Jared Ebanks The NBA’s All-Star weekend provides an opportune time for brands to unveil the latest workings from their respective basketball houses. And less than two months since the Beaverton brand’s debut of Ja Morant’s first signature shoe, The Swoosh not only released the silhouette’s initial two colorways this past weekend, they crafted their own mountainous pop-up in commemoration of the Utah landscape and Morant’s persistent work ethic.
A collaboration between Nike Basketball and SNKRS, the gargantuan, all-white monument titled Mt. 12Skii is constructed in the shape of the Nike Ja 1, its box, an iced-out 12 chain – which was presented to the two-time All-Star – and a Grizzly head. Featuring a full-size, hyper-realistic block of ice carved out to be a replica of Morant outside the space, things get a little chilly inside where a decked-out ice museum is kept at a cool 30 degrees to preserve the frozen artifact walls encasing rims, drill cones, weight plates and an ice luge that hand-delivers both the “Midnight” and “Scratch” propositions of the Ja 1.
Announced as the brand’s first Gen Z signature athlete, the Nike Ja 1 was formulated for the next generation of playmakers, allowing those to maximize their hangtime while consecutively reducing landing force through the forefoot’s lockdown panels. Bringing a hands-on approach to the creative process, personal handwritten notes render throughout the upcoming slate of colorways to acknowledge his friends, family and community who have become to be known as Team Morant.
Honoring the history of the Grizzlies’ roots with a turquoise, red and brown palette, the Nike Ja 1 “Scratch” harkens back to the team’s earliest seasons in Vancouver while a claw scratch graphic pays tribute to the reigning Most Improved Player’s aggressive and above the rim style of play.
Previewed earlier this week, the Ja 1 “Midnight” was made available exclusively for the first time via a SNRKS drop. Dawning a Swarovski crystal-covered Swoosh, hang tag and 12AM dubrae, a clad-black ensemble draws inspiration from Ja’s 12 am workouts in the dark of night. Finished with an icy blue translucent outsole, “ITS 12AM SOMEWHERE” comes handwritten in a black and red pairing underfoot.
Featuring exclusive SNKRS drops of the latter pairs and custom Ja merchandise, Mt. 12Skii will remain open through Sunday. For an exclusive look at the space and of both the Nike Ja 1 “Midnight” and Scratch”, enjoy official photos below.
In other news from the Beaverton-based brand, check out Jayson Tatum’s Jordan JT 1.
