Jared Ebanks Since the NCAA’s implementation of Name Image and Likeness, sneaker companies have been selectively pitching the game’s best high school and college hoopers on becoming their youngest endorsed athletes. With Bronny James and Caitlin Clark headlining The Swooshes’ first NIL deals, just down Bowerman Drive, Jumpman has begun crafting its own roster of endorsed amateur athletes, announcing today the signing of five-star point guard Kiyomi McMiller to a sponsorship deal.
Ranked by ESPN as the sixth-best player in the nation in the Class of 2024, the 5’8 point guard is a fearless offensive threat, putting on a show every time she steps onto the hardwood by breaking out Shammgod’s and step-back threes on a whim in her junior season at Life Center Academy. Joining UCLA freshman Kiki Rice – and the brand’s first-ever NIL sponsorship – McMiller is the first high schooler to be represented by the Beaverton-based brand, breaking out the Air Jordan 37 Low throughout the season.
“I’m inspired by both of my parents. I get my creativity from my dad and my grandmother, which carries over to my dribbling,” says McMiller. “I’m always in the gym with my mom and dad working on my game. It’s a dream come true being with the brand that stands for the same passion that I have for the game. I look forward to encouraging basketball players to use their creativity and platform to define their purpose.”
While the remaining of McMiller’s on-court Jordan lineup has yet to be seen, check out imagery of the brand’s latest NIL signee rocking the Air Jordan 4 “Photon Dust”, Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low “Phantom” and recently released Air Jordan 13 “Playoffs” below.
In other news from underneath the Nike Inc. umbrella, take a look at the debut colorways of the Jordan JT 1.
