The University of Akron Department of Athletics announced its men’s basketball program will begin a three-year partnership with Nike under which the Zips' shoes, game uniforms, and apparel will all be licensed under the Nike and LeBron James “LJ23” trademarks.
Currently, the entire athletics department calls adidas its official apparel provider and, with the exception of the men’s basketball program, that agreement will extend through 2013. The Nike deal with the men’s team will run through August 2011.
"I'm from Akron and The University of Akron is my hometown school,” LeBron James said. “Because of my ties to the Akron community, the University and Coach Keith Dambrot it is important to me that UA is designated as a Nike/LeBron James LJ23 School. I want to be sure that Coach Dambrot's guys look great head to toe."
"This is another example of LeBron’s commitment to the city of Akron, its university and our basketball program,”
Dambrot said.
"LeBron James is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest athletes to ever play the game," Akron director of athletics Mack Rhoades said. "Of equal importance, he is recognized as a quality person who loves his hometown and is willing to give back."
The Nike/Akron partnership is a product of Dambrot’s long-standing relationship with James. As head coach of Akron’s St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (1998-99 through 2000-01), Dambrot won a pair of state championships (2000 and 2001) with James being a key component. James is no stranger to UA’s Rhodes Arena on game days and is a regular at off-season workouts in the Zips' facility.
WALK ON ANNOUNCED
Keith Dambrot announced the addition of Kyle Peterson to the 2008-09 roster. The 6-foot-4-inch, 180-pound guard from Naples, Fla., will be a preferred walk-on for the Zips. Meaning he has a spot on the team, but won’t initially receive a scholarship.
Petersen was accepted into the Honors College at UA, after graduating from Community School with a 3.80 GPA. He also received numerous accolades for his performance on the hardwood as well. Last month his high school jersey was retired, capping a prep career in which he amassed 1,217 points.
“Kyle is a very fundamental player,” Dambrot said. “He is a good shooter, averaging about 50 percent from the field as senior, and has great basketball IQ. I have no doubt that he will fit in with our current players and system very well.”
Petersen will be one of six newcomers on next season's team – joining Nikola Cvetinovic (Loznica, Serbia/Virginia Episcopal School), Anthony "Humpty" Hitchens (Chillicothe, Ohio/Chillicothe HS), Brett McClanahan (Nitro, W.Va./Nitro HS), Andrew Parrish (Dayton, Ohio/Northmont HS) and Alex Sullivan (Painesville, Ohio/Riverside HS), who all signed national letters of intent during last November's early signing period.
