Sixers begin vote for new mascot
The Sixers' new ownership decided pretty early on that HipHop was going to be no more. That was backed up by overwhelmingly negative reaction from fans.
Sixers begin vote for new mascot
The Sixers' new ownership decided pretty early on that HipHop was going to be no more. That was backed up by overwhelmingly negative reaction from fans.
The team announced the move two weeks ago, saying it had hired Jim Henson's Creature Shop and Raymond Entertainment Group, founded by Dave Raymond, the former Phillie Phanatic.
The owners wanted to go with a colonial theme, but realized there is not an obvious tie-in with the 76ers name. They also wanted to stress an element of Ben Franklin.
The owners reviewed drawings and have selected three finalists. Voting is beginning today at SixersMascotFanVote.com.
You can see the drawings and vote by clicking the link.
The three finalists are:
* A 7-foot tall rendition of Ben Franklin, named "Big Ben."
* B. Franklin Dogg, the All-American pet, adapted from artist drawings from the day nestled under the table beside Franklin.
* Phil E. Moose, a 7-foot tall adaption of a basketball player; the moose being "one of the most regal animals to roam the wild."
“A new era is beginning for the Philadelphia 76ers under new ownership and we welcome Philadelphia sports fans helping us to select the new Sixers mascot,” CEO Adam Aron said. “Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has done an outstanding job in giving Philadelphia fans three heart-warming characters to embrace.”
Aron continued, “It’s un-American not to like B. Franklin Dogg, who after all is man’s best friend. With his great height, Phil E. Moose is a natural who can stand tall defending and cheering the Sixers as they take on all comers. And then there is lovable, venerable Big Ben, perhaps the greatest Philadelphian of all time.”
Once selected, Raymond will help bring the new mascot to life. The new mascot is expected to be unveiled early in the season.
those are pretty bad options. they need to start again. seriously— brownrice
Comment removed.- Colonial Theme WOULD have been a good idea. Better than any of these three options. Go with something like the old Virginia Squires mascot. But NO BIG BEN (or a dog or a moose either)!!!— PhillyFaninNYC
- Horrendous! I'd rather go without a mascot alltogether, rather than waste a single vote on these abortions.— socfiend
- what about none of the above as no one cares.— palmyra21
- These are just flat out awful. A moose? Seriously? They slapped a sixers logo on top of McGruff and are now trying to pass that off as an original concept... Kate, how much are Henson Productions getting paid for this garbage? What's the point of a Jim Henson studio doing something other than a muppet-inspired mascot? I know HS kids who could've put more effort into this.— kjuggs77
- Quixote is absolutely right that if management/ownership doesn't recognize this terrible product, why would you think they have a clue about on-the-court product?? It's only a mascot, but it speaks volumes.— kjuggs77
- The Fresh Prince is the owner, something along those lines?? I feel like a Republican trying to pick from presidential leftovers. . . .I'm going with Big Ben. . .— tarik255
What does a moose have to do with colonial Philadelphia or basketball? I want brick man!!— Tacony Palmyra- None of these are worthy of a kids' meal comic book.
In fact, Hip Hop is to these what Dr. J is to Andre Iguodala. 
what about a Jessica Rabbit looking one? Name her Liberty Belle...
See, I got lots of 'em.- I'd rather see a werewolf to be honest.— franknbeans
- They all blow, yeah all the Moose that graze around Philly, that makes sense. How about no mascot???— IvanDejesus
- Bring back Big Shot - a massive, blue muppet monster. He's better than any of these choices. Like I care . . .— Justicek
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
