Ray Allen as Cover Athlete for NBA ShootOut 2003

Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that NBA All-Star shooting guard Ray Allen has inked a deal to join the 989 Sports(R) team as the cover athlete for NBA ShootOut 2003. The six-year veteran will front the newest release of the celebrated basketball franchise available for both the PlayStation(R) game console and PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system on September 24. Playing a key role in both gameplay and Artificial Intelligence (AI) consultation, Allen will assist 989 Sports in continuing its leadership role in delivering the most realistic and authentic sports video games available.

A first-round draft selection, 5th overall, out of the University of Connecticut in 1996, Allen has continuously been among the NBA leaders in three-point shooting. Last season, the six-foot, five-inch guard not only led the league in three-point field goals but also was among the leaders in points per game and free throw percentage. Averaging more than 20 points per game for the past three seasons, Allen was selected to the All-Star team each year highlighted by his winning the 1-800 CALL ATT Shootout during the 2001 All- Star Weekend. Allen's list of off-the-court accomplishments are equally impressive from his numerous charitable contributions, including his launching of the "Ray of Hope" Foundation in Connecticut which provides food and clothing to the needy, to his starring role in the Spike Lee basketball film, "He Got Game."

"We can't think of a better player, and person, than Ray Allen to be our cover athlete for NBA ShootOut 2003" said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Ray truly represents the excitement of the NBA game. His incredible scoring ability, and his knowledge and experience of the game, helped us develop the most exciting and realistic basketball game ever available for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2. We are also very proud to align ourselves with one of the most charitable players in the NBA, and we look forward to helping him continue his great work with the 'Ray of Hope' Foundation."

With all-new features including Career Mode, which allows gamers to create a player and take him from the National Basketball Development League (NBDL) to the NBA, and an unsurpassed NBA environment featuring new player models and interactions, NBA ShootOut 2003 is the must-have title for basketball and sports fanatics. Coupled with refined gameplay and restructured AI, NBA ShootOut 2003 replicates all the high-flying action of the NBA. The new player models are ultra-realistic as each player features animated texture- mapped faces from authentic NBA photos, accurate body styles down to players' tattoos, and optional customizing features including goggles, head, wrist and armbands. With accurate NBA playbooks, NBA signature animations, and consultation from over a dozen NBA stars, NBA ShootOut 2003 will have gamers lacing up their high-tops as they play the most authentic basketball game available.