That is the new Zoom Kobe III from Nike. Actually it is the special edition of the sneaker made specifically for Duke at Kobe Bryant's request, because of "Kobe's admiration for Coach Mike Krzyzewski." Yes, Kobe had a special version of his sneaker made for the team he would have played for if he had gone to college. For the coach he would have played for, wanted the Lakers to hire a few years back and will be coached by him in the Summer Olympics.
The Blue Devils will be wearing these sneakers for tonight's opening round NCAA Tournament game against Belmont this evening. The "regular" version retails for $130. So Coach K, has his State Farm Insurance commercial running this year and now a special edition of a Nike sneaker in his honor. Is it any wonder there are so many Duke Haters.
It does makes me wonder, though, when Sebastian Telfair will come through for Rick Pitino that way.
Previously on FanHouse:
What Kind of Duke Hater Are You?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-20-2008 @ 6:27PM
carl monday said...
"...and now a special edition of a Nike sneaker in his honor. Is it any wonder there are so many Duke Haters."
horrific conclusion to this article.
using a special edition sneaker as justification for people hating Duke is baffling.
do your research and realize that UNC & Georgetown each have special edition Jordan Brand sneakers, is that reason to hate them as well?
i don't even like duke, and you have my defending them, learn how to write.
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3-21-2008 @ 12:09AM
Tim said...
yeah and they almost lost to belmont due to "these shoes" which they were not accustomed to wearing!!!! i doubt they wear them for the rest of the tourney!
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3-21-2008 @ 12:09AM
Dennis said...
probably are a lot of Duke haters-envy is one of those deadly sins, I think. I grew up in east TN,went to UT mid-60's,'cause I couldn't afford to go to Duke- GREAT school,top-notch academics and basketball;wish they would get competitive in football too. The Kobe special edition Duke shoes is cool move-nice tribute to a deserving program and their terrific coach. Way to go Kobe-and go Duke-
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3-21-2008 @ 11:18AM
MoreLights said...
All that matters is the W, and you win with grace when you do. No one could have been more respectful to the Belmont players than this team. It's quality people that make them admired and the naysayers just wish they had their success with class. Even my most vehement UNC fans say, Tyler Hansbrough isn't their type of player, he would have fit so well at Duke.
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3-21-2008 @ 10:40PM
David said...
Goodness gracious those things are HIDEOUS! What's with the waffle design? $130??!?!? That's just ridiculous. I feel sorry for all the parents who get suckered into buying those for their kids. If you're an adult who wears those outside of a basketball gym, then you're a TOOL.
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3-21-2008 @ 10:41PM
sdp said...
Ugh, I shudder at the thought of what Coach K would've done with Kobe's game. Kobe would be a 3 point chucker who can't do anything in the playoffs like all the other Duke stars. Fun Fact: Carlos Boozer is the only Dookie ever to start on a conference finals team. Now that is some futility for an "elite" program.
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3-21-2008 @ 10:42PM
Mr Money said...
Its not a whole lot different than Carolina wearing all Jordan gear.
Kobe likes the coach so he's gonna look after the mans team. Stop hating on a man for being respected.
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3-21-2008 @ 10:42PM
gimpski00 said...
K obe and coach K. both stink+ neither will be around at the end!
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3-23-2008 @ 10:27PM
NachoD said...
Kobe Rocks! Duke Sucks!
I gotta agree with SDP, Duke just doesn't do a good job of producing NBA-caliber players.
Go Lakers and Tar Heels!
Better luck next year Coach K!
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