Happy 21st birthday, Anthony Davis!
Today, former Kentucky Wildcats star Anthony Davis turns 21. The big boy is legal now. Here's the press release, compliments of Red Bull:
NEW ORLEANS, March 11, 2014 – In a celebration that spanned two days, Anthony Davis’ 21st birthday party started on the evening before with dinner at New Orleans steakhouse Desi Vega’s, alongside family, friends and teammates, and continued on past the 12:01 am mark to commemorate a memorable rite of passage.
Special guests in attendance included Summer and Winter Olympic athlete Lolo Jones; New Orleans Pelicans co-captain Eric Gordon and New Orleans Pelicans team; and Congressman Cedric Richmond, among others.
"It was so special and humbling to have the important people in my life celebrate my 21st with me," said Anthony Davis. "New Orleans and Red Bull were amazing hosts in giving me a party I’ll never forget."
After dinner, Anthony joined his family, friends and fans at Walk-Ons, a popular sports hangout in the city. As the clock struck midnight, Davis and his twin sister, Antoinette, shared a moment blowing out candles on cakes specially designed by Executive Chef Tariq Hanna of Sucré bakery studio. Anthony’s cake was crafted into the shape of a basketball, inspired by his passion and career. Antoinette’s cake sported a classic box-style pink present with a bow.
In a fun twist, Pelicans teammate Jeff Withey was given his own rookie rite of passage by singing a solo Happy Birthday rendition to Anthony. The celebration continued with New Orleans hip-hop bounce artist 5th Ward Weebie delivering a more melodious happy birthday song to Anthony and performing his track "Let Me Find Out." Also performing for Anthony’s birthday was rapper Spenzo, who flew out from Anthony’s hometown of Chicago along with some of Anthony’s childhood friends. Spenzo jumped on the mic with local DJ Mike Swift of Power 102.9 spinning for the night. Other guest at the party included Big Boy Records artist, DJ Slab1 of Q93.3 and 610 Stompers.
During the party, local artists Lionel Milton and Ceaux Young completed live paintings inspired by the Pelicans and Anthony Davis himself. Milton painted a portrait of Anthony Davis, while Young brushed an image of a pelican taking it to the hoop, inspired by Davis’ arsenal on the court. The paintings at the end of the night were presented to Anthony as gifts.
I know we all sometimes think what it would have been like to have this guy for one or two more years at Kentucky. It's a sure bet if we had, we wouldn't be anywhere near the 21 losses we've suffered over the last two seasons. Alas, as John Greenleaf Whittier said, "Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been."
But no sadness for A.D. Check out that cake, with his number on it and all, and Davis all in his hipster glasses. Happy birthday, Anthony. I hope it was as great as it looks from here.