Paul Pierce Drives to the Hoop with “NBA Inside Drive 2003”

Microsoft Game Studios today announced that Boston Celtics All-Star guard Paul Pierce will be the cover athlete for “NBA Inside Drive 2003.” The former first round draft pick from Kansas will become the driving force behind Microsoft’s exclusive hoops franchise for Xbox.

Last year, Pierce ranked third in the league in scoring, netting 26.1 ppg, third in three-point field goals made and first in total points scored with 2,144. Pierce participated in a motion capture session with the game developers to lend his precision shooting and All-Star moves to the game. He also lent his expertise and personal insight to the developers adding to the realism of the game.

In addition, Kenny “The Jet” Smith joins the “NBA Inside Drive 2003” broadcast team of Kevin Calabro and Marques Johnson. The current TNT studio analyst will add his distinctive play calling style to the game. “The Jet” will join the former Seattle SuperSonics broadcast duo of Calabro and Johnson who re-teamed for last year’s game. Calabro’s commanding play-by-play voice combined with Johnson’s distinctive catch phrases and the addition of Smith will provide basketball fans with hours of entertainment. “NBA Inside Drive 2003” will also feature a revamped pre and post game sequence and introduce a new half-time analysis featuring unique commentary from these distinguished broadcasters.

“NBA Inside Drive 2003,” a joint development between High Voltage Software and Microsoft Game Studios, dares players to display their entire hoops arsenal to take home the ultimate prize – a NBA Championship. With hip-hop beats, fluid game play, innovative commentary and incredibly realistic models of all the NBA arenas, “NBA Inside Drive 2003” delivers the ultimate NBA console experience. This latest version of “NBA Inside Drive” features a 25-season dynasty mode, an extended practice mode with a new two-on-two feature and a player editor where gamers can build their own hoops superstar.

-PRESS RELEASE