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For Likely No. 1, Star-Maker Machinery Already in High Gear
In the past month, Greg Oden has signed deals with Nike and Topps trading cards, with more currently being negotiated, all part of the process of creating the Greg Oden brand.
(Kevin P. Casey - AP)
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When Sanders first met Oden, Oden looked the part of the shy, inquisitive, honor roll student who never received anything less than a B in high school or at Ohio State. Oden wore a suit and spectacles, asked questions with genuine interest, peppered the conversation with "sirs," and opened the door for everyone.
He figured he had a polite kid, but selling him to the masses might be a challenge. Over time, Oden opened up to Sanders and revealed a more playful and jovial side, constantly flashing his gap-toothed smile. Then, Sanders thought he had struck marketing gold last month, when Oden was in Portland to sign his first endorsement deal with Topps. The deal is worth a reported $3 million over three years and gives Topps exclusive rights to his autographed apparel and Oden's Web site, Eric Liebler, manager of sports licensing for Topps, said.
"I remember saying to anyone that would listen is that the NBA is really going to miss Shaq. I just thought that charming, light-hearted, fun-loving personality really meant a lot to the league. I don't think there is going to be a void anymore. I'm not saying that because Greg is a center. I'm saying that because Greg has that personality. He's one of the most charming, funny, likable people I've met and it's our job to get that across."
Sanders said there are no plans for Oden to follow O'Neal's path and do "Kazaam II," but he added that they will take him to a movie set in case he ever plans to go Hollywood. That time isn't now, Oden said.
"My face isn't made for movies," Oden said. "So I'll probably do the cartoon route -- 'Shrek 5,' holla at me. I'm ready for it."
Oden has been surrounded by attention since his sophomore year in high school, when he was already dubbed the next great big man. But less than three months after leading Ohio State to the national title game, Oden is looking forward to what got him here.
"Just get back to basketball. I want to do stuff before stuff is given to me," Oden said. "I haven't played a game yet, so why is stuff being given to me? Really. Maybe three or four years, if I can win a NBA championship, make the all-star team and playoffs and feel like I deserve some of this stuff. But I feel good that I've got [the endorsement deals]. Don't play me wrong."
And what does he plan to do when this week is over? "See 'Transformers,' " Oden said with a laugh.
