The 2012 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game’s East Team.

words // Brandon Richard

This year’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game lacked the Bieber Fever that made the 2011 game memorable, but the return of a couple hometown heroes was a warm sight for Orlando basketball fans. Penny Hardaway and Nick Anderson, two of the cornerstones from the great Magic teams of the mid 90s, suited up one again to put on a show for the Orlando faithful. They were joined by players like Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin, Tamika Catchings, Common, J. Cole and Jersey Shore’s Vinny Guadagnino in a game that wasn’t exactly competitive.

Led by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, ESPN Analyst Doug Gottlieb and comedian Kevin Hart, the Dwight Howard coached East team walked away with an 86-54 win. Duncan, who regularly plays with President Obama, scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for the East.

For the second straight year, the smallest player on the court took home game MVP honors. Following in Justin Bieber’s footsteps was Kevin Hart, who honestly robbed Arne. That man can hoop.

Of course the sneakers these celebrity players wore peaked our curiosity as well, and nobody shined brighter than Penny Hardaway himself. For the game, Penny laced up two pairs of Air Foamposite One Nike basketball shoes; the “Galaxy” colorway for the first half and a 1-of-1 “Shooting Stars” pair in the second half. Read on for a look at these special Foams and much more.

images via ESPN

Kevin Hart claimed MVP honors in the Air Jordan 2012 System of Flight.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan looks to make a pass in the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011.

Chris Mullin runs the floor in the Nike Zoom Kobe VI.

Common goes up strong in the adidas adiZero Rose 2.5.

Doug Gottlieb had a great game in an orange colorway of the adiZero Ghost adidas basketball shoes.

J. Cole takes flight in the “Concord” Jordan Retro 11.

Jesse Williams runs the point wearing the “Last Shot” Jordan Retro 14.

Former Magic forward Nick Anderson lays it up in the adiZero Ghost adidas basketball shoes.

Hometown hero Penny Hardaway played the first half in the popular “Galaxy” Nike Foamposite.

Penny switched into a special “Shooting Stars” version of the Nike Foamposite in the second half. More information on these can be found over at Sole Collector.

Tamika Catchings prepares to shoot in the “Kay Yow” Nike Zoom Hyperenforcer.

Tim Hardaway lays it up in his old Air Bakin Nike basketball shoes.

Jersey Shore’s Vinny Guadagnino makes a pass in the Nike Zoom Hyperenforcer.