NBA Players Face Off in Michigan & Ohio State Sneakers

Michigan and Ohio State's rivalry was highlighted with sneakers during an NBA game.

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To the casual basketball fan who has not yet tuned into many NBA games this season, Tuesday night's matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic may have seemed unappealing. But both upstart teams are destined for the playoffs, and last night's game provided us with an intriguing sneaker storyline.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley is a veteran who played for the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2006-07 season. Meanwhile, Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner played three seasons for the Michigan Wolverines from 2015 to 2018. 

Conley and Wagner are both Jordan Brand athletes who often use their sneakers to show off sharp player-exclusive colorways. During last night's game, the two opponents used their sneakers to represent their alma mater on the hardwood.

Air Jordan 36

A detailed look at the Air Jordan 36 'Michigan Wolverines.' / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Wagner represented the Wolverines by wearing the Air Jordan 36 in a player-exclusive navy blue and maize colorway. Details throughout the shoe include co-branding between Jumpman and the University of Michigan.

Although Wagner was already off the campus in Ann Arbor and in the NBA by the time the Air Jordan 36 launched in July 2022, he clearly still had the hookup from either his old athletic department or someone within the Jordan Brand company. 

Throughout his professional career, we have seen Wagner sport the Air Jordan 33-36 in Michigan-inspired home and away colorways. Unfortunately, it does not look like he has received any of the newer models in his school colorways in recent years. Hopefully, Jumpman or Michigan's athletic department can get some to their loyal alum.

Air Jordan 38

A detailed look at the Air Jordan 38 'Ohio State Buckeyes.' / © Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Conley showed love to the Buckeyes by wearing the Air Jordan 38 in a scarlet and grey colorway. These sneakers are especially impressive as Ohio State is a Nike school, not a Jordan Brand school (although the distinction can get pretty murky at times).

It is safe to assume Conley has more pull at Jordan Brand as the company is cooking up player-exclusive colorways that not even current Buckeyes athletes receive. While this incredible colorway will never be released to the public, online shoppers can purchase the Air Jordan 38 at a discount in select styles on the Nike website. 

The rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State is deep-rooted and goes back more than a century. It is amazing to see the battle extend to sneakers worn during NBA games. Stay locked into FanNationKicks.com for all your footwear news from the sports world.

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