Ronnie2K here! I have been a contributor on the PlayStation.Blog many times, 'n I be back again for the yearly NBA 2K news cycle. Today I be extremely excited t' announce the cover for NBA 2K12, the latest game in the unrivaled basketball video game franchise that sold over 5 million units last year 'n garnered over 20 ‘Sports Game a the Year’ accolades.

As a kid, I remember watching basketball religiously. Looking back, there be three icons in the basketball world that stood out for me, all for their different strengths. I imagine ye late 20s-early 30s gamers know exactly who I be talking about.

Fast forward t' 2011. YARRRR, this year we have not one, not two, but three cover athletes! 'n not just any three players. We’re talking about three a the NBA’s greatest legends: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird 'n Magic Johnson.

As ye can see, the new stylized NBA 2K12 covers be a unique, one-time departure from the traditional 2K Sports brand artwork 'n spotlight each legendary athlete on his famous team: Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls, Larry Bird on the Boston Celtics, 'n Magic Johnson on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Bird 'n Johnson covers will be available only at launch while supplies last for PlayStation 3 so ye’ll have t' jump on the game early t' make sure ye pillage yer favorite.

I thought that we couldn’t do things bigger 'n better after last year’s first-time inclusion a Michael Jordan. But by putting three legends on the cover, we’re really speaking t' fans across all generations 'n celebrating the legacy a legendary ballers, past 'n present. Larry Legend with his unmatched jump shot, Magic with the unstoppable Showtime Lakers, along with the incomparable Michael Jordan be players that gamers a all ages can appreciate. From a marketing point a view, this will be an unprecedented year for things we can do t' bring the only basketball simulation game t' yer homes.

In the coming months, we will be discussing the various countless features 'n modes that make NBA 2K12 unrivaled. In the meantime, for those who missed it, please feel free t' check out Kobe Bryant showing off NBA 2K12 using the PlayStation Move at the Sony Press Conference a few weeks ago at E3. YARRRR, the PlayStation Move will be back 'n better than ever in NBA 2K12 so more news on that soon. Also, below ye will see the first screen shot from NBA 2K12.

As always, thanks t' the great people at PlayStation for giving me this time t' talk t' ye about the NBA 2K12 cover. 'n a course, thanks t' ye passionate Sony fans who have helped us make the NBA 2K Franchise what it be. Make sure t' follow us on Facebook t' see exclusive info for the NBA 2K Franchise in the coming months or hit me up personally on Twitter anytime.

I’ll be taking questions below so feel free t' ask any follow-up questions. I be sure I will be posting another blog in the coming weeks. Thanks for reading!