MOP 'MELO
THIS DAY IN SNKRS
In basketball, there are moments when the stars align: players are in sync, coaches call the right plays, and history is made. For the 2003 Syracuse University team, winning the National Championship was one such magic moment, and is the school’s first and only title to this day.
The success of that final game was partly due to the explosive talent of Carmelo Anthony, then only a freshman. Throughout the season, he had led Syracuse in scoring, rebounding, and free throws, with each spectacular shot as crucial as the last. On April 7, 2003, after an adrenaline-filled night without sleep, Melo reassured his coach and team that they would win. He contributed 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, and earned the Most Outstanding Player Award.
To commemorate Melo and the award that foreshadowed his future success, Jordan Brand is set to release a trophy-inspired Air Jordan IX. The shoe’s gold and brown accents are offset by Melo’s number, 15, on the heel, his logo on the insole, and embossed leather resembling wood grain. And though Melo was wearing the Nike Shox Supremacy during the finals, a quick glance at the Air Jordan 9 “Melo” recalls the moment he kissed the award and launched a legendary NBA career. Stay tuned to SNKRS for launch info.
