Panini America On Location: Sweet Scenes from the 2012 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Hoops hysteria struck the New York Knicks’ practice facility in Tarrytown, N.Y., yesterday. Such is the case when the Panini America NBA Rookie Photo Shoot comes to town.

After a one-year hiatus, the one-day basketball extravaganza returned in grand style as 39 of the most promising rookies from the 2012 NBA Draft filled both courts in the gym as well as every other conceivable nook and cranny with a lively vibe and lots of laughs — all while posing for Panini America photographers in the name of producing the perfect trading card.

Along the way, the players conducted interviews (including two by New Orleans Hornets teammates Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers live on ESPN’s SportsCenter to start the day), interacted with throngs of national media and each other, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy every minute of the fun.

When the players weren’t posing for a Panini America photographer (there was one true action station and three  locations shooting various types of portraits), they were engaging in trick shots, busting packs of 2012-13 Hoops Basketball, taking over the Panini America Twitter account and clamoring for the coveted Rated Rookie T-shirt at the Panini America marketing station.

The following gallery provides just a taste of the wall-to-wall action. Stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for tons of additional coverage of the 2012 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot, including excerpts from the Panini America video news release that is going out later today, exclusive player interviews and a chance to win some sweet autographs from the event.

But until then, enjoy these must-see scenes . . .

Thomas Robinson

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

John Henson

Andre Drummond

Bernard James

Austin Rivers

Jae Crowder, Jared Cunningham and Bradley Beal

Perry Jones shows off his Draft Night card from 2012-13 NBA Hoops.

It’s gotta be the (Anthony Davis) shoes.

One of Royce White’s many tattoos.

Terrence Ross checking out his photos.

Terrence Ross and his serious side.

Terrence Ross: The Pointer

Houston’s Future: Royce White, Terrence Jones & Jeremy Lamb.

Robert Sacre and Royce White check out 2012-13 NBA Hoops.

The New Pistons: Kim English, Andre Drummond and Kyle Singler.

Arnett Moultrie during his Panini America interview.

The sweet class-signed photos from the NBA.

Jonas Valaciunas

Andre Drummond

Fab Melo admiring the photography.

Fab Melo

Jae Crowder draws a crowd.

Andrew Nicholson

Boston duo Fab Melo and Jared Sullinger.

Anthony Davis talks with Panini America VP of Marketing Jason Howarth.

Terrence Ross looking for his Rookie Card.

John Jenkins: Rated Rookie

Austin Rivers and Quincy Acy sorting some 2012-13 NBA Hoops.

How the Jared Sullinger shoot looks on the photographer’s computer.

Jared Cunningham

Perry Jones

Quincy Acy takes over the Panini America Twitter account.

Panini America VP of Marketing Jason Howarth during his interview with ESPN’s “Mint Condition.”

2012-13 NBA Hoops draws a crowd.

Tyler Zeller

Doron Lamb and Tyler Zeller

Anthony Davis shows off his penmanship.

Anthony Davis takes over the Panini America Twitter account.

Austin Rivers at the Panini America Twitter controls.

Tyler Zeller

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist takes over the Panini America Twitter account.

Draymond Green

Meyers Leonard taking over the Panini America Twitter account.

Evan Fournier

The 2012 Class