words_Brandon Richard
When a basketball star decides to make the jump from college ball to the NBA, he is courted by several potential endorsers. That’s definitely the case in the sneaker world, where young sensations are courted by the heavy hitters from the jump. While the top two picks in this year’s NBA Draft made unorthodox decisions with their sneaker deals, it doesn’t mean they weren’t wooed by the big name brands. Take John Wall, for example. Unless you’re living under a rock, you know that he’s signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Reebok. Sometimes, when players sign with anybody but Nike, the assumption is Nike didn’t really go after them. That wasn’t the case with Wall, and we have the visual evidence for you today.
This is a John Wall Nike Zoom Hyperfuse player exclusive - undoubtedly created to show him what life could be like living under the Swoosh. The shoe features a Kentucky-esque royal blue synthetic and mesh base, with black wrapped from ankle to ankle. White hits the Swoosh and Hyperfuse branding on the tongue, while black takes care of the outsole. What’s most intriguing about this sample is the custom “JWII” logo Nike created for Wall placed on the ankle. The logo could hold a double meaning, as Wall wore the number “11” at Kentucky, but is also named John Wall II (or Jr.). While the Hyperfuse is certainly an impressive shoe, Wall most likely wouldn’t have locked in a guaranteed signature shoe and apparel deal signing with Nike. Reebok’s money probably wasn’t too shabby either…
This sample in Wall's size 12.5 is available to bid on from forces_whitaker on eBay now.
via forces_whitaker
