PORTLAND, OREGON – APRIL 01: JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans and Paige Bueckers #5 of the … [+]
Ahead of March Madness, Gatorade on Monday launched a new campaign called “The Take” spotlighting their college basketball roster athletes – Cooper Flagg, Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins.
The ad tells the story of how athletes use their “IT” to overcome the noise, hype and distractions to win in big moments.
Gatorade says it “knows how much athletes sacrifice to win, because as the world’s most superior sports drink, it’s been there, on the sidelines, fueling them through it all. That’s why the brand’s new campaign is celebrating the athletes and coaches giving it all to win.”
“This is my first Gatorade campaign since becoming a Gatorade athlete,” the said the 6-foot-9 Flagg, a Duke freshman who is the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. “I grew up watching the greats in iconic Gatorade commercials, and to now be in one myself alongside such talented athletes is surreal.”
Flagg suffered an ankle injury during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals that caused him to sit out Duke’s win in the semifinals and finals.
But he is expected back later this week. No. 1 Duke opens play Friday in the NCAA Tournament against either American or Mount Saint Mary’s in Raleigh, N.C. and then would play Sunday against Baylor or Mississippi State.
Watkins and USC are a No. 1 seed in the women’s bracket and will open play Saturday against No. 16 UNC-Greensboro.
Gatorade is also releasing a limited-edition Gatorade Squeeze Bottle in collaboration that embodies Watkins’ mantra “Without struggle, there is no progress,” underscoring her commitment to the game and drive to continue improving.
Buckers and UConn are a No. 2 seed and begin play Saturday against Arkansas State.
“Having been the first NIL athlete on the Gatorade roster, it’s extremely rewarding to look back at all we’ve accomplished together over the last few years,” Bueckers said. “Gatorade has fueled me throughout the highs and lows of my college career, and I’m excited to see what lies ahead for us in the future.”
