In one of the strangest collaborations since Corgan worked with (and then dated?) Jessica Simpson, Abdul-Jabbar has filmed a 22-second video to promote the Smashing Pumpkins’ new album Oceania.

In the video the retired basketball star runs up to a basketball hoop with a small pumpkin in his hand. After slam-dunking the squash-like fruit the pumpkin is seen smashing into pieces. Abdul-Jabbar then looks into the camera and says, “Check out the new Smashing Pumpkins album Oceania. It’s coming soon.”

Earlier this week Abdul-Jabbar tweeted pictures from the video and added, “Thought you guys might enjoy learning about a new friendship I have w/ Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins.”

Oceania is set for release Sept. 1 as part of the Pumpkins’ 44-song concept project Teargarden by Kaleidyscope.

A few years ago Corgan told the press that 2007’s Zeitgeist was the band’s last traditional album. In fall 2009 the Pumpkins began recording the 44-song project and releasing one tune at a time as free downloads. The plan was to release 11 limited edition EPs that would each feature four songs, and to later complete the project by putting out a deluxe box set with all 44 tracks. Vol. 1 was released in May 2010 followed by Vol. 2 in November 2010.

Oceania is being called “an album within an album” because it’s a full-length album rather than an EP.

“Yeah, we’re not going to release anything after [the song] ‘Owata’ until after we put out Oceania – the album within an album,” Corgan told MusicRadar.com earlier this year. “We felt good about the EP format for a while, but it’s only taken us so far. I think it’s time to refocus everybody on what we’re trying to accomplish here by making a full album.”

Fans can check out a music video for “Owata” when it makes its debut tonight at 9 p.m. PST via Yahoo. The video, which marks the first video from the Teargarden By Kaleidyscope project, features famed wrestlers Cheerleader Melissa, Shelly Martinez and Raven.

For more information, click here for the Smashing Pumpkins website.