words // Brandon Richard
images // Basket USA
The sneaker game is sort of like a marriage. You're in love and in it for the long haul, but occasionally need to try new things to spice things up. After more than 20 years of being infatuated with footwear, I sometimes find myself a little bored. Sure, I love the usual suspects like Air Jordan and Nike LeBron, but where's the individuality? How long can I be awed by collections consisting of, almost pair-for-pair, the same shoes I saw the last time around?
That's why I was excited to meet Julien Cluzel, a 37-year old native of France who has pieced together a sneaker collection focused on his favorite basketball player, San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker. Now living in New York, Julien has acquired roughly 45 pairs of Tony Parker's hard-to-find Nike Player Edition and Player Exclusive sneakers. Some are game worn, some are hand signed and others are special limited edition releases.
In this Collector Spotlight interview, Julien tells us a little about how his Parker collection started, highlights some of his favorite pairs and speaks on Parker's impact on basketball back home in France. He also shared an abundance of photos, giving us a detailed look at his near 50-pair stash of TP kicks.
Brandon Richard: At what age did you discover basketball? Did you play for school or any leagues?
Julien Cluzel: I discovered the NBA and Michael Jordan back in 1988. I was in high school in France. A friend invited me to watch a tape of the game that he recorded on cable. It was the Bulls and Jordan vs. the Celtics and Bird. I was so impressed by MJ's performance that I decided to join a club and play basketball. I played for my home town club Hyeres-Toulon Var basket (HTVB) from 1989 to 1999.
BR: Tony Parker entered the league in 2001. Is that when you became a fan of his?
JC: Yes, I've been following Tony since his debut with the Spurs.
BR: What was your first ever Tony Parker shoe?
JC: My Tony Parker shoe collection started late. The first was the Nike Huarache 2K4. I actually got two pairs, one exact colorway made with NIKEiD.
BR: How many of your TP shoes are signed?
JC: 14 of them are signed by Tony.
BR: Which of the TP shoes you own is your favorite?
JC: That's a tough call, so I will give you my Top 3: Nike Max Air worn & signed during his rookie year; Nike Huarache 2K5 worn & signed during the NBA Finals vs. Detroit; and a Nike Huarache PE France edition made for the 2006 World Championship in Japan.
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BR: I understand that you collect more than just Tony Parker shoes. What other kicks are you interested in?
JC: I also collect Jordans, Kobes and LeBrons, but my main focus is Tony.
BR: Are there any particular TP shoes you're still on the hunt for?
JC: I'm always on the hunt. Tony's PEs and exclusives are rare and hard to find. They rarely surface. Some are sold at auctions and are often pricey. I'm looking for some of the pairs that he wore during the All-Star games and with the French national team. I know that Tony holds on to those pairs, so they're hard to catch.
BR: Being from France, how has Tony's success impacted your love for the game and perhaps some of your friends and family back home?
JC: I've loved the game since day one. Of course we are very proud of our Frenchies in the NBA; they've done great publicity for the sport in France. My nephew Alex is playing basketball back in France.
It's going to be even greater this year for basketball in France with all the French guys playing on NBA teams. I wish them all a great season. Tony's success and level of play has been impressive for the past few years. He has elevated his game to be the leader of his team now. I can't wait to see the Spurs pursue another NBA title this year.
BR: Do you have a Twitter page or another way for fellow Tony fans to reach you?
JC: Through Twitter @tonyP9 or eBay.
