Sky blue will be the color
Sky blue will be the color

By Mike Baldwin

Published: September 4, 2008

With “Thunderstruck” blaring over speakers inside Leadership Square, NBA players Desmond Mason and Damien Wilkins and a group of kids unveiled the Thunder logo Wednesday afternoon.

While there was little suspense in recent weeks that Thunder would be Oklahoma City's new NBA team's nickname, there was one element of surprise — the team's primary background color is sky blue.

“We think the logo is classic in its style,” said team chairman Clay Bennett. “We think it's powerful in its design. We think it evokes energy. We think the word Thunder is displayed with simplicity and dignity. And the colors represent much about Oklahoma.

“Our primary color blue is the color of our state flag. This is very much an Oklahoma organization. The sunset is red and orange. Not too red. Not too orange. And the beautiful sun is reflected by yellow.”

The NBA filed for trademark rights to six nicknames for Oklahoma City's franchise more than a month ago. When asked which nickname was the team's second choice, Bennett said Thunder was always the leading candidate.

“We just felt it connected,” Bennett said. “We liked the name. We felt it reflected the identity we hope to establish for the team. And thought the word connected to Oklahoma in an effective way, a word of power and strength and clarity. It was a favorite early on. Thunder was the leader for a long time.”

Team uniforms will be unveiled when training camp begins later this month. Other logos and a mascot also are being developed.

“We now have a name that represents the organization,” said general manager Sam Presti. “That's a great feeling. The nickname and logo bring to life so many different things. The colors were well thought out. We now have a brand we can start to identify with. It's a great day for the fans and the community.”

The Oklahoma City team worked with the Ackerman-McQueen agency and the NBA to develop the logo.

“We are thrilled with the creative design,” Bennett said. “It's an exhilarating day. We're very proud. We hope the fans are proud. And we hope to make them proud.”

Kevin Durant, last year's NBA Rookie of the Year wasn't present but his mother, Wanda Pratt, was one of hundreds of people who purchased merchandise with the new logo after the press conference at the team store. Pratt lives in Washington, D.C. She is in Oklahoma City to help her son find a residence to live in during the upcoming season.

“Coming from a large city like Washington D.C., sometimes people aren't as friendly because of the hustle and bustle,” Pratt said. “The thing I really like about Oklahoma City is how welcoming the people are here. I've really been impressed with that.”

Was she impressed with the nickname and logo?

“Thunder sounds great,” Pratt said. “The logo looks really good compared to other logos (in the league). And we may see something different on the uniforms. Clay said this was the initial logo. I like it. It's nice.”

KOCO reported in July Thunder would be the nickname based on a domain name (okcthunderbasketball.com) was purchased by the company that represents the league.

Further evidence surfaced in early August when the NBA released the 2008-09 schedule. For a few hours that day if someone clicked on any of Oklahoma City's 82 regular season games on nba.com it directed people to a Web site entitled.

“It's hard to keep a secret, but we are proud of this,” Bennett told the crowd inside Leadership Square. “We are really excited by your reaction. We will build this brand into one of the great brands in the league.”

Bennett was a “little disappointed” the logo's image leaked out last weekend but said that was part of the adventure. He closed the press conference by thanking fans who have been a part of the entire process, including submitting nicknames.

“We are honored and humbled that Thunder joins the NBA family,” Bennett said. “We will do all we can to live up to the privilege and responsibility. The season is upon us. Great days lie ahead. Congratulations all. And go Thunder.”

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