NikeInc.com

Inside Access: Hyperdunk 2013

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

March 2008 ushered in a new breed of basketball shoe as the Nike Hyperdunk debuted for the Beijing games. Kobe Bryant soared over a car in a viral film playing on the shoe’s minimal weight, while athletes, commentators, designers and sneakerheads marveled at the Hyperdunk’s futuristic, bold aesthetic.

Designed by Eric Avar, the original 2008 Nike Hyperdunk seamlessly fused form and function in a design many thought was years ahead of its time. When introduced, the avant garde silhouette drew its share of naysayers, but its on-court performance benefits put to rest any criticism. Nike Basketball set a design standard others could only aspire to.

Now in its new 2013 edition, the Nike Hyperdunk continues to evolve. Designed by Peter Fogg, a trailblazing Nike footwear designer, the Hyperdunk lives up to his impeccable reputation for design. Over the past two decades, Fogg has created some of the brand’s most coveted shoes for running and All Conditions Gear (ACG), including the Nike Air Zoom Tallac, Nike Air Terra Humara, Nike Zoom Terra Sertig, Nike Ashiko and Nike Structure Triax.

“Although basketball shoe design has greatly transformed over nearly a century, it’s the small, crafted details that make a noticeable difference on the court,” said Fogg. “The Nike Hyperdunk 2013 moves intuitively with the foot, while the tailored tweaks we’ve made lead to an incredibly lightweight, breathable and durable shoe for both indoor and outdoor play.”

From the sole to the upper, the Nike Hyperdunk 2013 builds on its minimalist aesthetic with three of basketball’s most transformative technologies: Dynamic Flywire, Hyperfuse construction and Lunarlon cushioning. The lightweight fit and feel of this iteration set a new standard, while the lockdown support, intuitive stability and advanced herringbone traction are based on insight from the world’s top basketball players including All-Star Point Guard, Kyrie Irving.

“When I first put the new Hyperdunks on, I didn’t want to take them off,” said Irving. “The performance was great and I feel like the shoe’s versatility benefits my game.”

Continuing with the less-is-more design mantra set by Avar five years ago, Nike Basketball will continue to blaze new trails in performance basketball design as Fogg’s new Nike Hyperdunk design evolves the shoe’s bold legacy. The Nike Hyperdunk 2013 debuts globally on July 20.

"Inside Access" is a series providing an inside look at Nike Basketball through the lens of events, innovation and athletes. Look for new features the first and third Tuesdays of each month throughout the basketball season.

Nike and Undefeated "Bring Back" the Dunk Hi

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Eleven years ago the crew at Undefeated received a gift. One that would stoke sneaker culture and mark the beginning of a lasting relationship between Nike and the then-budding sports culture brand and sneaker boutique. That gift has come full circle.

In February, Nike released the white/gum "Bring Back Pack", but that was only half of the story. There is a second colorway of the special edition Dunk Hi and Nike Hyperdunk that completes the rest of this tale. Originally existing as a special thank-you to 48 members of the Undefeated crew to celebrate the opening of their second storefront, the second color of the “Bring Back Pack” has since become a grail existing only in the closets of a lucky few and on countless internet pages.

Undefeated is famous for its military-inspired renditions of classic sneakers — and the second installment of the “Bring Back Pack” is a prime example of this approach. Spurred by by an armed forces camping backpack, the new pack features olive-drab mesh uppers with contrasting black Swoosh .

While the Nike Dunk Hi represents the past in all its glory, the Nike Hyperdunk looks forward. Touting the latest in Nike innovation; Nike Lunarlon, Dynamic Flywire, and Hyperfuse technologies, the Nike Hyperdunk combines the distinct colorway of the original with the cutting-edge innovation that has come to define Nike Basketball.

The second installment of the Nike x Undefeated “Bring Back Pack” will be available globally beginning May 25.

KOBE 8 MAMBACURIAL Fuses Basketball Performance, Football Inspiration

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Growing up in Italy, Kobe Bryant was an avid basketball and soccer player and remains a dedicated soccer fan to this day. Now Nike pays tribute to Kobe’s love of both sports with the KOBE 8 MAMBACURIAL, a basketball shoe inspired by the unique design of the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX football boot.

Since its launch 15 years ago, the Mercurial has always stood out from the rest. Bold and exciting, ultra lightweight and worn by the best in the game, the boot’s color and design ensure its players are noticed on the pitch.

The KOBE 8 MAMBACURIAL fuses key design attributes of basketball and soccer shoe uppers and includes a number of details borrowed from the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX. The striking Fireberry colorway is taken straight from the soccer boot and applied to the Nike Engineered Mesh upper of the latest Kobe Bryant signature shoe. Oversized white “NIKE” script appears on the medial side of each shoe, and an electric-lime Swoosh shifts from the side to just over the toe. "Mambacurial" is notated on the backside of the tongue, and the upper rests atop a grass graphic and translucent green rubber outsole.

"Soccer boot design has influenced my shoe in the past but the KOBE 8 MAMBACURIAL brings it full circle," Bryant says. "It's great to see powerful design come together across sports."

Kobe Bryant and Nike Basketball give basketball fans the chance to familiarize themselves with soccer inspiration with the KOBE 8 MAMBACURIAL. The shoe is now available at select retailers and nike.com internationally; in North America, the shoe will be available June 7.

Inside Access: Elite Shorts

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Basketball shorts have completely transformed over the years. From short and tight to long and baggy, shorts are now taking on a new tailored, athletic cut. In July, the new Nike Elite Basketball Stripe shorts will debut.

Nike Basketball’s reign in performance basketball clothing hit full stride in 1987 with a low-cut, fitted cotton short worn mainly for indoor hoops. Shorts boomed in the early 1990s as the outdoor basketball craze was at an all-time high and went international, from Venice Beach, Calif., and Rucker Park, N.Y., to Barcelona and Beijing.

California Cool

The 1990s growth in the basketball apparel business included shorts, mesh jerseys, sleeveless T-shirts and loose tube socks. The trend of hooking up a head-to-toe look by tying tops and bottoms to sneakers migrated from the metro blacktop courts to Madison Avenue in 1992 when Hollywood proclaimed 'White Men Can’t Jump.' Shorts were vital to the signature looks of characters Billy Hoyle and Sidney Deane as Hoyle went long and loose while Deane went short and tight.

A Modern Look

2008 ushered in a new era in performance shorts as the USA men’s and women’s basketball teams debuted state-of-the-art shorts for the Beijing games. The advanced materials, evolved ventilation and fabrication made an impact. The shorts were significantly lighter than previous versions and more breathable and comfortable. This was the starting point for re-imagined, high-performing basketball apparel.

International Breakthrough

The modern look debuted on the world’s best basketball athletes five years ago and the Nike Basketball Elite Short silhouette has catapulted globally. Now the most advanced version arrives in the form of the 2013 Nike Elite Stripe short. Benefits include Dri-FIT knit fabric for staying dry and comfortable, a gripper elastic waistband for secure fit and laser-cut perforations on the side panels for ventilation. The stripe on the side panel draws inspiration from the Nike Elite Socks.

Style preferences come and go, but Nike Basketball’s commitment to create the most technically advanced shorts remains constant. While top athletes have embraced the look and feel of the Nike Elite Short on the court, it's breathable, cooling fabrication translates to off-court appeal for the summer months ahead.

Nike Welcomes Outstanding Rookies

Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Brittney Griner, Elena Delle Donne and Skylar Diggins – the number one, two and three picks, respectively, in the most recent professional draft – are now Nike athletes. All three are dynamic players who recently completed exceptionally decorated collegiate careers. Now, they have signed as partners of the Nike brand, ready to compete at women’s basketball’s top level.

Griner, a dominant 6’ 8” scorer and defender, is a two-time Naismith Award Winner as college basketball’s player of the year (2012, 2013); three-time First Team All America (’11, ’12, ’13); and three-time Big 12 Player of the Year (‘11, ’12, ’13). She holds the all-time NCAA and Big 12 records with 748 blocks, making her the first player in college basketball history with 2,000 points and 500 blocks. Griner also dunked 18 times while at Baylor.

Delle Donne, a versatile 6’ 5” guard/forward, is the 2013 Honda Player of the Year, a two-time First Team All America (’12, ’13) and ranks fifth in all-time NCAA scoring. She is also the two-time Academic All-American of the Year (’12, ’13). Additionally, Delle Donne won a Gold Medal with Team USA at the World University Games.

Diggins, a 5’9” point guard and fiery on-court leader, earned First Team All-America honors in 2012 and 2013 as well as the Big East Player of the Year, and took home the Nancy Lieberman Award as the nation’s best point guard in those seasons. She was named NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player during the tournament three times (’10, ’11, ’12).

Also joining the Nike roster as rookies are former All-Big Ten guard Tayler Hill and All-SEC center Kelsey Bone.

Stay tuned to NikeInc.com for more on these athletes as the season approaches.

Nike Marks LeBron James’s Most Valuable Player Title with LEBRON X MVP Shoe

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 -0700

Nike is celebrating LeBron James’s fourth MVP award with a special edition LEBRON X MVP shoe and a new “Witness History” campaign.

James becomes only the second player to win four MVP titles in five years, joining the select group of four-time MVPs in the award’s 58-year history.

To mark the historic honor, James is wearing a special edition LEBRON X MVP shoe specifically designed by Nike Basketball to commemorate this achievement.

The vibrant LEBRON X MVP shoe fuses the unique colorways and designs of each style in the LEBRON X series, which James debuted in August 2012. The design details, including MVP on the shoe tongue, weave the story of James’s incredible journey over the past year. It’s a path that has seen him striving for excellence by perfecting his shooting efficiency, assists and rebounds to cut through defense effectively as an individual and as a team. Along the way, James has traveled from the courts of London to the hardwood arena of Miami, achieving victory in an extraordinary 27-game winning streak.

With the release of the LEBRON X MVP shoe, Nike pays tribute to a player who has earned his place in basketball history through his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of greatness.

The LEBRON X MVP shoe will be available in limited quantities at select retailers in North America and China soon.

Nike unveils new Spanish National Basketball Team Collection

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0700

Nike proudly unveils the new Spanish national basketball team uniform for the first time. Inspired by Spanish culture, the kits feature the most technologically advanced details to help maximize player performance.

The kits account for Spain’s climate, and showcase the country’s artisitic spirit through a bold sunrise graphic. The font used for the players' names and numbers is based on the Ñ, a letter strongly identified with the Spanish alphabet.

The jerseys feature a V-neck collar and a small Spanish flag on the front; on the back is a striking graphic of the sun and its rays. Inside the neck is the inspiring phrase: “Ser Espanol no es una excusa, es una responsabilidad,” which translates as: “Being Spanish is not an excuse, it's a responsibility."

The kits are made from recycled polyester, emphasizing Nike’s commitment to sustainability. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to 22 recycled plastic water bottles.

As Nike’s lightest basketball kit ever, the jersey features Nike Aerographics, an engineered fabric that provides a cooling solution allowing greater flexibility without added seams. Overall, the kit boasts greater breathability and cooling than ever before by featuring mesh areas, hem vents, modified armholes and panels of laser-cut holes on each side of the jersey.

The fabric also integrates Nike Dri-Fit technology, which regulates players’ temperatures on the court by drawing away sweat from the body to keep athletes cool, dry and focused on their game.

Nike Pro Combat compression-fit baselayer completes the ultimate uniform for basketball, offering players increased comfort with sweat-wicking fabric and ergonomically placed padding to absorb impact on the court.

The new kits will debut on-court later this year — the women's team in June and men's in September.

Back-to-Back Victories for World Team Over USA at Nike Hoop Summit

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 20:20:00 -0700

Played in front of a nationally televised audience and a crowd of 6,265, the Nike Hoop Summit is the country's premier annual basketball game featuring America's top male high-school-age players vs. a World Select Team comprising outstanding U-19 international players at the Rose Garden, Portland, OR.

Livio Jean-Charles (France) scored 27 points and 13 rebounds for the World Team as they improved their record in the Hoop Summit series to 5-11. After losing to the World Team for the second time in four years in 2012, the U.S. team was keen to return to winning ways but, with Dennis Schröder (Germany) adding 18 points and Andrew Wiggins (Canada) scoring 17, the visitors led for all but the opening minute of the game.

"That was a really good game from the World Team," said winning coach Roy Rana (Canada). "Probably the most impressive thing is the way we have shared the ball from the very first practice. I thought there was great chemistry and they were just phenomenal kids to coach."

The World Team held a narrow 23-21 first quarter lead and built their advantage to as many as 16 points in the second period. Although the USA reduced the deficit to two points late in the third quarter, Jean-Charles scored six points early in the final period to help the World Team to victory. It was the first time in Nike Hoop Summit history that the World Select Team has won consecutive games.

"We played a good game, we shared the ball and played together," said Jean-Charles. "We had a good chemistry on the team and with the coach and that made everything real easy."

Wiggins added: "It was a blessing to be here and it means a lot to be on the World Team that beats the USA two times (consecutively). And it means even more to do it with Coach Rana, who I have been with for four or five years. It's something I can cherish."

Dante Exum (Australia) scored 8 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and believed the experience of the week's preparation for Nike Hoop Summit was one he will long remember.

"I just wanted to come in here and have as much fun as I could and make friends," said Exum. "Hopefully, I will now follow these guys as they have great careers all over the world.

"After a week of great practices and scrimmages, it was the best feeling to finally be able to play a game with these guys because they are like brothers to me. I learnt so much from the coaches and made friends I will keep for life. It's an experience I will never forget."

The USA was led by 22 points from Jabari Parker and 19 points each from Julius Randle and Andrew Harrison.

"We want to give the World Team all the credit," said USA coach Mike Jones. "They are one of the most talented, if not the most talented, teams we have had at the Nike Hoop Summit. No matter what the final score says, we're very proud of our team who represented the United States tonight."

The Nike Hoop Summit provides a platform for the stars of tomorrow to shine today and Nike Basketball is committed to growing the game internationally.

For more information on the Nike Hoop Summit click here.

Charles Barkley: Past Meets Present in Nike Barkley Posite Max

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:00:00 -0700

With a basketball career spanning three decades, Charles Barkley’s influence extends well beyond the court. His ability to elevate the game was key when the sport took off internationally in the early 1990s, while his bold personality transcends the game to this day.

Voted the best player in the world in 1993, Barkley’s wit and character were something the sport had never seen and Nike Basketball did its best to capture.

“I’ll never forget when I first signed with Nike in 1984,” said Barkley. “It was truly an honor for a growing global company to sign a small-town kid from Leeds, Alabama.”

Attitude & Confidence

His reckless abandon on the court juxtaposed with his unmistakable charm off of it. Being just 6'5", a modest height for a big man playing in the post against seven-foot gargantuans, gave Barkley the fearless confidence to excel.

Trademark Style

Through the years, Nike Basketball partnered with Barkley to launch signature shoes that fit his game. Barkley’s trademark attitude was injected into the design of each shoe: teeth, straightjackets and armor all inspired unique design details.

Top Nike footwear designers including Eric Avar, Tinker Hatfield and Wilson Smith regularly met with Barkley for insight and inspiration. The Nike apparel team would also draw on Barkley’s distinct personality to design a range of clothing.

Parents Should be Role Models?

The advertising boom of the 1980s and '90s allowed Nike to have some fun with Barkley in TV and print campaigns that generated international excitement. ‘The Meek May Inherit the Earth, but They Won’t Get the Ball,’ ‘I Am Not a Role Model,” and a small campaign where Sir Charles visits Tokyo were just a few of the iconic campaigns that Barkley fondly remembers.

“Phil Knight began Nike with a renegade spirit that’s hard to find these days and something I really admire,” said Barkley. “Some of my most memorable experiences in life tie back to Nike and I’m proud to be a part of the family to this day.”

Past Meets Present

Now, Nike is amplifying Barkley’s attitude with the release of the Barkley Posite Max. The new lifestyle model honors his shoes of the past with an aesthetic of the future. Designer Marc Dolce took inspiration from a trip to a museum dinosaur exhibit and combined those ideas with iconic elements of past Barkley shoes.

The Nike Barkley Posite Max shoe is available in four remaining colorways that will debut monthly through August 2013. The "Round Mound of Rebound" is proud to see his new shoe available globally.

Inside Access: Kyrie Irving

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:00:00 -0700

Some say leaders are born, while others believe experience built over years establishes true leadership. Nature or nurture? In the case of 21-year-old basketball sensation Kyrie Irving, it’s a fluid combination of both.

Born in 1992 in Melbourne, Australia, Irving was an inquisitive and active young boy with nonchalant charm. His parents Drederick and Elizabeth, both accomplished athletes, would set the bar high for Kyrie and his older sister Asia.

Raising well-rounded kids who value education, cultural diversity and character-building experiences were priorities for the Irving parents.

Triumph and Tribulations

Irving’s adventurous spirit kicked into gear as the family packed their bags for America when he was just two years old. They lived outside Seattle, Wash., near his mother’s family. At four, Irving experienced a loss that would forever change his life – his mother passed away from organ failure due to a blood infection.

The Irving family was down, but not out. His father’s tenacious spirit stemmed from growing up in the Bronx, N.Y., and grew stronger as he became one of the best pro basketball players in Australia. After Elizabeth's death, Drederick (Dred for short) moved with the children to West Orange, N.J., to be near extended family and pursue a new career on Wall Street. The single father raised two highly intelligent and motivated young kids determined to make their mother proud.

“My family means everything to me,” said Kyrie Irving. “My father led by example and taught me how to become a stand-up man both on and off the court. You get what you give, and I’ll never take life or any opportunity for granted.”

New Jersey Phenom

Playing at the Montclair Kimberly Academy his freshman and sophomore years in high school, Irving excelled in basketball as a true point guard. His stats as a young teen – 26.5 points, 10.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 steals – caught the attention of top universities. He was only 15.

Always refining his skills under the mentorship of his dad, Irving was ambidextrous and would turn heads with his nontraditional workouts. Countless dribbling drills, including covering the basketball with slick bags to heighten his touch, were part of his daily training. Father and son call each other best friends to this day, a lasting bond forged from hardwork, relocation and family tragedy.

Becoming a Leader

As a freshman at Duke University under the guidance of Mike Krzyzewski, Irving soaked up every minute of mentorship offered by the famed Coach K, once a point guard himself. Irving credits the leadership and influence of his father and Krzyzewski for helping refine his game, propelling him to the No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft.

In only his second pro season, Irving's accolades speak volumes: 2012 Rookie of the Year, 2012 All-Rookie First Team, 2013 Three-Point Shootout Champ, 2013 All-Star and incredible statistics to boot. However, Irving understands that basketball is only a game. He's leading by example off the court for his younger sister, London.

Bright Future

The bar is set high for Irving based on his family pedigree, international experiences, academic aptitude and fear of failure. Times aren’t always easy – injuries have reminded the 21-year-old that professional basketball is a grind. Through it all, Irving will remain a hungry and humble leader focused on guiding Cleveland on and off the court. Watching this season’s playoffs from home is fuel to the fire.

Video @nikebasketball did for me, dope!! youtube.com/watch?v=8wXtL6…
— Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) April 25, 2013

NIke ELITE Series 2.0+ Pays Tribute to Championship

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0700

With the playoffs promising gold, Nike Basketball unveils the Nike ELITE Series 2.0+ to celebrate the players’ achievements in the final stretch to ultimate victory.

The gold-accented LEBRON X PS ELITE+, KOBE 8 SYSTEM ELITE+ and KD V ELITE+ incorporate the most innovative materials and design techniques. The signature footwear draw inspiration from the championship trophy and feature lightweight construction, enhanced fit and dynamic protection.

The design of Nike ELITE Series 2.0+ reflects the moment that matters most to every elite athlete – the run for the championship. The elegant white and black colorways feature a gold Swoosh design and other gold details that vary from shoe to shoe, including athlete logos, gold-flecked Kevlar® aramid laces, gold-threaded Flywire technology and speckled outsoles.

Nike ELITE Series 2.0+ footwear are enabled with Nike+ Basketball, providing athletes everywhere with a distinct competitive advantage. The Nike+ Basketball enabled shoes sync to an iPhone via Bluetooth, letting players know exactly how high, how quick and how hard they play (when paired with the Nike+ Sport Kit, sold separately) and allows them to track their performance and compete with friends.

The Nike+ Basketball app was recently updated to include a number of new features including Intensity, Game Breakdown, Activity History and All Access. Learn more and download the app.

All three Nike ELITE Series 2.0+ basketball shoes will be available at select retail locations and online at Nike.com: the LEBRON X PS ELITE+ and KD V ELITE+ on April 20, and KOBE 8 SYSTEM ELITE+ on June 1.

Kevin Durant Partners with Nike N7 on Native-print Nike Zoom KDV

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Kevin Durant will debut a new N7 version of his signature Nike Zoom KDV on April 11.

N7 is Nike’s commitment to bring sport and all its benefits to Native American and Aboriginal communities in North America, with a focus on youth.

The Nike Zoom KDV N7 features a turquoise upper and an all-over, yellow fade print inspired by modern Native art. Turquoise is used often as a color symbolic of friendship in many Native communities, and yellow is one of four colors—yellow, red, black and white—featured on the traditional Native America medicine wheel, representing movement and the four directions. The KD logo appears on the right shoe and the N7 logo is on the left.

“Playing in Oklahoma City has connected me to the mission of Nike N7 and the meaningful impact that it has with Native Americans here and across North America,” said Durant. “The new N7 KDV is very special—I believe in the power of sport to change lives and I support helping youth in Native American communities experience the positive benefits of being physically active.”

This is the second year Durant has shown his support for N7 by collaborating with Nike's basketball and N7 teams to design a special version of the Nike Zoom KD. Included with the shoe is a N7 KD T-shirt, featuring a unique KD graphic. The graphic is inspired by Native American art and the dynamic characteristics of Durant's game.

Nike N7 will host a workout event for local youth from the Oklahoma Indian Clinic and Chickasaw Nation on April 12 at a location that will be shared with attendees via @NikeN7.

‘”Foot Locker is thrilled to support the N7 Collection,” said Foot Locker CEO Ken Hicks, who represents the long-time Nike retail partnership and is also a Citizen of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. “We look forward to future opportunities to deepen our commitment to the N7 Fund and the powerful work it’s doing to bring sports and physical activity to Native youth.”

The Summer 2013 N7 collection will be widely available beginning April 13 at select Nike retail locations, on nikestore.com, and for the first time at select Foot Locker locations across the United States and Canada and on Footlocker.com.

In addition to the Nike Zoom KDV N7, the Summer 2013 Nike N7 collection also features a Dragon Fly T-Shirt inspired by a legend passed down to Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox from his mother when he was eight. The legend says: If you catch a dragonfly, carefully rub its wings on your feet, then watch it fly away, you’ll become a faster runner. Ellsbury, the first N7 Ambassador and the first major leaguer of Navajo descent, is proud of his heritage and his speed. Other Summer 2013 N7 Collection styles include the N7 Nike Free Forward Moc, N7 Logo T-Shirt, N7 Hoodie, N7 Zone and Tempo Shorts, N7 Legend Capri, Nike LunarGlide+4 N7 and Nike Free Trainer 5.0 N7.

Summer 2013 N7 Collection

The Nike N7 collection of apparel and footwear is designed for men, women and young athletes, and helps support the N7 Fund and its mission to inspire and enable two million Native American and Aboriginal youth in North American to participate in sport and physical activity. The N7 Collection highlights the N7 philosophy—In every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations—and also embodies Nike’s sustainable design ethos to create performance product engineered for superior athletic performance and lower environmental impact.

N7 Fund

Since the Nike N7 collection launched in 2009, more than $2 million has been raised for Native American and Aboriginal youth sport programs through the N7 Fund, including the Native Youth Sports Foundation (The Jim Thorpe Games) and the Ottawa County Boys & Girls Clubs in Oklahoma City.

Nike N7 and the N7 Fund are aligned with Designed to Move, a growing community of public, private and civil sector organizations (including Nike) dedicated to ending the growing epidemic of physical inactivity.

For Nike N7 Collection retail locations and for more information about Nike N7, visit www.niken7.com, or follow Nike N7 on Facebook and @NikeN7.

Inside Access: T-Shirt Storytellers

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0700

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, but how about a T-shirt? The simple medium is a banner for self-expression that can express distinct messages, often without saying a single word. Designs give voice to team pride, heroes, brands and cultural trends in an instant.

Nike Basketball’s T-shirt design philosophy is simple: Set a new standard with colors, graphics, illustrations and art that excites. While fit, graphics, athletes and color trends come and go, Nike stays focused on saying something new and relevant on a wearable canvas.

“Let’s not forget the power of a T-shirt, which in many ways can be as personally impactful as an elite shoe design. Athletes can express their personality and attitude anywhere, anytime,” said Tracy Teague, Nike Basketball Creative Director.

New printing techniques, advanced material blends, sustainability, multiple silhouettes and athlete storytelling allow the design team to blaze new territory in what may appear on the surface as a simple apparel design mandate.

Jack Aguirre is an integral member of the Nike Basketball’s T-shirt design team who brings a hand-illustrated artistry to apparel. He’s been a dedicated artist since age four, when he began painting on T-shirts. Today, a delicate mix of distinct illustration and bold graphics define Aguirre's style.

The new summer Superhuman-themed T-shirt collection brings heroic personas to Nike athletes LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. Aguirre hand sketched the illustrations with a deeper narrative in mind: his goal was to visually showcase their specific superhuman skills on T-shirts. Listening to the likes, dislikes, hobbies and overall ideas of James, Bryant and Durant is an ongoing part of Aguirre's role. He regularly meets with the three for ongoing feedback and thoughts.

“It’s exciting to meet with Jack and Nike’s T-shirt team during my trips to Nike’s campus,” said Kevin Durant. “We talk about everything from cars to colors, and I’m impressed by how he’s able to bring my personality and interests to a T-shirt for people to wear.”

While not everyone can afford a painting to hang on the wall, a T-shirt stands as a wearable piece of art that speaks volumes.

The Nike Basketball Superhuman T-shirt collection is now available here.

"Inside Access" is a series providing an inside look at Nike Basketball through the lens of design innovation. Look for new features the first and third Tuesdays of each month throughout the basketball season.

Stay Cool In The Nike Lunar Force 1 "White Ice"

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:30:00 -0700

The recent arrival of the spring season signals rising temperatures and longer days, ripe for getting out and being seen. To usher in the change of season, Nike will release a limited-edition, white-on-white Nike Lunar Force 1 shoe that’s made to keep you cool when the weather warms up.

The white-on-white Air Force 1 Low has been a warm season staple for years; it's an easy find on sweltering city streets and the sandy beaches of spring break destinations. The shoe's Hyperfuse construction allows for increased ventilation, and the signature Lunarlon sole maximizes comfort. The pearlized finish sets this version apart from its counterparts. As a finishing touch, the ice-sole is a visual representation of the shoe's cooling properties.

The Nike Lunar Force 1 "White Ice" is available starting March 30 at Nike Sportswear retail destinations.

Nike Hoop Summit World Select Team Announced

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0700

The Nike Hoop Summit 2013 celebrates the internationalism of the game by gathering the world’s elite, amateur basketball players spanning 9 countries and four continents to Portland, Oregon.

The Nike Hoop Summit, taking place April 20, features America's top senior high school players versus a World Select Team featuring many of the world's top players of 19-years-old or younger. An incredible 140 former players who have participated in previous Nike Hoop Summit games were drafted by NBA teams. Six of these alumni were No. 1 draft picks.

The World Select Team will be seeking to repeat their 2012 success, when they defeated the USA 84-75 in front of a national television audience.

Forward Andrew Wiggins (6’7”, Canada) returns for his second Nike Hoop Summit appearance, having led the World Select Team with 20 points in the 2012 victory. He was also MVP while playing for Canada at the 2012 Nike Global Challenge.

Sergey Karasev (6’7”, Russia), who is currently making a splash in international competition, joins Wiggins on the World Select Team.

The remaining World Select Team roster includes:

Forwards - Gabriel Deck (6’6”, Argentina) and Livio Jean-Charles (6’9”, France).

Guards - Dante Exum (6’4”, Australia), Nikola Ivanovic (6’3”, Montenegro), Dennis Schroder (6’1”, Germany) and Mario Hezonja (6'7", Croatia).

Centers - Mouhammadou Jaiteh (6’8”, France) and Karl Towns Jr. (6’11”, Dominican Republic).

The World Select Team at the Nike Hoop Summit 2013 will be led by third-year coach Roy Rana, who is a seven-year veteran of the Canadian National Basketball Team and was appointed Head Coach of Canada’s Junior National Team in 2012. The World Select Team's assistant coach, Serbia's Marin Sedlacek, is making his 13^th Nike Hoop Summit appearance.

“So many Nike Hoop Summit players have gone on to become national and even global stars that the annual game is now firmly established as the most prestigious youth basketball event in the world. Players such as Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki left their mark in previous Nike Hoop Summit games, and it's exciting to see who will be the next superstar,” said Lynn Merritt, VP Nike Global Basketball Sports Marketing. “Nike is proud to partner with USA Basketball, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Rose Garden to bring this year’s event to Portland.”

The United States holds an 11-4 advantage in the Nike Hoop Summit.

The list of World alumni includes: Dirk Nowitzki, Yi Jianlian, Sui Ran, Patrick Mills, Enes Kanter, Nikola Mirotic, Tristan Thompson, Andrea Bargnani and Bismack Biyombo.

For more information on the Nike Hoop Summit click here.

Nike Basketball's ELITE Series 2.0 Rises Above the Rest

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0700

Heroes possess the rare combination of unearthly abilities and impenetrable gear. Modern-day athletic heroes LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant collectively showcase an uncanny skill-set, which is now complemented by footwear boasting Kevlar® aramid, carbon fiber and articulated foam.

Nike Basketball’s ELITE Series 2.0 fuses lightweight construction, enhanced fit and dynamic protection. Kevlar® aramid, an advanced material typically used in body armor, provides a locked-down, protective fit with its incredible high tensile strength-to-weight ratio. Carbon fiber offers lightweight resilient strength, while articulated foam provides impact protection and a comfortable fit.

The Nike ELITE Series 2.0 is supplemented with superpower storylines for LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.

LEBRON X PS ELITE: Unstoppable Power

Forged by time, heat and pressure, the diamond inspires LeBron James's tenth Nike signature shoe. His elite version drafts off the rare Carbonado diamond, a virtually indestructible stone said to derive from an ancient supernova, the most explosive force in the universe. The shoe’s bright citrus colorway and graphic collar lining capture James’s unstoppable power.

The LEBRON X PS ELITE is designed to be stronger, offering the highest level of performance for James in the post season. The shoe builds on the innovative advances of the LEBRON X and takes it to a new level with:

Carbon fiber-reinforced mid-foot wings for excellent lateral stability
Kevlar® aramid-reinforced Nike Flywire technology for consistent lock-down through the midfoot
Kevlar® aramid laces resist stretching for a more consistent fit
Articulated foam tongue provides impact protection and minimizes lace pressure

KOBE 8 SYSTEM ELITE: Deceptive Speed

Kobe Bryant often showcases the adept speed and precision of his on-court alter ego, the Black Mamba. The KOBE 8 SYSTEM ELITE is inspired by the lethal green pit viper snake and the x-ray vision emitted by its heat-sensing eyes. Bryant stays three steps ahead of his opponent with his keen vision. The KOBE 8 SYSTEM ELITE highlights Bryant’s power of deceptive speed with a poison green colorway and x-ray vision graphic on the collar lining.

The KOBE 8 SYSTEM ELITE is designed for precision footwork while offering:

Carbon fiber heel clip and shank for lightweight stability, quick cuts and jumps
Dynamic Flywire technology reinforced with Kevlar® aramid to provide more consistent stability and lockdown
Articulated foam tongue provides impact protection and minimizes lace pressure
Kevlar® aramid laces resist stretching for a more consistent fit
Phylon midsole and Nike Zoom technology providing consistent, responsive cushioning

KD V ELITE: Ultimate Control

Capturing Kevin Durant’s thunderous power of ultimate control, the new low KD V ELITE debuts in a volt colorway, illuminated by the sharp glow of lightning bolts. The design speaks to Durant's versatility, shooting accuracy and finely-tuned court vision.

The re-engineered low-top silhouette offers a full range of motion for Durant’s playoff push. Additional enhanced technical highlights include:

Carbon fiber heel counter and shank provide lightweight stability for quick cuts
Dynamic Flywire technology reinforced with Kevlar® aramid to provide more consistent stability and lockdown
Articulated foam tongue provides impact protection and minimizes lace pressure
Caged Nike Zoom unit in the heel for responsive cushioning and stability

All three Nike ELITE Series 2.0 basketball shoes — the LEBRON X PS ELITE, KOBE 8 SYSTEM ELITE, KD V ELITE – are available at select retail locations and online at Nike.com beginning April 27. James, Bryant and Durant will wear their player editions in the post season.

Inside Access: Tourney Time

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:37:00 -0700

Day-by-day, one-by-one through March and April, seasons progress in triumph or end in despair. Floor burns and buzzer-beaters define underdogs and titans alike. And at the end of it all, the newest young kings and queens of basketball are crowned.

Starting with the Arizona Wildcats in 1997, the first team to win a National Championship in full Nike apparel and footwear, 14 of the last 16 men’s champions and 50 of 64 Final Four teams have worn Nike or Jordan Brand from head–to-toe, with two additional schools in Nike footwear.

Beginning with the University of Connecticut in 2000, the first women’s team to hoist the trophy in Nike apparel and footwear, nine of the last 13 women’s champions have been Nike schools — 37 of the 52 Final Four teams.

In this year’s 2013 Division I Men’s National Championship, 52 of the 68 schools are wearing Nike or Jordan (four in footwear only), which includes 12 of the top 16 seeds. In the women’s tournament, 49 of 64 teams are wearing Nike (two in footwear only) including three of the four No. 1 seeds.

But Nike’s legacy of cultural and innovative impact reaches back much further:

Young Air Up There

Now the namesake of the Jordan Brand and the iconic Air Jordan series, but once a wide-eyed yet gritty freshman in a pair of Converse Pro Leathers, Michael Jordan jump-started his legacy with a National Championship in 1982. In 2012, the Jordan Brand and Converse commemorated this moment with a limited edition 30^th anniversary pack, signed by MJ.

Terminator High

In 1984 and '85, the Georgetown Hoyas took the nation by storm with skill, smarts and a high-top that captivated fans everywhere. After wearing the original Nike Terminator High shoe in '84, the following year brought a new, navy/gray colorway, evoking a unique attitude to match the on-court persona of the defending champions. Michael Jackson, now Nike’s VP/GM of Basketball for North America, starred as a guard on that renowned team.

“I still get asked about that shoe a lot,” says Jackson. “GQ featured it in The Style Guy special edition recently. The ones that were made for us on-court actually had ‘Hoyas’ on the back.”

It was in those shoes that year that the Hoyas went on to win their third conference title in four years and play in a third national championship game in the same timeframe.

School Pride

While on-court innovation has been the core driver of Nike’s presence in the college game, a number of Nike ad campaigns over the years have been geared at capturing the obsession of the fan.

In 1985, Nike sent a colorful message, “Be True to Your School” in a print ad featuring the popular Nike Dunk High shoe. The eight footwear/apparel colorway hookups featured were nods to top programs.

In 1999, Nike hit the airwaves and streets with “It’s Spreading,” as metaphorical, viral fan fever struck college hoops.

Just down the road in 2000, fans were invited to a little town called “Bracketville.” Marking one of the most comprehensive and immersive integrated Nike advertising efforts-to-date across TV, print and web, the campaign included an interactive site for consumers. This irreverent connection to the game immersed fans in an annual moment as they followed their teams, suddenly finding themselves as figurative citizens of the population.

The idea was to encapsulate the elements beyond the obvious on-court drama. Nike, working with Wieden + Kennedy, looked to create a platform bringing the full cultural moment to life – fans, mascots, everything else.

Prominent basketball figures such as Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski, seen enjoying game film with his wife at the town movie theater, resided in the fictional basketball town along with other special guests from the coaching ranks.

And then there was the poignant yet simple town motto: “Stay as long as you can” — a play on a classic small town salutation and humorously spun reminder of the inevitable exit sign that awaited most visitors.

Foam Party

The Nike Air Foamposite One is famously known for innovative design used in Penny Hardaway’s Air Penny III shoe. Before it was seen on him, the Foamposite was passed along to Mike Bibby, a talented University of Arizona freshman. He and the design made quite a splash in his run to a 1997 title.

Eric Avar, the shoe's lead designer, says that the three-year process to develop the shoe and enhance athlete performance was a question of how to “step outside of the norm of the way we look at design and manufacturing shoes.”

Bibby remembers, “Nike told us they had a shoe that we could wear for the tournament that no one in college had worn yet. I knew some NBA guys would wear them eventually, so I was honored to have that opportunity.”

And what about the blue and black colorway paired with their away team navy and red uniforms?

“I liked that it stood out,” Bibby says.

That’s an appropriate assertion for the young point guard and leader of a national championship team. Bibby says he stills owns that special pair.

The Nike Elite Revolution

“In 2006-2007, we turned our attention to the uniform,” says Tracy Teague, Nike’s Global Creative Director for Basketball.

The Nike Elite uniform, in development for some time, debuted in March of that season at four Nike schools – Syracuse, Arizona, Florida and Ohio State.

The sleek design of the Nike Elite uniforms was instantly recognizable in comparison to previous uniforms and began a shift toward a more tailored fit for the players.

In 2009-10, the brand introduced a new iteration — the lighter Nike Hyper Elite uniform. Nike Aerographics technology provided the palette for new jersey design options, reflecting the unique tradition and identity of each university. Five college teams debuted the new designs in March 2009 on their run to the tournament – among them, Michigan State, Duke and Gonzaga. The uniform also took a new integrated system approach by providing the players with lightweight Nike Pro Combat baselayer — protective basketball-specific padding for an ever-evolving physical game.

In 2012, the Nike Hyper Elite Platinum design celebrated nine teams who had won a national championship in Nike/Jordan footwear and apparel. 2013’s Nike Hyper Elite Road uniform brought newly-designed energy to men’s and women’s teams competing away from home during their march to the tourney.

Dynasty

Of the aforementioned nine women’s titles won by Nike schools in recent years, six of them were by Coach Geno Auriemma’s Connecticut teams. Their dominance and the brand’s innovation evolved side-by-side. The Huskies wore the Nike Elite and Nike Hyper Elite uniforms on their particularly epic run of 90 straight wins, two consecutive undefeated seasons and back-to-back national championships in 2009 and 2010.

“Fuel Your Team”

In this year’s tournament, Nike schools will wear the new Nike Zoom Hyper Disruptor shoe, the latest in performance footwear. Off court, new digital capabilities introduce new opportunities for fans.

Through the “Intensity #COUNTS” initiative, supporters of select Nike schools in March have the opportunity to pledge NikeFuel points earned through physical activity using the Nike+ FuelBand as well as Nike+ Basketball and Training apps. The collected NikeFuel goes toward the aggregate score of the school’s fan base and its subsequent chance to win new team gear on campus as well as the title of “Most Active” fan base in the nation – all of this at nike.com/fuelyourteam.

In an ever-evolving game, there will be more history and innovation to come.

NIKE, Inc. Congratulates its Women's Tournament Schools

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:09:00 -0700

The passion of March is not unique to the men's tourney. Deserving equal billing are the 49 NIKE, Inc. schools that make up 76 percent of the women's tournament field announced Monday night. Months of determination are on the line for a one-and-done tounament scenario, with the final four teams squaring off in New Orleans for the 2012-2013 championship.

Teams, you make us proud.

_________________________________________________________________________________

The 49 tournament-bound schools include (in alphabetical order):

Albany	Baylor	Cal
Cal Poly	Colorado	Creighton
Dayton	Delaware	Depaul
Duke	Florida State	Fresno State
Georgia	Gonzaga	Wisconsin-Green Bay
Hampton	Idaho	Iowa
Iowa State	Kentucky	Liberty
LSU	Marist	Miami
Michigan State	Middle Tennessee	Montana
Navy	Oklahoma	Oklahoma State
Oral Roberts	Penn State	Prairie View
Princeton	Purdue	Quinnipiac
St. Joseph's	St. Johns	Stanford
Stetson	Syracuse	Tulsa
UConn	UNC	UT Chattanooga
Vanderbilt	Villanova	West Virginia
Wichita State

Prairie View and Hampton wear Nike footwear but non-Nike uniforms.

NIKE, Inc. Salutes Men's Tournament Teams Marching Toward Atlanta

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:00:00 -0700

As the march to Atlanta gets underway, NIKE, Inc. salutes its 52 men's tournament schools. The schools make up 76 percent of the bracket and embody the passion and excitement of men's college hoops. Nike has designed footwear to the exact specifications needed for the championship run.

With the women's tournament field also announced this week, NIKE, Inc. would like to congratulate its 49 women's tournament teams.

Let the dance begin.

________________________________________________________________________________

The 52 tournament-bound schools include (in alphabetical order):

Akron	Albany	Arizona
Belmont	Boise State	Butler
California	Colorado	Colorado State
Creighton	Davidson	Duke
Florida	Florida Gulf Coast	Georgetown
Gonzaga	Harvard	Illinois
Iona	Iowa State	James Madison
Kansas State	Liberty	LIU Brooklyn
Marquette	Memphis	Miami
Michigan State	Middle Tennessee	Minnesota
Mississippi	Missouri	Montana
New Mexico	North Carolina	North Carolina A&T
Ohio State	Oklahoma	Oklahoma State
Oregon	Pacific	Pittsburgh
Saint Louis	San Diego State	Southern Univ.
Syracuse	UNLV	Valparaiso
VCU	Villanova	Western Kentucky
Wichita State

Colorado State University, North Carolina A&T, Southern University and Western Kentucky University wear Nike footwear but non-Nike uniforms.

Pure Radiance: White Nike Foamposite One Is Cleanest Yet

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Originating from true experimentation, the Nike Foamposite One ranks among the most legendary basketball shoes in the Nike archive. It serves as a prime example that design ideas can spring from unlikely places if you keep your eyes open, a core principle of Nike's design ethos.

During a meeting in 1997, a molded sunglasses case on the table became an inadvertent source of inspiration for Nike footwear designer Eric Avar.

“We were like, ‘Wow, wouldn’t that be great if we were able to do a shoe like that?’ It was one piece, it was seamless design and it just conformed around the object.”

Made of EVA foam with a fabric cover, the case was lightweight, but its structure and form captivated Avar and team. This inspiration eventually lead to the Nike Foamposite One, a high-performing shoe with a striking appearance that would make its way into sneaker culture history.

Sixteen years after the debut of Avar’s original design, the Nike Foamposite One’s popularity has not waned. Its signature ridges have seen a myriad of colors including the original royal blue, matte black, copper and pink. Now, Nike Sportswear veneers the Nike Foamposite One in the brightest color in the spectrum: white. The monochromatic upper is complemented by a crisp, clear ice-sole.

The Nike Foamposite One will be available globally beginning March 29 at select Nike Sportswear retailers.

LEBRON X LOW, KOBE 8 SYSTEM and KD V get dipped and painted for Easter

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:00:00 -0700

Easter egg hunts may be for kids, but the hunt for unique Nike Basketball shoes welcomes all comers. In anticipation of Easter Sunday, March 31, Nike will release special Easter colorways for the LEBRON X LOW, KOBE 8 SYSTEM and KD V on March 29.

Nike Basketball designers drew on the tradition of painting, dying and decorating Easter eggs as inspiration for the collection’s pastel-colored palette.

LEBRON X LOW

The LEBRON X LOW, LeBron James’s new low-cut signature shoe, continues the celebration of his 10-year partnership with Nike Basketball. The low version debuts in this special colorway, with mint as the base color of the shoe and a graphic collar-lining in Easter-egg hues.

The LEBRON X LOW features a basketball-specific Max Air 360 unit that provides maximum impact protection and a smooth ride. Hyperfuse construction with Flywire technology delivers dynamic containment for optimal performance. The low-cut upper offers lightweight comfort and free range of motion.

KOBE 8 SYSTEM

The vivid color-blocking of the KOBE 8 SYSTEM overlays egg-painting technique on Kobe’s signature snakeskin pattern throughout the upper. Innovative Nike Engineered Mesh enables incredible use of color, which is fully leveraged in this edition.

Designed as an extension of Kobe’s foot for his quickness and precision, the KOBE 8 SYSTEM incorporates Nike Engineered Mesh for the first time in a basketball shoe. This upper construction provides a dynamic, ultra-lightweight fit while acting as a canvas for provocative graphic design.

KD V

The KD V features soft blue-green tones and playful paint patterns on the Swoosh, tongue and visible Max Air unit in the heel.

The KD V, Kevin Durant’s most technically advanced shoe to date, combines Nike Zoom cushioning in the forefoot and Nike Air in the heel, along with a Hyperfuse upper and dynamic heel support.

The new Nike Basketball Easter collection – LEBRON X LOW, KOBE 8 SYSTEM and KD V – will be available globally beginning March 29 at select retail stores and at Nike.com.

Inside Access: Evolving the Upper

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:00:00 -0800

Shoe design fuses art with science. It’s a delicate balance of blending breakthrough form with proper function to deliver exceptional performance.

Since 1972, Nike Basketball has been on a quest to create shoes that deliver cutting-edge innovation and bold design. By taking risks and providing athletes with footwear they never imagined, Nike has ushered in a fresh approach to designing shoes.

When dissecting the three fundamental elements of a basketball shoe you have the upper, midsole and outsole. The “upper” of the shoe, the top portion above the sole, is critical to keeping an athlete secure, supported and comfortable. The surface area of an upper also is key real estate for color, graphics and unique performance attributes.

Spanning five decades, the transformation of the basketball shoe’s upper has been dramatic. In 1972, the Blazer was a simple cut-and-sew leather design. In 2012, Nike introduced the revolutionary Kobe 8 System, a completely new interpretation with Nike Engineered Mesh, made to meet the needs of one of the game’s best players.

Here is a look back at transformative moments in the evolution of the upper:

1970s

The Swoosh design visually established Nike’s identity in basketball on the all-leather Blazer in 1972. An oversized version in this case, the Swoosh was sewn onto the shoe’s upper, which would evolve to suede in 1973.

Lightweight and naturally breathable materials such as full-grain leather, suede and canvas dominated the decade on shoes such as the Bruin, Franchise, All Court Canvas and MVP Lo. Design was rooted in performance practicality. Less was more and the looks were timeless.

1980s

The 1982 birth of the Air Force 1 changed the game forever. Granted, it was the arrival of a Nike Air unit embedded in the sole that shocked athletes, but the shoe’s clean and confident upper made a statement with a contrasting leather-mesh combination. The timeless silhouette and premium upper construction continues to march through the decades with confidence. Despite its multiple layers of support, the AF1’s upper had great breathability, which became a defining design mandate of the 1980s.

This decade introduced a slew of bright, young Nike designers including Tinker Hatfield, who pushed the upper’s aesthetic potential to new levels. The Nike Dunk debuted on the college hardwood in 1986, while the Delta Force, Air Flight and Nike Alpha Force built on the AF1’s iconic upper design. Meanwhile the Air Revolution and Air Force STS literally brought uppers to new heights with collars defining the ‘80s high-top craze. Suede, canvas and leather remained the materials of choice for designers.

1990s

The functionality of a Mayan sandal combined with the Neoprene fit of a water ski… Taking upper design to unexpected places was the goal of Hatfield and his understudy intern Eric Avar as they designed the Air Flight Huarache in 1992. The dramatic exoskeleton and sock-like fit heralded a new way of thinking about shoe design. The Air Raid shoe’s defiant strap, the Air Max2 CB shoe’s aggressive lacing system and smooth fluidity of the Air Penny were just a few of the ‘90s hits. Natural leather was front-and-center until a 1997 shoe came along that flipped upper construction on its head.

“As a design team we never let parameters hold us back,” said Eric Avar, Nike VP Design Innovation. “We’re driven by solving problems, creating the unexpected and trying new things, even designs uncharacteristic of a specific sport.”

The Air Foamposite I: A masterpiece debuting on college basketball’s grandest stage. A bold aesthetic some equate to a beetle morphed with a roach turned heads and sparked debate. Its iconic upper stands the test of time as a design marvel. It combined Avar’s provocative style with a production process completely revolutionary to this day. Synthetic materials had arrived in 1997 with the advent of the “foams.”

2000s

Extravagant uppers blending natural leather with synthetic materials characterized the new millennium’s first decade. Bold was beautiful. A period where exceptions were the norm landed with another Avar design for summer 2008 in Beijing. The Nike Hyperdunk would catapult upper design to entirely new standards. Flywire technology was integrated into a synthetic upper for lightweight, lockdown support for the game’s best athletes on an international stage.

“We had fun in the 2000s, pushing the limits and experimenting where we could take upper design,” said Tracy Teague, Nike Basketball Creative Director. “The Nike Hyperdunk completely changed the game of basketball with its futuristic design.”

Just two years later, the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse would build on the Hyperdunk shoe’s minimalist approach with a new innovation that literally fused mesh and synthetic layers to create a durable, breathable upper. Inspired by outdoor basketball in China, Nike designers led by Shane Kohatsu established Hyperfuse construction. It remains a leading innovation today: The LeBron X, KD V and Nike Zoom Hyperdisruptor are just a few of the top shoes featuring the latest Hyperfuse construction. With synthetic materials providing designers previously unimaginable options, the days of natural suede, leather and canvas are now history for top performance shoes.

Future

Building on a 40-year legacy, Nike Basketball designers continue to explore new territory for what’s possible in upper design. A case in point is the Kobe 8 System, a low-top shoe that at first glance appears fit for running. It provides solid support and is the first Nike Basketball shoe to introduce Nike Engineered Mesh.

Articulated for the precise movement of the foot, Nike Engineered Mesh has quickly established new rules for basketball shoe uppers. The synthetic mesh with zonal support is incredibly lightweight without compromising strength and durability. At 9.6 ounces (U.S. men's size 9), the Kobe 8 System is a sneak peek into an exciting future for upper design.

“Working regularly with the game’s top athletes like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving allows our team to create innovative design to help them perform at their peak,” says Leo Chang, Nike Basketball Footwear Design Director. “Pushing the limits on the design and construction of basketball shoes will always fuel our team.”

The innovative identity established by Nike in 1972 is not forgotten as Nike Basketball continues to establish new standards for footwear design.

"Inside Access" is a series providing an inside look at Nike Basketball through the lens of design innovation. Look for new features the first and third Tuesdays of each month throughout the basketball season.

Oregon State Athletics Unveils New Brand Identity

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:01:00 -0800

Oregon State University, in partnership with Nike, today introduces a new brand and identity system that sets the visual direction for Beaver Athletics for years to come and modernizes one of the most recognizable brands in all of intercollegiate athletics.

OSU and Nike officials worked on a nearly two-year brand evolution program to refine and update the celebrated marks of the University, honoring the rich tradition of academics and athletics. With the goal of developing an innovative and contemporary athletic brand identity, OSU and Nike worked with student-athletes, coaches, administrators and alumni to compile input on the department’s brand attributes.

“Oregon State Athletics has undergone a tremendous transformation in the last 15 years and our new brand identity is another sign that the Beavers continue to confidently move forward,” said Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis. “The ultimate goal for the rebrand is to attract high-caliber student-athletes to a contemporary brand, while respecting our heritage.”

The new Beaver logo features clean, contemporary lines and a modern, confident and timeless graphic structure. The logo accurately reflects the essence of Oregon State Athletics – Heritage, Strength, Victory, United, Innovation, Tenacity, Dedication and Integrity. Through these brand identity updates, Oregon State creates separation and distinction in the marketplace while respecting the past and representing the future.

“Nike has a long-standing relationship with Oregon State Athletics and it has been an honor to work with them on their new brand identity,” said Todd Van Horne, VP and Creative Director for Nike Football and Baseball. “This new update respects OSU’s history and represents their future while creating separation and distinction in college sports."

As part of the new program, all 17 of OSU’s intercollegiate sports teams will showcase consistent colors, logos, lettering and numerals.

Fans can go to Beaver Authentics or the OSU Beaver Store for immediate purchases or pre-sale ordering. Most retail outlets that sell Oregon State merchandise will have products with the new branding by mid-April.

NEW OREGON STATE BRAND IDENTITY STANDARDS

A refined, contemporary primary Beaver mark to be used consistently by all intercollegiate athletic teams.
A custom typeface and numeral set.
Primary and secondary color palettes.

Primary Identity – Beaver Logo

A refined Beaver logo will serve as the primary representation of the brand, and will be used as the main identifying device for Oregon State Athletics. The new mark is a contemporary evolution of the current Beaver mark, and supports the goal of respecting the past while representing the future. The use of the OS logo will remain part of the University’s overall program, but will be phased out by Athletics.

Secondary Identity – Typography and Word Marks

Block typography has been a fundamental part of OSU’s athletic heritage and speaks to the no-nonsense, hard-working nature of Oregon State athletes, coaches and fans. It is honest, strong, imposing – the perfect foundation for the future of Oregon State Athletics typography. Consistent usage of the typography will support the primary logo and ensure clarity and distinction in all Athletics communications.

Primary Colors

A consistent color palette will allow for instant team identification and enhance the overall impact of the brand identity. Orange — a distinctive color within the Pac-12 Conference —black and white are the official colors for Oregon State Athletics and will remain a constant on all of the school’s intercollegiate teams.

Secondary Colors

A metallic bronze secondary color has been introduced, representing strength and integrity and draws inspiration from the well-used machinery utilized in the timber industry. The addition of bronze brings depth to the existing Oregon State color palette; it will be reserved for limited use only.

Tartan Print

A custom tartan print has been designed to represent the Oregon State Beavers and enrich the overall identity package. The notches in the thick lines reference how beavers use their sharp front teeth to cut down trees, and the white pinstripes are composed of the Oregon State and Beavers wordmarks. The tartan is reserved for limited use only.

For more information about Nike, please contact the Nike Media Relations office at 212-367-4447.

Nike Greater China’s “Give Me the Ball” campaign inspires kids to make their mark

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 16:00:00 -0800

[中文版新闻稿，请下拉网页]

Give a kid a chance, a nudge in the right direction, and astounding things can happen. That’s the premise of “Give Me the Ball,” a new basketball campaign driven by Nike Greater China.

“Give Me the Ball” motivates players to dream big, speak up, take charge and make their own mark with just a basketball in their hands.

Iconic global players Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Yi Jianlian appear in the “Wish List” - the new film in the Give Me the Ball campaign - along with Chinese icons, actor Chen Jianzhou and renowned basketball commentator Zhang Weiping. The film also celebrates aspiring basketballers hungry for a break.

“Playing basketball was my dream and passion as a kid. The ball symbolized an opportunity, a chance to work hard and see what was possible,” Bryant said. “Every aspiring player should feel that possibility when the ball is in their hands.”

Kevin Durant had the same dream: “When I was a kid, basketball was my life. In some ways, it’s such a simple game: just give me the ball and the rest will take care of itself,” Durant said. “I hope to inspire kids to go after what they want, starting with the ball.”

Yi Jianlian, MVP of the Chinese Basketball Association League regular season and All Star Game, applies the new campaign to his current season. “Give me the ball, I will bring you the Championship,” he posted on Weibo, aiming to bring a title to his Guangdong Southern Tigers.

Chinese rising star, 2012-13 Rookie of the Year and MVP of the Rookie Challenge Wang Zhelin also believes in the power of the ball: “When you have the ball in competition, you need to take more responsibility. When I tell a teammate to give me the ball, it means I’m ready to take that responsibility.”

NIke Greater China partnered with Wieden + Kennedy of Shanghai to create the film. Stacy Wall, whose work includes previous Nike campaigns L’il Penny, The LeBrons, MVPuppets and LeBron Rise, directed the 78-second “Wish List.” The film will air throughout March on national entertainment and sports networks in Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The broader campaign features extensive digital, out-of-home and print executions.

"给我个球场, 给我观众, 给我对手, 给我条规矩去打破, 给我…"这是一个篮球少年的愿望！如同世界各地的青少年一样，中国的青少年们面对着成长的压力与烦恼，无法逃避，必须面对。耐克最新篮球行销活动“把球给我”应运而生，激励年轻一代大胆喊出对胜利的渴望，用手中的篮球掌握命运，赢得属于自己的未来。

作为本次活动的重头戏，耐克精心打造了一支名为“愿望清单”的广告片，通过激情而富有节奏的自白，展示了一个少年不断壮大的篮球愿望。值得一提的是，耐克力邀国内外著名篮球人士亲身参与“愿望清单”的拍摄，在片中，不但能够看到如科比•布莱恩特、凯文•杜兰特、易建联等篮球明星的身影，还有艺人陈建州“司职”球场主持人，著名篮球评论员张卫平为比赛“解说”，共同为他们的“英雄”加油。整个影片也几乎还原了一个球员的生活点滴，从打球到选秀、从签署球队合同到拥有明星队员、直到成为万众瞩目的焦点、甚至出席速配节目。每一个篮球运动员都能从中找到自己的影子——那个曾经一旦拿到球便光芒四射的自己。“把球给我，不用给我风头，我会自己赢回来！”这不仅仅是中国篮球运动员的自我期许，更是篮球运动员的态度与骄傲。

当谈及“把球给我”的意义，科比·布莱恩特表示：“这是我儿时的愿望。对我来说，篮球意味着机会，一个通过努力改变一切的机会。当球在手中的时候，每一各有这样愿望的球员都应该把握这样的机会。”

当被问及同样的问题时杜兰特说：“当我还是一个孩子的时候，篮球就是我生活。如果你把球给我，所有的一切就会水到渠成。我希望从这颗篮球开始，每一个篮球少年都去追求他们的愿望。”

“把球给我，我将还你一个总冠军。”这句自信十足的誓言来自易建联的微博，他刚获得了CBA常规赛与全明星赛的双料MVP，但这远远还不够，为球队争夺至尊荣耀才是他不懈努力的目标。而作为中国篮坛的后备力量，19岁的一年级新生王哲林，凭借他出彩的表现，获得了星锐赛的MVP，更对篮球有了全新的感悟，“请给我一颗篮球，我喜欢去尝试，愿意去努力。我渴望能随时随地拿起篮球走上球场，我希望赢得一个和别人不一样的未来。”

“愿望清单”78秒完整版电视广告将于3月4日正式登陆各大门户网站和视频网站。（中国大陆读者点击此处观看视频）。同时，还将以60秒和30秒两个版本自3月6日起，在在中国内地、台湾和香港地区等20个城市播出。同时该片还将整合数字平台、零售店、户外和平面媒体以激发篮球爱好者的激情。

该广告片由耐克大中华区与上海韦登迪广告（Wieden + Kennedy）携手打造，Stacy Wall担任导演，此前他曾参与L’il Penny, LeBron系列，耐克2008宣传片“一个新的队伍”等多部电视广告的制作。

Inside Access: The Impact of Nike Hoop Summit

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:00:00 -0800

International basketball has many flavors. From the Euro step in Europe to passing precision in Asia, the game continues to evolve from unique nuances that start local and spread global.

Nike Basketball celebrates these regional styles by inviting elite players to Portland, Ore., for an annual exhibition game. Considered by many the best collection of young basketball talent anywhere in the world, the Nike Hoop Summit showcases the internationalism of the game.

It is a prime opportunity for players to compete and be seen on a global stage. The NBA continues to draw talent from overseas and currently is made up of 21 percent foreign-born players—nearly four times the number of international players during the 1991-1992 season.

Destination Portland

Taking place this year on Saturday, April 20 (4 p.m. PDT), at the Rose Garden in Portland, this annual basketball game is played under international rules. It features the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Select Team, comprising top high school male senior players, competing against a World Select Team of under-19 year old standouts from around the world.

Success translates

An incredible 140 former players who have participated in the Nike Hoop Summit were drafted by NBA teams. Six of these alumni were No. 1 draft picks.

Some notable names that have participated in the past include Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis for the U.S. team, and Dirk Nowitzki, Wang Zhelin, Yi Jianlian and Patrick Mills for the World Select team.

Four players from the Nike Hoop Summit also have gone on to earn Rookie of the Year honors, including Kyrie Irving (2012), Tyreke Evans (2010) and Kevin Durant (2008).

History

The inaugural Nike Hoop Summit was played in Springfield, Mass., the birthplace of basketball, in 1995. Since then, the event has been held in Florida, Indiana, Texas, Tennessee and Oregon. For the fifth consecutive year, the game will be played at the Rose Garden in Portland, where it has recorded the four largest crowds in its 15-year history.

Future stars

USA Basketball recently announced the roster for its 2013 USA Junior National Select Team that will take on the World Select Team at this year’s Nike Hoop Summit. Four players with prior international basketball experience including USA medalists and prep standouts Aaron Gordon (Archbishop Mitty H.S./San Jose, Calif.), Rondaé Hollis-Jefferson (Chester H.S./Chester, Pa.), Jabari Parker (Simeon Career Academy/Chicago, Ill.) and Julius Randle (Prestonwood Christian Academy/ McKinney, Texas) lead the USA team.

Seven U.S. team members participating in the Nike Hoop Summit have signed a National Letter of Intent for the 2013-14 college season. All 10 players rank among the nation’s top 30 boys basketball players and seven are ranked among the top 10 by three different scouting services.

The 2013 World Select Team will be organized by Nike; the roster will be announced in March.

Nike Basketball is committed to growing the game internationally and the Nike Hoop Summit provides a platform for the stars of tomorrow to shine today.

For more information on the Nike Hoop Summit click here.

"Inside Access" is a series providing an inside look at Nike Basketball through the lens of events, innovation and athletes. Look for new features the first and third Tuesdays of each month throughout the basketball season.