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Today marks the final installment of our College Kicks on Court Classic series in which we’ve highlighted some of the more prominent sneakerheads within each conference’s history. With the Pac-12 on the docket for this afternoon, you’ll take a trip down memory lane as this list features some NBA stars of present day and some OG members of the “Pac-10,” from yesteryear.
To see the list for yourself, scroll through the page below to enjoy and let us know in the comments sections which conference had the best heat from the week of #CollegeKOCClassic.
Aaron Brooks
Aaron Brooks in the Nike Air Huarache 64 (photo by David E. Klutho) Aaron Brooks in the Air Jordan 17 Low “Lightning” Aaron Brooks in the Nike Air Zoom Generation Aaron Brooks in the Nike Air MoneyCollege: Oregon (2003-2007)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Air Money, Nike Air Zoom Generation, Air Jordan 17 Low
The Seattle, Washington area has grown to become a hotbed of hoops talent as a variety of stars have emerged from the city such as Zach Lavine, Jamal Crawford and Tony Wroten. Additionally, there are always a few niche names that people forget about and leading our Pac-12 charge today is former Oregon guard and Seattle native, Aaron Brooks.
Known for rocking low-top model upon his entry into the NBA, Brooks spent time in Eugene rocking the OG Nike Air Money, Nike Air Zoom Generation and the Air Jordan 17 Low.
Gilbert Arenas
Gilbert Arenas in the Nike Air Flight 89 Gilbert Arenas in the Nike Air Trainer SC Gilbert Arenas in the Air Jordan XV Gilbert Arenas in the Nike Air Flight 89 Gilbert Arenas in the Nike Air Garnett III Gilbert Arenas in the Nike Air Flight Determination Gilbert Arenas in the Nike Air Garnett III (photo by Kevork Djansezian/AP Photo)College: Arizona (1999-2001)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Air Garnett III, Nike Air Flight ’89, Air Jordan 15
Gilbert Arenas is a strange dude, man. And to be quite honest with you, I’m certain that Mr. Arenas would agree with that statement as well. However, despite his strange nature, there is absolutely no denying his stardom in the NBA and presence within Arizona Men’s Basketball history.
Before his adidas deal, Arenas sported a variety of Nike Basketball models as a Wildcat such as the Nike Air Garnett III and the Nike Air Flight ’89.
Nick Young
Nick Young in the Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2k5 Nike Young in the Nike Shox UPS Nick Young in the Nike Zoom Kobe 1College: USC (2004-2007)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Zoom Kobe 1, Nike Shox UPS, Nike Air Huarache 2k5
Now if Gilbert Arenas is considered strange, then “Mr. Swaggy P” aka Nick Young is certainly cut from the same cloth. Never short of an interesting quote or soundbite, Nick Young has been known for his stellar style and notable footwear. During his time at USC, Young would rock the Nike Huarache 2k5 along with the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 that was a bit fortuitous because the Black Mamba became his teammate years later.
Although he’s nearly a decade removed from college, Young has still showcased some incredible gems on the court, as he rocked the adidas Yeezy 750 Boost during a contest against the Houston Rockets in which he announced his endorsement with adidas.
Derrick Williams
Derrick Williams in the Nike Air Foamposite One (photo by Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Wildcat) Derrick Williams in the Nike Hyperdunk (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) Derrick Williams in the Nike LeBron 8 V2 “Cool Grey” Derrick Williams in the Nike Zoom Kobe VI Derrick Williams in the Nike Zoom Kobe VICollege: Arizona (2009-2011)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Zoom Kobe VI, Nike Hyperdunk, Nike Air Foamposite One
Some basketball enthusiasts would argue that Derrick Williams has not lived up-to his draft status of being the #2 overall pick but that convoluted mindset is a bit unfair. Being drafted by the Timberwolves and spending time with the Kings, Williams has carved a nice role with the Knicks and has solidified himself as a quality rotational power forward.
During this season, he’s been rocking a ton of iD models of the Nike Kyrie 1 which bodes well considering he’s been a sneakerhead since his ‘Zona days, flourishing in the Nike Zoom Kobe VI and the Nike Hyperdunk.
Eugene Edgerson
Eugene Edgerson in the Nike Air Force III Eugene Edgerson in the Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” Eugene Edgerson in the Nike Air Dynamic FlightCollege: Arizona (1996-2001)
Notable Kicks on Court: Air Jordan 12, OG Nike Air Force III, OG Nike Air Dynamic Flight
Whenever I think of someone with a name like Eugene Edgerson a certain image comes to mind and upon finally seeing the big man with the incredible afro, my vision was solidified. As a member of the Arizona championship team of the mid-90s, Edgerson would rock OGs like the Nike Air Dynmaic Flight on occasion along with the “Obsidian” Air Jordan 12 that continues to be a fan favorite of many.
As time would go on, Edgerson would play with the Harlem Globetrotters during the late 2000s.
Baron Davis
College: UCLA (1997-1999)
Notable Kicks on Court: Reebok Question, Reebok Answer 1
Baron Davis was once known for his high-flying ability and noteworthy crossovers that dazzled fans and delighted NBA scouts. The Los Angeles-bred guard decided to keep things LA-centric by choosing UCLA as his college upon leaving Crossroads High School.
Rocking an array of Reebok Iverson models while on campus, Davis would dominate the competition before becoming the 3rd overall pick of the 1999 NBA Draft and changing the fortunes of many NBA teams such as the Charlotte Hornets and Golden State Warriors.
Mike Bibby
Mike Bibby in the Air Jordan 13 Mike Bibby in the Nike Air Foamposite One Mike Bibby in the Nike Air MZ3College: Arizona (1996-1998)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Air MZ3, Nike Air Foamposite One, Air Jordan 13
During the early 2000’s, there weren’t many points guards who were better than Mike Bibby. Helping lead the Sacramento Kings alongside Chris Webber to Western Conference prominence, Bibby subsequently became a fan favorite of many. With his Jordan Brand endorsement proving useful as well, Mike donned a variety of notable kicks upon entering the league.
As showcased during his time at U of A, Bibby was an early pioneer and adopter of the Nike Air Foamposite One silhouette.
Nate Robinson
Nate Robinson in the Nike Air Max CB ’94 Nate Robinson (back right) in the Nike Shox BB4College: Washington (2002-2005)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Shox BB4, Nike Air Max CB ’94
Recently, Nate Robinson made headlines for looking to hopefully make the transition over to the NFL with a “tryout.” His dreams aren’t too far-fetched as Robinson was a two sport standout at the University of Washington and his father happens to be a UW alum with a football background as well. However, Robinson’s time on the hardwood at Washington proved to be beneficial as well as he would turn in a nice career that led to multiple All-Pac 10 selections and a first round selection during the 2005 NBA Draft.
Robinson would spend time rocking the Nike Shox BB4 and the Nike Air Max CB ’94, respectively.
Miles Simon
Miles Simon in the Jumpman Team One Miles Simon in the Air Jordan 13 Miles Simon in the Nike Air Max Uptempo 97College: Arizona (1994-1998)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Air Max Uptempo 97, Jumpman Team One, Air Jordan 13
Miles Simon will forever live in both sneaker lore and Arizona lore for his assistance in helping the Wildcats capture a National Championship during the mid-90’s. His place in the sneaker lineage is interesting because during his time on campus he showcased a bevy of silhouettes such as the Air Jordan 13 and the Jumpman Team One. Furthermore, Simon is a part of the prestigious #SneakPeek alumnus circle in which he caught up with our George Kiel to showcase his collection.
Lastly, Simon has been an incredible benefactor for the Kiel Colon Cancer Foundation with the #BlueKnots initiative.
Stanley Johnson
Stanley Johnson in the Nike Zoom Kobe V “Prelude” Stanley Johnson in the Nike Kobe 8 “What the” Stanley Johnson in the Nike Zoom Kobe VII “Cheetah” (photo by Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports) Stanley Johnson in the Nike Zoom Kobe VII Elite (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)College: Arizona (2014-2015)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Zoom Kobe VII Elite, Nike Zoom Kobe V, Nike Kobe 8
Arriving as the youngest member on our list, Stanley Johnson may arguably be the strongest sneakerhead listed as a Pac-10/12 alumni. Seemingly a huge fan of the Nike Kobe series, Johnson spent his only year on campus in a plethora of makeups, from the “What The” Nike Zoom Kobe 8 to the “Cheetah” Nike Zoom Kobe VII.
Venturing to the NBA, he’s kept his adoration for Kobe in high regards as he continues to wear the Nike Kobe X Low, amongst his quality roation of Air Jordan retros.
Jason Terry
Jason Terry in the Nike Air Adjust Force Jason Terry in the Nike Air Penny IV Jason Terry in the Nike Air Foamposite One Jason Terry in the Nike Zoom Flight V Jason Terry in the Nike Zoom T-Bug FlightCollege: Arizona (1995-1999)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Zoom Flight V, Nike Zoom T-Bug Flight, Nike Air Foamposite One
Jason Terry arrives from that long lists of Seattle-area basketball stars that I mentioned earlier, as his silky jumper led him to the desert to compete with the likes of Mike Bibby and Miles Simon. Following in the tradition of notable footwear sported by UA guards, Terry would don the Nike Air Foamposite One alone with several Jason Kidd and Penny Hardaway signatures, respectively.
Terry would carve out a nice career within the NBA, winning a title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
Jason Gardner
Jason Gardner in the Air Jordan 17 Low Jason Gardner in the Air Jordan 5 Jason Gardner in the Nike Air Flightposite Jason Gardner in the Nike Air Flightposite Jason Gardner in the Nike Air Trainer 1 Jason Gardner in the Nike Zoom Hyperflight Jason Gardner in the Nike Air Trainer Huarache Jason Gardner in the Nike Air Foamposite Pro Jason Gardner in the Nike Zoom HyperflightCollege: Arizona (1999-2003)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Zoom Hyperflight, Nike Air Foamposite Pro, Air Jordan 5, Air Jordan 17
As IUPUI Head Coach, former Arizona Wildcat Jason Gardner may lead the way of the “new era” coaches that have a definitive love for sneakers. As showcased during his tenure as a Wildcat, Gardner impressed plenty with his poise and longevity as he was spotted on plenty of occasions sporting the Air Jordan 5, Air Jordan 17 and the Nike Zoom Hyperflight.
Gardner would have a solid career overseas before coming back to the states to pursue a coaching career.
Pat Christopher
Pat Christopher in the Nike Zoom Kobe V Pat Christopher in the Air Jordan 5 Pat Christopher in the Nike Zoom Kobe I Pat Christopher in the Nike Air Zoom Generation Pat Christopher in the Air Jordan XV Pat Christopher in the Air Jordan 11 “Concord” Pat Christopher in the Nike Zoom Kobe IV Pat Christopher in the Nike Zoom LeBron IVCollege: Cal (2006-2010)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Zoom LeBron IV, Air Jordan 5, Nike Zoom Kobe V, Nike Zoom Kobe IV
James “Pat” Christopher hailed from the University of Cal and with their storied and surprising history of quality footwear, it makes sense for the former guard to make our list. During his tenure as a Golden Bear, Christopher would rock several iconic makeups that included the Nike Air Zoom Generation, Air Jordan 11 “Concord” and the the Air Jordan 5, just to name a few.
Currently, he’s spending time with the Iowa Energy of the NBA’s Developmental League.
Salim Stoudamire
College: Arizona (2001-2005)
Notable Kicks on Court: Nike Zoom Huarache series, Nike Air Foamposite Pro, Air Jordan 17, Air Jordan 3, Air Jordan 12
Salim Stoudamire is one of those collegiate figures that plenty question where “exactly” he is today. Not merely out of concern or fear, but because of his stellar play and entertainment he brought to the game of basketball. The silky left-handed guard helped boost the mid-2000s Arizona Wildcats alongside Channing Frye to several NCAA Tournament appearance while sporting the Nike Air Huarache 2k5.
Furthermore, Stoudamire would briefly play in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks before venturing to the NBA Developmental League. He is cousins with former NBA guard, Damon Stoudamire.
