words // Brandon Richard
via Press Release
A sign that the college basketball season is now in full swing, the 2011 Maui Invitational will tip off tonight in Hawaii. With top schools like Kansas, Michigan, UCLA and Tennessee scheduled to play, adidas has created a line of Hawaiian-inspired, Sharp Blue basketball gear that pays homage to the tropical waters of Maui.
For the collection, adidas worked closely with local artist Che Pilago of Moku Nui to create a contemporary logo for the Maui edition college exclusive shooting shirts. The center of the graphic represents Ku, the Hawaiian God of War, and also connects to the warrior mindset of an athlete. Above Ku, parallel half circles are symbolic of striving and pushing to achieve personal goals, while braided ropes on either side represent teamwork and unity. The overall triangle design signifies gaining strength from the islands.
In terms of footwear, players will be lacing up the Sharp Blue colorway of the adidas adiZero Crazy Light and the classic Crazy 8. Players and coaches will also be wearing the Sharp Blue adidas X-Hale Low training shoe.
Maui Invitational gear will be worn exclusively by Kansas, Michigan, UCLA, Tennessee and host school Chaminade throughout the 10-day tournament.
