Why I'm Dropping an LA-Inspired Piece (Even as a SD Native)

🏀HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF—TYRESE HALIBURTON CHANNELS REGGIE IN MSG CLASSIC:

So here it is—y’all been asking me:

“Why you always dropping LA/Dodger inspired stuff?”

And honestly, it’s a fair question. So I figured this was the perfect time to share a little backstory, especially as we get ready to drop our Exclusive 8th Wonder Twill Pullover, inspired by the Kobe 6 ‘Dodgers’ colorway and fused with our iconic 8th Wonder design.
Let’s rewind real quick.

I was born in Okinawa, Japan in 1992, and came to the States at about two months old. We landed in San Diego—home base ever since. Fun fact (and kind of a wild one): I was and was not a US Citizen my whole life.. Whole story behind that... but we’ll save it for another time.

Growing up, my family were ride-or-die Laker fans. Around 1999–2000, I started tuning in, and boom—Kobe & Shaq. Game changers. Legends. That’s where my love for hoops really started. From that point on, basketball wasn’t just a sport—it became a passion, a culture, and eventually, the reason I started creating.
Now when it comes to baseball... I’m Padres all day. San Diego runs deep in my blood. From Tatis to Machado to Merrill—we got the squad. But I gotta be real with y’all: when Shohei Ohtani hit the scene, that man brought a whole different energy. We’re witnessing greatness in real time. Ohtani is something we’ve never seen before.

And maybe I’ve never truly lived in Japan, but I’ve always felt that pull—whether it’s anime, tattoos, art, food, or the deep culture. That connection’s always been there, always been part of me.

So yeah, maybe on paper it doesn’t make sense for a San Diego native to drop something drenched in Dodger blue and Laker gold—but for me, it’s bigger than rivalry. It’s about inspiration, identity, and respect. I create based on what speaks to me. Who I admire. What I grew up watching. What we all bond over in this space we call streetwear meets sports culture.

This upcoming 8th Wonder Twill Pullover is a tribute to all of that:
 • The timeless hustle and style of Kobe Bryant
 • The legendary energy of Laker Nation
 • The historic weight of Dodger blue
 • And yeah, I got y’all SD homies—there’s a little Pads love sprinkled in too.

At the end of the day, I just want to keep making cool sh*t that feels real. That’s what The Hoopery has always been about. And this drop? It’s special. It’s personal. It’s for the culture.

Stay tuned—we’re almost there.
And as always, much love for rockin' with us through the journey. 🏁

— Jeremiah Antonio
Founder, The Hoopery