John Kim 
The electricity of college hoops is beginning to send subtle shockwaves throughout as we await the beginning of the 2015 March Madness Tournament. This all-out slugfest of college-level ball has been quite the platform for an opportunistic Nike, a brand that showcased a number of apparel and footwear innovations as well as outfit trends on the grand stage since it entered the fray in 1990. From the baggy shorts to the famed t-shirt-under-jersey look, Nike has had the “look” down for decades, but it’s the technological advancements of the kits that have these college teams performing at high levels – and it’s no wonder why so many Nike squads have won it all.
Perhaps the most legendary of instances was in ’97 when the Arizona Wildcats donned Nike from head to toe while winning the ‘chip. High-scoring point guard Mike Bibby wore the Air Foamposite One during the tournament prior to it ever showing up on Penny’s feet. In the 21st Century, Nike introduced Dri-Fit and Sphere to the on-court apparel, and in 2007, their “System of Dress” approach accomplished the most sophisticated on-court ever seen in NCAA play. For 2015, Nike’s Hyper Elite Disruption uniform, which weighs less than half of its heaviest uniforms ever, will be on the backs of several squads gunning for the coveted title. Get a detailed look at the uniforms as well some great imagery from the past below, and read more on Nike News.
