Sneaker Watch // Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

Take a look at some of the best sneaker selections throughout the years in college basketball.

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

words // Brandon Richard

What has made the 2010-2011 Gilbert Arenas Sneaker Watch fun to follow is the sheer freedom he's had to wear the sneakers he loves from game-to-game. When Zac spoke to Gil back in December, he said that wearing the different sneakers reminded him of playing in school. While we're constantly keeping an eye on what kicks are being worn on the court in the NBA, the real gems are found within the gymnasiums of colleges throughout the country.

There was a time when sneakers were linked to players on the college level as much as they were the professionals that endorsed them. Michigan's Fab Five were just as, if not more, synonymous with the Nike Air Force Max as Charles Barkley was. Who doesn't remember Allen Iverson being the most exciting player in college hoops while rocking the "Concord" Air Jordan XI? We all remember Mike Bibby knocking down shot after shot in the "Penny" Air Foamposite One during 'Zona's title run in 1997.

Increased sponsorships and brands making an effort to push their agendas has changed things a little, but the college kids are still bringing out the heavy hitters. Nick Engvall's NCAA Watch posts over at Eastbay have captured some of the best these athletes have to offer. Individuals like Isaiah Thomas and Kemba Walker have been on fire all season, while pretty much everybody on the Syracuse roster is bringing out something special each game. Which NCAA star has the potential to be the next player linked to a particular shoe for years to come?

With the 2011 NCAA Basketball Tournament tipping off tonight, I thought it'd be a good idea to recap some of the best shoes we've seen worn in college games. Photos include MJ's pre-Nike days at UNC to Grandmama's rebellious run at UNLV to Donovan McNabb (???) hooping at Syracuse. Of  course, there are several classics that will have to wait to be mentioned on another day. What are some of your favorites missing from the list?

images via Sports Illustrated, LIFE, MisZapas, Getty

1996: Allen Iverson, Georgetown - "Concord" Air Jordan XI

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1992: Chris Webber, Michigan - Nike Air Flight Huarache

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1994: Grant Hill, Duke - Nike Air Unlimited

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1997: Tim Duncan, Wake Forest - Nike Air Max Uptempo III

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

2004: Jameer Nelson, St. Joseph's - Nike Air Zoom Generation

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1995: Marcus Camby, UMass - Nike Air Max 2 Uptempo

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1997: Mike Bibby, Arizona - Nike Air Foamposite One

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1988: Danny Manning, Kansas - Nike Air Assault

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

2004: Luol Deng, Duke - "French Blue" Air Jordan Retro 12

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1983: Michael Jordan, North Carolina - Converse Pro Leather

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1991: Larry Johnson, UNLV - Nike Air Force STS

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1996: Antoine Walker, Kentucky - Converse R.A.W. Energy

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1991: Shaquille O'Neal, LSU - LA Gear KAJ

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1994: Jerry Stackhouse, North Carolina - "Powder" Air Jordan X

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1986: David Robinson, Navy - Converse Star Tech

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1997: Vince Carter, North Carolina - Nike Air Total Max Uptempo

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1999: Baron Davis, UCLA - Reebok Answer I

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1989: Alonzo Mourning, Georgetown - Nike Air Force III

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1996: Donovan McNabb, Syracuse - Nike Zoom Flight 95

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1998: Antawn Jamison, North Carolina - Nike Air MZ3

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2007: Greg Oden, Ohio State - Nike Zoom LeBron IV

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

2000, Mateen Cleaves, Michigan State - Reebok Question

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1981: Isiah Thomas, Indiana - adidas Top Ten Hi

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball SneakersSneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1997: Chauncey Billups, Colorado - Nike Air Force OTS

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

1993: Fab Five, Michigan - Nike Air Force Max

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers

Sneaker Watch: Most Memorable College Basketball Sneakers