Jordan Brand Adds Four NBA Rookies to Its Star-Studded Basketball Roster
The Jordan Brand athlete roster continues to grow.
Today, the namesake brand of basketball icon Michael Jordan announced it has signed four NBA rookies: Jett Howard, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Cam Whitmore and Marcus Sasser.
More from Footwear News
Howard, the 6-foot-8 guard for the Orlando Magic, played college basketball at the University of Michigan and was selected No. 11 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
“The little kid in me is coming out again. Anytime I had played My Career on 2K, I picked Jordan Brand to be my signature shoe on that, so this is a full-circle moment. I’m excited beyond belief,” Howard said in a statement.
The Miami Heat selected Jaquez Jr., a 6-foot-6 small forward from UCLA, with the No. 18 pick.
“One of the main reasons Jordan Brand stands out is because of its connection to its community and giving back. I have a family scholarship fund in association with the Latino Bruin Association at UCLA that helps Latin American kids earn scholarships and ensure money is not a reason these kids don’t have an education. I’m excited to continue to get involved with giving back by signing with Jordan Brand,” Jaquez Jr. said in a statement.
With the No. 20 overall pick, the Houston Rockets selected Villanova University forward Whitmore.
“From starting on Team Melo’s 7th grade squad to being an official Jordan Brand athlete? This is crazy. I’ve been rocking Jordans since I was a young’n, and I’m very grateful and appreciative to be a part of this family,” Whitmore said in a statement.
Sasser was selected No. 25 by the Memphis Grizzlies, and was traded to the Detroit Pistons on the night of the draft. The 6-foot-2 guard played college basketball at the University of Houston.
“Being at Houston, which is a Jordan Brand school, we always had the chance to test footwear and receive all the latest heat. So, it’s been a natural transition to sign with Jordan Brand as I start my pro career and look to continue to inspire young hoopers,” Sasser said in a statement.
The aforementioned rookies are the newest additions to a stacked Jordan Brand basketball athlete roster that includes Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, Bradley Beal and others. Last year, the company signed then-rookie Paolo Banchero, who went on to earn NBA Rookie of the Year honors.
Aside from NBA stars, Jordan Brand has bolstered its athlete roster with WNBA stars, including 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year Rhyne Howard, and signed Kiki Rice of UCLA and high school hooper Kiyomi McMiller to name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.
Best of Footwear News
Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
