Gillette® Clear Gel is partnering with Richard “Rip” Hamilton — well-known and respected for his role in winning basketball championships for the UCONN Huskies and Detroit Pistons – for an exciting viewing party opportunity during one of the busiest days in college hoops. As part of the partnership, Rip will be watching games from day two of the tournament alongside fans at the Ainsworth at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. To find out more, Male Standard caught up with Rip to quiz his secrets to success, check it out!
[March 20, Las Vegas] Richard “Rip” Hamilton joins Gillette Clear Gel in hosting a college basketball viewing party at The Ainsworth (Isaac Brekken/AP Images for Gillette)What sets an all-star apart from other players?
The ones that say, “I’m going to make sure I eat the right food. Instead of going out, I must get ready for the big game.” The ones that does all the extra work to train themselves to be great. We all can play basketball. That’s a fact. The NBA produces some of the greatest players, but its work ethic that sets apart the all-stars from the players.
Did you have any pre-game rituals to get in the zone before a big game?
Absolutely. I always say I used to trick myself into being confident. From speaking engagements to talking to kids to playing in the big game, when you talk, tell yourself how great you are. You can make yourself believe you are bigger than life. This gives you a sense of confidence to go out there and achieve whatever you are trying to achieve.
[March 20, Las Vegas] Richard “Rip” Hamilton joins Gillette Clear Gel in hosting a college basketball viewing party at The Ainsworth (Isaac Brekken/AP Images for Gillette)What lessons can we pass down to the next generation?
I think it is always great to see fathers teach their kids. Our job as fathers is to build confidence in your son and daughter. That is the biggest thing you want to do. You don’t want your kids to have a lack of confidence. So many times, you have to find different ways and different fun things for them to motivate their self.
What made you decide to retire?
My kids. I have two boys and a younger girl, and I felt like I missed the greatest opportunities. The most important time in a child’s life is from they are born until they are 12. When I first got to the NBA, my brother was four. When I retired, he was 20. I missed his youth. Once I’m tuned into the game, I’m in it 110%. That’s the reason why I’m able to be great at that. Nevertheless, sometimes you have to sacrifice something to be a great father.
What are you up to these days?
I’m in Las Vegas doing a Gillette clear gel deodorant viewing party for college basketball. They have a great product, the Gillette clear gel deodorant, which has 48 hours of odor and wetness protection. For guys like myself, being a dad and an athlete, you do not want to have to worry about reapplying deodorant. They are launching their newest product, Undefeated, which share the same message as what is going on in college basketball right now with an undefeated team who win a championship.
What is your Male Standard?
My dad used to say, “Hey, son, basketball is not pressure. Basketball is fun. Pressure is losing your job, having three kids, and trying to figure out a way to put food on the table. That’s pressure. Be passionate, always believe and know that you’re the man.”
[March 20, Las Vegas] Richard “Rip” Hamilton joins Gillette Clear Gel in hosting a college basketball viewing party at The Ainsworth (Isaac Brekken/AP Images for Gillette)The Gillette Clear Gel team will be on-site to help guys enjoy the tournament while still being confident in the fact they can throw up their hands after every hoop, dunk or buzzer-beater. Boasting no odor and wetness protection for up to 48-hours, guys can stay cool under pressure with Gillette Clear Gel while taking in even the most gut-wrenching games.
To learn more about Gillette Clear Gel, please visit Gillette.com/clear-gel/.