march madness – Pulpconnection https://www.pulpconnection.net Addicted to Passions and Pulp Fri, 06 Apr 2018 06:26:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/www.pulpconnection.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/cropped-20080503-lime.jpeg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 march madness – Pulpconnection https://www.pulpconnection.net 32 32 1069961 Kicks Analysis 2018 #8: The Champ https://www.pulpconnection.net/2018/04/kicks-analysis-2018-8-the-champ/ Fri, 06 Apr 2018 06:26:51 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=33154 Can you tell I’ve bee preoccupied this March Madness? Instead of watching all the upsets and craziness that is the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, I’ve been curating the Pulpconnection store on eBay. So instead of doing the full series of Kicks Analysis for 2018, I begin and end with the championship that belongs to Villanova.

But really with Michigan and Villanova facing off in the Finals, Nike had already claimed the 2017-2018 season. The best shoes of the champion game has to be the iconic Air Jordan 11 worn by Michigan’s Moritz Wagner.

Embed from Getty Images

Sure there was heat on the floor, but #13 busting out the 11 was straight up fire, even in a losing effort. So that’s 17 in 20 – raising Nike’s championship winning percentage to 85% over the past 20 seasons.

]]> 33154 Kicks Analysis 2017 #8: The Champ https://www.pulpconnection.net/2017/04/ka17-8-the-champ/ Tue, 04 Apr 2017 06:52:15 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=31738 Too much Jordan. Has to be, but in any case, North Carolina barely outlasted Gonzaga in the Finals of 2017 Men’s NCAA basketball season. It was tight until the end before that 9-2 burst by the Tarheels did in the Bulldogs.

during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.
during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.

Of course, I was rooting for the underdog since the Gonzaga basketball program has yet to win a National Championship, but how can you fault the “opposing” team for wearing the Cool Gray colorway of the Air Jordan 11?

during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.

Going back to 1999, the kicks title looks like this:

That’s 16 championships for Nike in the past 19 years, upping the Swoosh’s winning percentage to 84%. Congratulations to the Tar Heels and Nike.

]]> 31738 Kicks Analysis 2017 #7: The Finals https://www.pulpconnection.net/2017/04/ka17-7-the-finals/ Sun, 02 Apr 2017 05:56:26 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=31736 It’s over… from a kicks point of view anyways. Nike has another championship locked down with North Carolina and Gonzaga playing in the finals. Starting out, Nike had a 59% chance for one of its teams to win it all. Under Armour and Adidas were close to each other at 19% and 22% respectively.

For the Sweet Sixteen, Nike’s odds increased to 75%, and Adidas and UA were at 12.5% each.

In the Elite 8, Nike maintained its 75% mark meaning Adidas and Under Armour again had 12.5%.

The Final Four featured three Nike teams, again 75% of the teams, with only Under Armour remaining.

Now with the Bulldogs battling the Tar Heels, Nike has a 100% chance of winning.

during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.
during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.
during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.
during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.

On Monday, it’s Jordans versus LeBrons, Kobes, Kyries, and KDs.

]]> 31736 Kicks Analysis 2017 #6: The Final Four https://www.pulpconnection.net/2017/04/ka17-6-the-final-four/ Sat, 01 Apr 2017 18:20:15 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=31734 One down, and I’m surprised (as well as bummed since that’s the end of my bracket). Kansas and Adidas are out, leaving Nike with Gonzaga, North Carolina, and Oregon. Under Armour is still scrapping on then backs of the South Carolina Gamecocks.

in the second half during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 17, 2017 in Greenville, South Carolina.
]]> 31734 Kicks Analysis 2017 #5: Elite 8 https://www.pulpconnection.net/2017/04/ka17-5-elite-8/ Sat, 01 Apr 2017 18:13:50 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=31732 The odds, the percentages – forget them. It’s March Madness, baby! All shoe brands are still in it with Nike having 75% of the Elite 8. UA and Adidas each have one team repping their brand.

Check out them Kobes!
Seed: Team, Shoe
11: Xavier, Nike
1: Gonzaga, Nike
3: Oregon, Nike
1: Kansas, Adidas
7: South Carolina, Under Armour
4: Florida, Nike
2: Kentucky, Nike
1: North Carolina, Nike

This percentage breakdown mimics that of 2016.

]]> 31732 Kicks Analysis 2017 #4: Shoes of Champions https://www.pulpconnection.net/2017/03/ka17-4-shoes-of-champions/ Fri, 24 Mar 2017 17:28:04 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=31725 I vowed that if my bracket won this year’s tournament then I would buy shoes from the popular Adidas basketball lineup. There are no losers in the current lineup of Crazy Explosives (low), Harden Vol. 1, and the Dame 3. Currently, Adidas adorns the remaining Kansas and UCLA squads.

Lonzo balls in the Hardens.

Oddly enough, I didn’t spot the special Jayhawks makeup of the Crazy Explosive in their matchup with Purdue. I did see a different color way and the unheralded CrazyLight Boost.

Kansas guard Josh Jackson (11) dunks against Purdue Boilermakers in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, March 23, 2017. Kansas advanced, 98-66. (Shane Keyser/Kansas City Star/TNS)
Kansas guard Devonte’ Graham (4) drives to the basket around Purdue guard P.J. Thompson (11) in the first half in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, March 23, 2017. Kansas advanced, 98-66. (Rich Sugg/Kansas City Star/TNS)

 

But the Dame 3 is really growing on me. The performance is there, and while its look is unconventional, there are color schemes that flat out work.

]]> 31725 Kicks Analysis 2017 #3: Sweet 16 https://www.pulpconnection.net/2017/03/ka17-3-sweet-16/ Fri, 24 Mar 2017 06:30:50 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=31713 The sweetness of the sixteen teams still dancing look like this:

  1. Florida (4)
  2. Wisconsin (8)
  3. Baylor (3)
  4. South Carolina (7)
  5. Gonzaga (1)
  6. West Virginia (4)
  7. Arizona (2)
  8. Xavier (11)
  9. Kansas (1)
  10. Purdue (4)
  11. Oregon (3)
  12. Michigan (7)
  13. North Carolina (1)
  14. Butler (4)
  15. Kentucky (2)
  16. UCLA (3)

Nike holds a dominant position with 12 of the 16 (75%). Adidas and UA both have two teams represented (12.5%), but Adidas has powerhouses, UCLA and Kansas, playing.

I haven’t been impressed by any particular pair of kicks on-court thus far. So instead, I’ll give props to the Big West representatives, UC Davis and the bespeckled, hard working, Chima Moneke.

]]> 31713 Kicks Analysis 2017 #2a: Seed Sponsorship https://www.pulpconnection.net/2017/03/ka17-2a-seed-sponsorship/ Thu, 23 Mar 2017 18:24:22 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=31711 For 2017, Nike has majorities in 9 of the 16 seeded positions. Adidas has two (#13 and 15) while Under Armour has 3 (#8, 14, and 16). UA is not represented by teams in the top four seeds. Nike and UA are tied at the six and seven spots.

]]> 31711 Kicks Analysis 2017 #2: Conference Sponsorships https://www.pulpconnection.net/2017/03/ka17-2-conference-sponsorships/ Thu, 23 Mar 2017 18:15:12 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=31709 Not much to say other than the powerhouse conferences have an affinity to Nike. The ACC has the most teams this year with eight followed by seven from the Big Ten.

]]> 31709 Kicks Analysis 2016 #5: Elite 8 https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-5-elite-8/ https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-5-elite-8/#comments Thu, 07 Apr 2016 19:00:55 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=29178 In the Elite 8 of 2016, both Adidas and Under Armour are barely hanging on with one team each (Kansas for Adidas and Notre Dame for Under Armour). All the rest (Virginia, Syracuse, Oregon, Oklahoma, Villanova, and North Caroline) don the swoosh. From a numbers standpoint, this works out to 75% Nike and 12.5% each for Adidas and UA.

Seed, Team, Shoe
1, Virginia, Nike
10, Syracuse, Nike
1, Oregon, Nike
2, Oklahoma, Nike
1, Kansas, Adidas
2, Villanova, Nike
1, North Carolina, Nike
6, Notre Dame, Under Armour

]]> https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-5-elite-8/feed/ 1 29178 Kicks Analysis 2016 #4: Shoes of Champions https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-4-shoes-of-champions/ Thu, 07 Apr 2016 18:00:08 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=29164 All players want to be guards. That’s been a known fact for years especially in the kicks world where big man shoes just don’t sell. I can’t name a popular big man shoe in recent history… maybe Dwight Howard’s signature Adidas? See my point? Even the role of the big man is being redefined with the stretch forward like Draymond Green and Anthony Davis (but really, the Brow’s Air Max Audacity is not quite attractive).

So during the tournament, guard shoes were everywhere. Kobe 11 was pretty much on every Oklahoma Sooner player, even on rugged forward Ryan Spangler. Interestingly enough, a popular high top was made for a guard in the Kobe X Elite worn by #3 Josh Hart of Villanova.

during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at NRG Stadium on April 2, 2016 in Houston, Texas.
From Getty Images

Check out Wichita State and Arizona. I see Kobe X, Hyperlive, Kyrie 2, and LeBron Zoom Soldiers. The Zoom Soldiers are the closest big man shoes out there.

during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Dunkin' Donuts Center on March 17, 2016 in Providence, Rhode Island.
From Getty Images

Speaking of LeBron James, there were very few sightings of LeBron’s actual signature line. Here’s a shot showcasing the usefulness of sturdy, hightops to protect your feet (and inflict pain on the opposition).

during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 18, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
From Getty Images

Several players wore Kevin Durant’s KD8. Love this Aunt Pearl makeup.

PROVIDENCE, RI - MARCH 17: A detail shot of the shoe of Blake Hamilton #0 of the Buffalo Bulls during the game between the Buffalo Bulls and the Miami Hurricanes in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Dunkin' Donuts Center on March 17, 2016 in Providence, Rhode Island. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
From Getty Images

Another popular guard shoe was Kyrie Irving’s signature line. While the Kyrie 2 was quite common, the Kyrie 1 was well represented. Despite the retro cool grey Jordan 11 worn by #13 Isaiah Briscoe of Kentucky, there weren’t that may Jordan retros on court.

Generated by IJG JPEG Library
From Getty Images
during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Dunkin' Donuts Center on March 17, 2016 in Providence, Rhode Island.
From Getty Images

Lastly, Brice Johnson, the talented 6-10 forward from North Carolina, wore the Chris Paul CP3 line emphasizing the popularity of guards’ shoes.

during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at NRG Stadium on April 2, 2016 in Houston, Texas.
Fr0m Getty Images

So maybe the team with the best guard shoes wins it all?

]]> 29164 Kicks Analysis 2016 #2b: Regional Sponsorships https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-2b-regional-sponsorships/ Thu, 07 Apr 2016 00:00:05 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=29159 From Under Armour’s point of view, they were represented in every region with the most appearing in the South.

Unfortuanately for UA, the pairings didn’t work out so well in their favor. Taking Nike’s numbers out of the equation for now, Adidas teams only faced each other two times (Texas A&M vs Green Bay and Indiana vs Chattanooga). However, UA teams had three match-ups where one of their own was elimated. These are Maryland vs South Dakota St., Maryland vs Hawaii, and Notre Dame vs S.F. Austin. These head-to-head games decimated UA’s small numbers to begin with.

The University of Hawaii mens basketball team faces Maryland in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veteran's Arena, Spokane, WA on March 20, 2016. Photo: Brandon Flores.
The University of Hawaii mens basketball team faces Maryland in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veteran’s Arena, Spokane, WA on March 20, 2016. Photo: Brandon Flores.
]]> 29159 Kicks Analysis 2016 #3: Sweet 16 https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-3-sweet-16/ Wed, 06 Apr 2016 22:30:18 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=29151 The Sweet Sixteen of 2016 looks like this:
Generated by IJG JPEG Library
From Getty Images

  1. Virginia
  2. Iowa St.
  3. Gonzaga
  4. Syracuse
  5. Oregon
  6. Duke
  7. Texas A&M
  8. Oklahoma
  9. Kansas
  10. Maryland
  11. Miami (FL)
  12. Villanova
  13. North Carolina
  14. Indiana
  15. Notre Dame
  16. Wisconsin

Nike has 9 of the 16 teams for 56%. Adidas has 5 teams for 31%, and Under Armour has the remaining 12.5%. Nike is almost even to win with its drop from 62% to 56%. Adidas increased their odds of winning, going from 22% to 31%. UA took a hit dropping from 16% to 12.5%.

Adidas-wearing Miami took out some colorful KD8 Nikes on their way to the Sweet Sixteen.

]]> 29151 Kicks Analysis 2016 #2a: Seed Sponsorship https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-2a-seed-sponsorship/ Wed, 06 Apr 2016 19:00:55 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=29147 Like 2015, the top seeded teams for each region are broken out to three Nike teams (Virginia, North Carolina, and Oregon) and one Adidas (Kansas).

Under Armour’s highest seeded team is Utah at #3 in the Midwest region. Hawaii is ranked #13 in the South, but the lowest seeded UA team is S.F. Austin at #14 in the East. But the Lumberjacks have represented UA in the tournament since 2014.

]]> 29147 Kicks Analysis 2016 #2: Conference Sponsorships https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-2-conference-sponsorships/ Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:00:04 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=29143 Parity seems to be the theme with the 2016 selections from the basketball conferences.

2016-conference

The power conferences checked in with 7 bids each with all the mid majors represented by their respective conference tournament winners. The American and Atlantic 10 had three teams. The Big East wasn’t as big as other conferences with five selections. The Missouri Valley and SEC had two teams each.

]]> 29143 Kicks Analysis 2016 #1: Shoe Sponsorship https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-shoe-sponsorship-2/ https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-shoe-sponsorship-2/#comments Wed, 06 Apr 2016 05:09:48 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=29134 Well, well, well. Will you look at that. There’s another player in the game. Don’t get me wrong, Nike still dominates the field of 64 with 40 teams (62%), and Adidas has a respectable 22% of the field with 14 teams. So what about that remaining 16%? Ten March Madness dancers wore Under Armour shoes. That’s double the number of teams from last year.

2016-shoe-sponsorship

Let’s take a look at the trends of 2016 where Nike lost 8 points, Adidas went up 3, and UA pulling in 10.

2016-shoe-annual

The ten UA teams are Texas Tech, Seton Hall, Utah, Cincinnati, Maryland, South Dakota St., Temple, Notre Dame, S.F. Austin, and my personal favorite, Hawaii. Hawaii’s game shoe of choice belong to the Curry line, both 1 and 2. Though if I had a say, the whole team would wear the lucky Curry 2 Suit & Tie.

]]> https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-shoe-sponsorship-2/feed/ 1 29134 Kicks Analysis 2016 #8: The Champ https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-8-the-champ/ https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-8-the-champ/#comments Tue, 05 Apr 2016 08:47:15 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=29128 All it takes is 4.7 seconds to go from Air Jordan XX9s to Kyrie 2s for the win. Tarheel Marcus Paige’s hit a miracle double pump three to tie the game with his Air Jordans cavorting in the air.

Generated by IJG JPEG Library
From Getty Images

Then as the clock ticked down with 4.7 seconds, Wildcats’ Kris Jenkins launched the game winner with less than a second. Truth be told, I couldn’t identify Jenkins’ kicks in that 4.7 seconds. After watching several replays, I thought Kris could be wearing the LeBron 13, but my final guess is the Kyrie 2. Even now, I’m not completely sure but pretty confident that the 6-6 forward was wearing a shoe designed for guards. Well, Kris stroked that jumper just like a guard.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 04: Kris Jenkins #2 of the Villanova Wildcats shoots the game-winning three pointer to defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels 77-74 in the 2016 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at NRG Stadium on April 4, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
From Getty Images

Check out the unbelievable ending yourself.

Either way, Nike was the ultimate kicks winner in the 2016 edition of March Madness. Looking back to 1999, the kicks title looks like this:

That’s 15 championships for Nike in the past 18 years, coming out to a 83% winning percentage.

]]> https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-8-the-champ/feed/ 1 29128 Kicks Analysis 2016 #7: The Finals https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-7-the-finals/ Mon, 04 Apr 2016 19:03:12 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=29087 Today’s the day that Nike gets another NCAA men’s basketball championship added to its resume. It don’t take no genius to know that Nike has 2016 all wrapped up with North Carolina and Villanova. It was essentially Nike’s game after the Elite 8. During that time, Adidas was represented by Kansas and Under Armour by Notre Dame. The other six elitists (Virginia, Syracuse, Oregon, Oklahoma, Villanova, and North Carolina) wore Nikes.

Which team will have the better kicks showing in today’s finals? Will it be North Carolina and their Jordans or ‘Nova and their various signature lines?

From the kicks I’ve seen during the 2016 tournament, I personally think Nike’s best is the Kobe X.

516267682
From Getty Images

From Under Armour, their best showing has to be the Currys (worn by Hawaii).

516738900
From Getty Images

Adidas had several teams decked out in crazy D Rose Boost 6 shoes. Here’s a conservative colorway worn by Bakersfield big man Aly Ahmed.

516379290
From Getty Images
]]> 29087 Kicks Analysis 2016 #6: The Final Four https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-6-the-final-four/ https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-6-the-final-four/#comments Mon, 04 Apr 2016 05:31:34 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=29053 Whoa, what happened to the 2016 Kicks Analysis parts 1-5? Starting at the sixth installment? Well, I have some catching up to do after a #palms16 vacation. So in the meantime, let’s fast forward.

The 2016 Final Four was an all Nike affair. Oklahoma was primarily decked out in Kobe Bryant’s signature line in the form of the X (Buddy Hield) and the 11, possibly the newest Lower Merion colorway. Villanova players wore a variety of Nikes like the Kobe X Elite high top, the Hyperrev 2016, Kyrie 2, and a LeBron XIII.

518787900
From Getty Images

The East-Midwest matchup featured the North Carolina Tarheels and the surprising Orangemen of Syracuse. No surprise that Carolina wore Jordans although a variety of models including the CP3 line worn by Brice Johnson. Surprisingly, last year’s Jordan XX9 low top was a popular pick.

518796906.jpg
From Getty Images

I did not see retros like in years past, but old player signature lines were apparent. Buddy’s Kobe X, Malachi Richardson in KD7s, and Carolina favoring Jordan 29 instead of the latest Jordan 30.

So the analysis is easy – Nike wins again with all Final Four teams swooshing.

 

]]> https://www.pulpconnection.net/2016/04/kicks-analysis-2016-6-the-final-four/feed/ 1 29053 Kicks Analysis 2015 #8: The Champ https://www.pulpconnection.net/2015/04/kicks-analysis-2015-8-the-champ/ Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:08:32 +0000 https://www.pulpconnection.net/?p=26796 Notch another one for Team Swoosh. With Duke’s 68 to 63 victory over Wisconsin, a team wearing Nike shoes has now won 14 of the last 17 NCAA men’s basketball tournaments. That’s an impressive 82% winning percentage dating back to 1999.

1999 Connecticut (Nike)
2000 Michigan State (Reebok Answers)
2001 Duke (Nike)
2002 Maryland (Nike Shox Stunners)
2003 Syracuse (Nike Shox)
2004 Connecticut (Nike Lebron Zoom Generation and Air Force Operates)
2005 North Carolina (Nike Retro Jordan X)
2006 Florida (Nike)
2007 Florida (Nike)
2008 Kansas (Adidas)
2009 North Carolina (Nike)
2010 Duke (Nike)
2011 Connecticut (Nike)
2012 Kentucky (Nike)
2013 Louisville (Adidas)
2014 Connecticut (Nike Kobe 8 or Venomenon)
2015 Duke (Nike)

The Blue Devils wore all kinds of Nikes on the night of the Finals. I spy the 2015 Hyperrev, a Kyrie 1, and most impressively, a custom “universe” Lebron 10 on the feet of guard Quinn Cook. So much for my sentiment about not seeing LeBrons in the tournament.

duke-wins-2015

Congratulations to Duke for yet another championship, capping off One Shining Moment.

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