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What is it about shoes?
The times we live in. The proliferation of customized shoes is upon us now.
Forget the old Air Jordans (except for collectible prices on vintage). We are entering into a new time. Art meet sport. Sport meet Art.
In the very near future (uh, NOW!), some brilliant college recruiting guru (I pray it isn't Calipari) will figure this one out. The future powerhouse college basketball team will get there NOT from having a HOF coach, or by using their Blue Blood brand to gain the edge. The next royalty to sit on the throne of college basketball will get there because they understood FIRST that art can not only resemble reality, it can control it! Welcome to the age of "multiplex branding!"
Imagine a university (like Kansas) leading the pack here by developing a branding dynasty department that will not only continually update (and blow up) the Kansas Jayhawk brand, but will also develop individual branding for Kansas players... especially in the shoe world!
Imagine upcoming recruits being swayed by the enticement of future endorsements because their branding started in college. Talk about the best method to guarantee these players make serious money in their futures... this is it! In reality, they will never have to dribble a ball past college to guarantee a reasonable wealth status. It will already be achieved through their unique branding accomplished while in college.
And if the NCAA continues to get challenged in court so college players gain more rights, especially on their images and branding... look out!
World to Coach Self... reroute your next recruiting trip through LA. Pay a visit to Kickstradomis and let's watch Kansas basketball dog the world of D1!
Anyone in here think I'm joking around here? Ha! Look what Maryland did in 2012!
Here are a few links helpful for perspective:
