Panini Blog
Panini Blog
With a simple 14-word Tweet that included a hash tag heard ’round the world, the incomparable Kobe Bryant uncorked his newest nickname. The meaning-filled moniker, “Vino,” was given to Bryant by a mystery friend to imply that Bryant, like fine wine, is only getting better with age.
As a result, so is 2012-13 National Treasures Basketball.
Omg . My man just gave me a new nickname and I love it! Ha #vino
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 1, 2013
Earlier this week, Panini America’s Brian Bayne sat down with Bryant for a 2012-13 National Treasures Basketball signing session. In the process, the duo ended up making hobby history. Among the stunning array of cards Bryant signed were 49 Notable Nicknames. Bryant signed some with his familiar “Black Mamba” inscription. On the others, and at the urging of Bayne, he inscribed the new nickname, “Vino,” for the first time ever.
The handcrafted history-makers will provide 2012-13 National Treasures Basketball with yet more stunning inclusions when the product releases July 31. In the gallery below, we showcase Bryant’s Notable Nicknames, along with the jaw-dropping array of other cards Bryant signed earlier this week.
Enjoy, and stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for continued coverage of 2012-13 National Treasures Basketball.
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