Matt Varga It’s just one game, but you can only play who’s in front of you. The Dallas Wings sent as strong a signal as possible in their opener, felling a title favorite in the Indiana Fever to begin their campaign, the latest indication that Dallas is closer to the top of the league for this year than the basement. While the headlines will go to the two most recent #1 picks on the roster in Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, Arike Ogunbowale was steady as ever, adding to her franchise-leading point total and leading all scorers as the Wings kicked things off undefeated.
The 2019 draftee only continued that stellar atmosphere on foot, pulling out a “Desert Camo” PE to begin the season in style. Beyond the scaly uppers that make good on the arid title we’ve assigned, the rest of the shoe is comprehensive in meeting the theme; something close to a faux-aged midsole combines with deep beige laces and a brown outsole unit for an earthy overall profile. Of course, the title here should call to mind the Kobe 6 “Italian Camo,” a public release that may have lent some creative inspo for what Ogunbowale has cooked up here.
To be sure, this isn’t Arike’s first exclusive version of the Nike Kobe 6. Teammate Aziaha James wore a light green version of the silhouette in this very game, having been crafted for Ogunbowale last year. With Caitlin Clark set to debut a signature shoe this year, could this be an indication that Arike is next up as the torchbearer for the Kobe line in the W? A’ja Wilson’s ongoing signature line and the potential of Paige Bueckers owning one eventually only adds to the intrigue.
Trust we’ll keep a bead on that plotline as the year plays out, but for now, consider this pair exclusive to the four-time All-Star’s closet. Catch an in-game shot below.
