Kiki Rice, the standout guard for the UCLA Bruins, has not only been making waves on the basketball court but has now etched her name in sneaker history.
Debuting her exclusive Air Jordan 38 Low PE, dubbed the “Cherry Blossom” colorway, Rice has become the first Jordan Brand NIL Athlete to receive such an honor.
With impressive stats this season, averaging 13.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, Rice’s prowess extends beyond basketball.
Her collaboration with Jordan Brand marks a significant milestone for both her and the brand, showcasing their commitment to supporting young talents excelling in both sports and fashion.
In a recent Instagram post, Rice excitedly shared a video unboxing her new kicks, exclaiming:
“These are Sick!!”
The “Cherry Blossom” colorway holds special significance for Rice, drawing inspiration from the springtime cherry blossoms that bloom in her hometown of Washington D.C.
She explained:
“Growing up in D.C., everyone always would look up to the springtime and cherry blossoms would bloom and just be able to see all the incredible colors and the flowers and everything.”
The sneaker features intricate details, including a cherry blossom graphic on the tongue top and a floral pattern on the sock liner, representing the blooming cherry blossoms.
The blended gradients of pink and blue evoke the imagery of cherry blossoms against a backdrop of blue skies. Additionally, personalized touches, such as the embroidered Jumpman logo on the heel and ‘KIKI’ on the left heel, add to the exclusivity of the design.
However, these shoes will not be available for retail purchase, as they are exclusively made for Rice and her UCLA women’s basketball teammates and staff.
Nevertheless, Rice’s partnership with Jordan Brand extends beyond just footwear, focusing on gender equity and amplifying her influence both on and off the court.
Rice’s debut of the “Cherry Blossom” Air Jordan 38 Low PE during a recent game against the Stanford Cardinals marks a proud moment for her and Jordan Brand as they venture into the realm of NIL partnerships.
