Kicks

Mark Pope Shows Off Nike Book 1 "Kentucky Wildcats"

Devin Booker's first signature Nike sneaker has finally appeared in a Kentucky Wildcats colorway.

Pat Benson

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope talked about team's player-exclusive Nike sneakers.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope talked about team's player-exclusive Nike sneakers. / Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Kentucky Wildcats easily defeated Minnesota State Mavericks in an exhibition game on Tuesday night. Kentucky head coach Mark Pope grabbed fans' attention by debuting a player-exclusive colorway of the Nike Book 1.

Phoenix Suns guard and former Kentucky standout Devin Booker's first signature basketball shoe has begun popping up in several college-themed colorways for Nike schools.

However, this is the first time fans have seen the Nike Book 1 in the "Kentucky Wildcats" colorway. After the game, Pope held up the shoe and asked the media, "These are incredible, right?"

Pope is correct, Nike did an amazing job of showing love to Booker's alma mater. The colorway sported a Navy Blue upper contrasted by a White Swoosh logo.

Nike added great details like "34-2" on the tongues, which was the record of Pope's 1996 NCAA National Championship-winning Kentucky team. Additionally, the retro Wildcat logo appears on the lateral heels.

Unfortunately for Wildcats fans, this player-exclusive colorway will not be released to the public. However, online shoppers can choose from multiple colorways of the Nike Book 1 on the Nike website.

The perks of playing for Kentucky are endless. Celebrities like Drake show love to the men's and women's team. Plus, Vanessa Bryant helped name Kentucky a "Mamba Program" last fall.

Basketball season is here, and fans can expect to see more heat than ever on the hardwood. Stay locked into Kicks On SI for all your footwear news from the NCAA and beyond.

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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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