legend Antoine Walker told Boardroom. “Coach Pitino had a huge deal with Converse so they really laid it all out for us whether it was sweatsuits or shoes.”
Boasting nine future pros and often putting up over 100 points a night, the ’96 Wildcats lived up to all hype, going 34-2 while steamrolling through the NCAA Tournament.
Better yet? They did it in denim uniforms.
Crafted by Converse and worn for a single season, the Levi’s leaning look has evaded fans and collectors for a quarter century.
Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET, 19nine is bringing back the decorated denim shorts in authentic home styling.
So, how did the shorts return to market and how did Employee #8 land in Lexington? Boardroom found out.
Walk Hard
Growing up in Chicago, 5-star forward Antoine Walker dreamt of wearing baggy shorts and black socks at Michigan.
Enamored by Steve Fisher’s pace of play and the path paved by local legend Juwan Howard, Walker’s serious skills and fun-loving attitude meshed perfectly with the Fab 5‘s flair.
“We all were following Michigan,” Walker said. “The impact they had with the baggy shorts and the black shoes? The whole culture and swag that they came with was something we gravitated towards.”
Having a handle despite power forward stature, an Ann Arbor arrival appeared perfect for Walker’s vision both culturally and on-court.
“I really wanted to go play point guard,” Walker said. “I played it on the AAU circuit and I was seeing who would recruit me as a point guard. Michigan had Jalen Rose at 6’8 so everything was geared towards them.”
