Since it’s debut last year, the Kobe A.D. has been released in a very simplistic manner. The first colorway was mostly Wolf Grey and followed by a Black and White model . Many Kobe fans were left to wonder why Nike took this route as the line as they have never been used to such a bland start for the series.
Thankfully, we now have a colorway inspired by the “Oregon Ducks” dressed in a vibrant Black and Yellow. There is no information yet if these are officially by the University of Oregon, however the heel logo and wing decals give it away pretty good. This would mark the first time Nike Basketball have released an Oregon PE colorway for the Kobe line to the public. Yet why not a Duke colorway? Kobe Bryant and Oregon never has been a thing, has it?
Kobe Bryant was drafted from High School and never attended a college or university. It was long believed that Bryant would have attended Duke and played for Coach K, like he did twice in the Olympics.
During an interview, “Kobe Up Close”, the Laker legend had a conversation with Jimmy Kimmel in 2013 revealing that he would have committed to North Carolina.
From the Los Angeles Times:
Defying urban legend that he was Duke-bound, had he gone to college instead of the NBA straight out of high school, Bryant said he was leaning toward North Carolina. “I love [Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski],” Bryant said. “The truth has to come out.”
Why North Carolina? Vince Carter, a Tar Heel, was one of the top guards in the country at the time. “I want to play against him, every single day,” Bryant said.
Too bad we never got to see the Mamba grace March Madness, but just in time, this Kobe A.D. could be on your feet during the tourney. The Nike Kobe A.D. “Oregon Ducks” will release March 10 at select retailers for $160.00 USD. Please stay tuned for more information once it becomes available.
Source via Nike
