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| With the release of Kevin Durant’s 1st signature sneaker on the horizon and D.J. Augustin’s recent Jordan Brand signing, the former University of Texas basketball players are currently making their presence felt in the sneaker world.
Over the past couple of years, University of Texas has produced a few top-notch basketball products, namely Kevin Durant, D.J. Augustin, Lamarcus Aldridge and Daniel Gibson. Next in line? University of Texas combo guard A.J. Abrams. The Austin, TX native was the second leading scorer for the Final Four UT team last year and is currently the leading scorer for #8 team in the nation. Recently, the Longhorns beat the #9 UCLA Bruins behind Abrams 31 points. Nice Kicks sat down with A.J. Abrams to discuss his take on the UT Nike Hyperdunk ‘Maui, Hawaii’ PE, his opinion on former teammate Kevin Durant’s 1st signature shoe, and his thoughts on his favorite player’s sneaker line. He also tells his best/worst Jordan sneaker of all time, his top 5 sneakers ever and which sneaker he wishes Nike bring back from the past (pay attention Nike). To read the interview in its entirety click HERE. |
UT Nike Hyperdunk – Maui Invitational PE
Nice Kicks: I know you have played in the Nike Hyperdunk. Is it as light and comfortable as people say it is?
A.J. Abrams: Yeah.?? I actually have three pair and they are pretty light. I am not sure about the comfort because I wear orthodic insoles which pretty much makes all my shoes feel the same. We had the Nike Hyperdunk ‘Maui’ PE?? while we were at the Maui Invitational, but I didn’t wear them. I already had my shoes (Nike Hyperdunk Black/White) ready for the game. I had a good time in Hawaii though.
Nice Kicks: Before your days wearing orthodics, what were the most comfortable basketball shoes you have ever played in?
A.J. Abrams: Before my orthodic days, I would have to say the Nike Flightposite. But like I said earlier, they all feel the same now.
Nice Kicks: Your former teammates seem to be doing well in the sneaker world, let alone the NBA. D.J. Augustin just recently signed to Jordan Brand and your other former teammate, Kevin Durant, is dropping his 1st signature shoe (Nike KD 1) in January 2009.?? Do they, or will they, send you any exclusives?
A.J. Abrams: If they do I wouldn’t know because they are pretty busy with that 82 game schedule. Rarely do we get to hear from them. But yes, I have seen the Nike KD1. It is a pretty cool shoe. I’m a Nike guy, so they’re cool with me. If I’m not mistaken, we are supposed to be getting some, here at UT, in the near future.
Nike KD 1 – Kevin Durant’s 1st Signature Sneaker
Nice Kicks:?? Which one of your current Texas teammates do you consider to have the best collection of sneakers?
A.J. Abrams: I wouldn’t know to be honest. We usually just kick back in slides or the shoes the coaching staff gives us. My closet is alright though – Air Force 1’s, Air Max’s and Jordans.
Nice Kicks: I am guessing that a few of them feature the burnt orange colorway that you Longhorn fans bleed, right?
A.J. Abrams: To be honest, none of them are UT colors. I try to keep my colors diverse. I do have a lot of University of Texas basketball shoes that the coaches give us, but none of my non-basketball shoes are burnt orange. I don’t need a whole wardrobe full of burnt orange!
A.J. Abrams shooting a jumper in the UT Nike Hyperdunk PE
Nice Kicks: You mentioned that you have a few Jordans, Air Forces 1’s, and Air Max’s in the closet. Let’s touch on those for a moment. What is your favorite Air Jordan ever?
A.J. Abrams: I grew up playing in the Air Jordan 11’s. I prefer theAir Jordan 11 White/Black Patent Leather. Last year I played in the Air Jordan 20 Stealth/Black. Those two would probably be my favorites.
Nice Kicks: Besides the Air Jordan 20, we seen you hoop in the Nike Air Flight 95 a lot last season. Is he your favorite player?
A.J. Abrams: The Nike Air Flight ’95 is a very classic shoe to me, and I received a lot of compliments from wearing them, but Allen Iverson is definitely my favorite player.
A.J. Abrams hooping in the Nike Zoom Flight 95
Nice Kicks: So what are your thoughts on the recent Iverson/Billups swap?
A.J. Abrams: A.I. has a better chance to make the playoffs and hopefully contribute enough to win a championship now. The Detroit Pistons need a true point guard though, and Iverson is not that. I do not know if he will ever win a championship but he is a great player and my favorite.
To read the rest of the interview click HERE
