John Gotty

The future of basketball sneakers is 19 — and already signed.

NIL money hasn’t gone to the heads of college basketball’s best players. It’s gone to their feet - Andscape NIL ushered in a new era of sneaker deals with amateur basketball players — some of whom play for colleges signed to competing brands.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the day I get my signature, for sure. But, for now, this was a really cool experience that allowed me to get a taste of what I want my own shoe to be like — hopefully — in the future.” - JuJu Watkins

Read more from Aaron Dodson's story on why JuJu's new LeBron NXXT Gen sneaker is only the beginning for what's ahead.

Read: Why JuJu Watkins’ Nike LeBron NXXT Gen is a step toward her own signature shoe // https://andscape.com/features/juju-watkins-designs-nike-lebron-nxxt-gen-sneakers-iq8495-002/

First, Tyrese Maxey was named as an All-Star starter. Then, word released yesterday that he's the next player to receive a signature sneaker from New Balance.

Aaron Dodson spoke with Maxey last summer about the prospect of him getting a shoe and about his relationship with the brand.

TLDR: His path to a sig shoe was about timing, trust, and proving it every night.

Behind 76ers star Tyrese Maxey’s path to a signature shoe with New Balance - Andscape Maxey signed a contract extension with the brand that will deliver the debut of his signature line later in 2026.

Wale's bona fides as an MC and a sneakerhead can never be disputed.

Long before sneakers became mainstream content, he was selling kicks on the floor at DTLR and debating releases on Niketalk. Over the years, the hit records followed, but the love for footwear never left.

That history made it especially meaningful to see Nike tap Wale to debut the new G.T. Future + collaborate with him on a special colorway rooted in the DMV.

Andscape’s Aaron Dodson was on the ground to document the moment, capturing why this release mattered to the culture and the community that shaped the man behind it all.

Photos: Tony Ports

READ: 'The story behind rapper Wale’s journey to headlining the Nike G.T. Future' // https://andscape.com/features/the-story-behind-wale-nike-gt-future-ice/

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first CONVERSE signature sneaker isn’t just about style, which he's proven he has in spades. The SHAI 001 ‘Family’ pack pays tribute to the people closest to him, with each colorway telling a personal story.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeps the family close with heartfelt Converse SHAI 001 pack - Andscape This year couldn’t have been scripted more perfectly for NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 27-year-old point guard captured the NBA scoring title, averaging 32.7 points per game during the 2024-25 regular season. That was before being named the league MVP and, ultimately, the NBA Finals M...