The Toronto Raptors’ all-star forward Pascal Siakam is generally regarded as one of the best in the business when it comes to the spin move.
His signature move has been fêted by the likes of Sports Illustrated, and there are numerous YouTube compilations dedicated to him putting hapless NBA opponents in the spin cycle.
Now McDonald’s Canada is putting its own spin on the move with a limited-edition menu item available in its Ontario stores called the Siakam Swirl McFlurry. The McFlurry’s combination of ice cream, hot fudge and red Smarties provides it with a distinctive Raptors hue.
Siakam said in a release that the McFlurry was the first McDonald’s menu item he ever tasted. “I love that it represents Raptors colours, my signature swirl move and is a product with Canadian roots,” he said. The McFlurry’s 1995 debut also coincides with the Raptors’ first NBA season.
The LTO is being promoted with a campaign from Cossette anchored by a 15-second spot featuring a mock press conference in which Siakam tells reporters that his spin move is actually a swirl. After that transitions to some of his on-court wizardry, complete with the announcer saying “How did he ever come up with this?” the spot cuts to Siakim dreamily thinking of the new product. “So swirly,” he says.
The campaign is running across TV, online and social, as well out out-of-home. McDonald’s is also holding sampling events featuring a Siakam Swirl McFlurry-branded truck that will take up residence outside of Scotiabank Arena.