The Sole Kid | Nike, Adidas, Or ?

The future is bright for Duke’s mega-star Zion Williamson. The projected No. 1 pick will choose a sneaker deal between six sneaker companies (Puma, Adidas, Nike, Under Armour, Anta, and New Balance). Zion’s future endorsement deal will make him one of the highest paid rookies in NBA history, joining LeBron James and Kevin Durant. In 2003, 18-year-old LeBron James met with Reebok and rejected a $10 million offer on spot to sign with Nike for $90 million. In 2009, Maryland native Kevin Durant was also in a bidding war between 2 emerging sneaker companies (Nike and Adidas) before choosing Nike for $60 million. Durant turned down a $70 million dollar offer from Adidas.

Zion Williamson is the project No.1 pick for the 2019 NBA Draft in June. The New York Knicks hope to land him. (Photo:USATODAY)

Since Williamson’s last game as a Duke Blue Devil, the anticipation began to sink in. Zion is set to announce his decision in May right before the NBA Draft Lottery. Former Adidas marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro has been drawn to the likes of Williamson. He’s convinced that Zion will be a marketing superstar in any market that he plays in. Zion Williamson can ink a deal between $100-150 million before he steps foot on an NBA court and as Vaccaro insists He will be the first 18-year-old billionaire athlete. I seen similarities in Zion and LeBron, however this generation that we’re in has praised the Phenomenon of Zion Williamson.

“He is going to have an opportunity to be the face of every company and every major corporation. He is the most marketable person I’ve seen. ”

— Sonny Vaccaro

Duke Mega-star Zion Williamson will be the future face of the NBA for many years to come. (Photo by: ESPN)

For those of you who don’t know about Sonny Vaccaro, He’s a godfather to the sports marketing world. His journey took off back in 1980 with Nike. Vaccaro was responsible for signing Michael Jordan to his first sneaker deal in back 1984. Vaccaro also launched the ABCD All-American Camp, for top-tier high school prospects from 1984-2007. The camp featured stars such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and Allen Iverson. In 1990 Vaccaro left Nike for Adidas, he then channelled his focus to scout the top prep and high school players in the country.

He caught the attention of Lower Merion star Kobe Bryant. Sonny signed Kobe and provided him with his signature “Crazy 8s” shoe. Adidas then lured in top prospect Tracy McGrady and signed him for $12 million, which included paying his high school coach $900,000 over 6 years. Sonny Vaccaro transcended the culture for the Adidas brand and began attracting emerging athletes at every level.

Sonny Vaccaro and Michael Jordan built an admirable relationship during his tenure with Nike Inc. (Photo by: Complex)

“The one benefit you get from employing Sonny Vaccaro is you get all of his talents, all of his resources, but you also don’t have to compete with him.”

— Dan Wetzel (Yahoo Sports Writer)

According the ESPN, only 9 NBA rookies were fortunate enough to have signature sneakers. The list includes: Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, LeBron James, Allen Iverson, Lonzo Ball, Shaquille O’Neal, Stephen Marbury, and Jerry Stackhouse. Currently, the NBA has 17 active players with their own signature shoes. For Zion Williamson the deal breaker will depend on the inclusion of a signature shoe. Unfortunately, many complications can exist under Nike due to over-saturation for signature sneakers. Nike holds 5 signature shoes for LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Paul George, and Giannis Antetokounmpo whose sneaker is set to launch this summer.

Nike Basketball Presents their NBA Athletes. Missing is Giannis A. (Photo by: @Nikebasketball)

Zion’s first introduction with Adidas came during his High School career. Adidas sponsored Spartanburg Day School as well as Zion’s South Carolina Supreme AAU team. Currently, Adidas has invested with on-going signature shoes for Damian Lillard, James Harden, Derrick Rose, Andrew Wiggins, Kristaps Porzingis, and Donavon Mitchell. However, Zion’s affiliation with the Adidas brand and long lasting relationship created with his family may influence his decision. Zion Williamson has the opportunity to be the new face of basketball for years to come but will he keep his brand loyalty to Adidas, or will he turn a new leaf to Nike? Or will he be an outcast by signing with the other 4 sneaker companies?

“What Michael did for Nike, Zion can do for someone new. I just think America loves Zion Williamson.”

— Sonny Vaccaro

Zion Williamson graces the cover of Slam Magazine in his Senior year of HS. This was the beginning of the viral era (Photo by: Slam HS)

Thanks: ESPN, Bleacher Report, SLAM MAG, Complex

Athlete: Zion Williamson (Duke University)

Figure: Sonny Vaccaro

The Rose That Grew From Crenshaw | Nipsey Hussle

LA Native and Grammy-Nominated Artist Nipsey Hussle was killed in a shooting that took place Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred at his Marathon Clothing store located in the Crenshaw district, Two others were also shot but were not killed. Hussle was shot at multiple times and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The shooting occurred in the parking lot at West Slauson Ave. No information on who the primary suspects are, some allegations reported that it was not associated with gang violence.

Nipsey Hussle at His Marathon Clothing Store in the Crenshaw District (Photo by: Billboard)

It’s a sad moment for our culture and hip-hop community; to lose another innocent life to a senseless act of violence is devastating. This was a pleasant surprise of course; a few months ago Nipsey Hussle was nominated for Best Rap Album of the year for the 60th Grammy Awards. Victory Lap was Nipsey’s first major commercial release of his career and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. The Album success left a profound impact upon the hip-hop world. Victory Lap was a unique representation of the West-Coast Rap culture. The critically acclaimed project included a clout of guests like Kendrick Lamar, Diddy, Belly, Dom Kennedy, CeeLo Green and more. Aside from his musical successes, Nipsey also invests his energy into the South Central LA community in hope of making cultural contributions for the people.

Nipsey Hussle Victory Lap Album Of The Year Grammy Nomination Presentation party in LA (Photo by City Never Sleeps).

“Spoke some things into the universe and they appeared. I say it’s worth it, I won’t say it’s fair. Find your purpose or you wastin air”

— Nipsey Hussle

Aside for him illustrious rap career Nipsey Hussle embraced the serial entrepreneur role and took it to a whole other level. He showed high levels of interest in community building, technology, and crypto-currency. Hussle opened up the Marathon Clothing Store in the Crenshaw District in June of 2017. His objective for opening up a brick and motor was to provide a way to give back to his community and loyal fans. Growing up in the Crenshaw/South Central LA area Nipsey choose a path inflicted with the street culture, he was an avid member of the “Rolling 60’s” Crips.

But, His experiences learned from the streets were paramount in his development as an artist and entrepreneur. Our culture was begun to praise the elevation of Nipsey Hussle and his fans are an embodiment of what he represents. In late 2018, Hussle became an investor in Vector 90, which is a co-working space in the South Central LA area. Young individuals can take a variety of different classes and get involve in business opportunities. This space has become a centre for African-Americans from the inner city.

Nipsey Hussle on the Puma Private jet heading to the Roc Nation office in New York City. (Photo by: Billboard)

“I’ll Remember the beauty that he saw in our community and the beauty that he was. He loved us. He left that love with us. And it cannot die.”

— Ava DuVernay

Throughout the summer of 2018, Nipsey Hussle revealed that he was in the process of making a documentary on the life of Dr. Sebi. The Doctor who believed that he cured AIDS. Dr. Sebi was known for his all natural remedies that can cures individuals from several diseases as well. In 1985 Dr. Sebi went to trial against the State of New York because he put that he cured AIDS in a newspaper. However, Dr. Sebi won the case. On August 6,2016 Dr. Sebi died on his way to Hospital Vincente D’Antoni, he was suffering from ill health while being in prison. Dr. Sebi framework has greatly influenced many holistic physicians of this generation. Rumours has stirred up a conspiracy theory that Nipsey’s death was not gang related but a connection to controversial figure Dr. Sebi.

The honourable Dr.Sebi smile in an interview in early 2015. (Photo by: Black Health and Wealth)

“And If they kill me for this Dr. Sebi documentary y’all better ride”

— Nipsey Hussle

The lost of Nipsey Hussle has gravitated across the globe, touching a wide array of people. He had that type of presence; Hussle was a man of integrity, compassion, and great intentions. Nipsey sent his whole life fighting for the community that raised him. They took more than a Rapper away from the world. They took a brother, a father, a leader, and a devoted man. But, I truly feel that Nipsey’s soul and legacy will live eternally through us. His wisdom imparted on our generation will spark the minds of powerful people, world-class leaders, and Industry leaders. The Crenshaw District will continue to embrace that platform you’ve built for them. Rest in Paradise Ermias Asghedom!

“Even though you drive me nuts, you pull up, you show up, and NEVER let me be alone.”

— Lauren London

Nipsey Hussle and his girlfriend Laura London in GQ’s photoshoot. The issue was titled “California Love” (Photo by: GQ Magazine)

Ermias Asghemdom (Aug 15, 1985- Mar 31 , 2019)

Sending our prayers to your family during this troubled time. May your soul and Legacy live on forever! - Hussein.A