourne, Australia. The brand’s main focus is basketball and the development of basketball performance shoes but it is also engaged in other sports closely related to basketball in terms of movement and performance.[1] The company is currently marketing its products exclusively over the internet or via sport and basketball clubs it has entered partnerships with.
History
[edit]The Hops brand was first launched in Australia in 2007 after a two year development period. It has its roots in New Zealand, where the company’s founder and CEO, Matt Kaipuke, used to play as a point guard in the National Basketball League.[1] Its product’s design originates in Italy and was created by Pietro Pellicelli, Kicksguide artist of the year in 2005, who still is the company’s chief designer today.[1]
Products
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Hops Sportswear has developed the Hops basketball performance shoe which it offers in a low cut as well as a mid cut version. The company has developed and patented its own technology named Medial Wing, which is integrated in all Hops basketball shoes. This technology causes an outrigger effect under the plantar arc that enhances support and traction under the medial area so that lateral movements are improved.[1]
Partnerships
[edit]The company has developed partnerships with several sport and basketball clubs throughout Australia. In Victoria it has partnerships with Sunbury Jets, Sandringham Sabres, Hawthorn Magic, Chelsea Gulls, Coburg Giants, Broadmeadows Broncos, Craigieburn Eagles, Mckinnon Cougars, Western Port Steelers, Sherbrooke Suns and Parkdale Pacers.[1] In South Australia it has partnerships with Sturt Sabres, West Adelaide Bearcats, Norwood Flames, Central District Lions, Forrestville Eagles and Woodville Warriors.[1] In New South Wales it has partnerships with Parramatta Wildcats, Gosford City Basketball, Coffs Harbour Basketball Association, Illawarra Basketball, Hills Hornets, Hornsby Basketball, Sutherland Sharks and Maitland Basketball Association.[1] In Queensland it has partnerships with Gold Coast Waves and Runaway Bay Basketball Association.[1] Hops Sportswear has also partnered with several professional basketball players including Chand Wickran aka Area 51 an Australian streetball legend and member of TeamFlightBrothers.[2]