LeBron James' mouthguard fangs

We present to you, courtesy of CNBC reporter/TV-picture-taker/Comcast DVR user (poor guy) Darren Rovell, LeBron James' kind of cheeky mouthguard, replete with fangs. The picture was snapped early in Miami's dominant 96-70 win over Orlando on Friday, one that saw James come through with 15 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in only 30 minutes of play.

We're assuming that James will only wear it through the weekend. We're also assuming that the humorless suits in the NBA's offices might fine him before he has a chance to wear the fangs in New Jersey on Halloween afternoon.

Either way, be careful, and have fun this weekend. Happy Halloween from everyone at The Retro Sole. Via Ball Don't Lie

NEW ERA x MLB「SF Giants: World Series」59Fifty Fitted Cap

Congratulations to the 2010 National League Champions, the San Francisco Giants. This season marked their 128th year in for the franchise in Major League Baseball, which had it roots in New York City. As they battle it out in the World Series against the Texas Rangers in game three, Giants fans can show their love by wearing the official on field NEW ERA cap. This bears the 2010 World Series patch. This 100% polyester 59Fifty whicks away moisture from the skin and moves it into the fabric, resulting in a cap that is cool and dry. Performance undervisor is black to reduce glare. Available now shop.mlb.com Via Strictly Fitteds

Li-Ning Defend - Baron Davis Player Exclusive

This summer, new Li-Ning signee Evan Turner officially unveiled the brand's new "Defend & Conquer" Basketball Collection. Set to drop at Champs Sports in the coming months, the Defend & Conquer Collection is a concept pack where the Defend will be designed and worn for home games and the Conquer represents those tough contests on the road. In addition to Turner, Los Angeles Clippers point guard Baron Davis will also start the season wearing the Defend & Conquer. Here's a detailed look at B-Diddy's player exclusive.

The Davis Defend, designed for Clipper home games, features a white synthetic base, with reptile textured sections wrapped around the toe, heel and ankle. Red works Li-Ning branding on the lateral side panel, as well as the upper lace eyelets, heel pull and "BD" logo on the heel. Royal blue hits the Li-Ning logo border, Beardman logo on the tongue and patterns on the laces and inner liner. Red and blue also take care of things on the midsole, getting help from white to finish up the outsole.

No word on an official drop date for the Defend and Conquer stateside, but Sole Collector will have plenty of new Li-Ning coverage for you soon. Via Sole Collector

Weekly Rewind: 10/23 – 10/29

It was another heat-filled week in the world of sneakers, so let’s get right down to it! LeBron James made a debut in three different mediums, as a new commercial aired, his new kicks dropped, and he made his first regular season appearance in a Miami jersey. With the NBA season now running on full steam, we got a look at a nice selection of kicks around the league, with special focus on Kobe Bryant’s ’5 Rings’ and Hyperfuse PEs. Going back to the kicks, Sneaker News showed you an all-new colorway of the LeBron 8 as well as some great upcoming Jordan Brand releases. The bright spot of the Jordan Brand category was Tinker Hatfield’s Air Jordan XX3 PE, which he wore during an interview session during the Sole Collector x Jordan CMFT Max 11 release out West. Also spotted at the event was a LeBron x Air Max hybrid that was never seen before.

On the non-basketball side of things, Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature football boot as well as the all-new Nike x Manny Pacquiao collection were revealed, which featured two colorways of the Trainer 1.2. Speaking of Trainers, release info for the remaining seven colorways of the Huarache TR Mid NCAA Pro Combat Pack provided an exclusive look at upcoming Air Trainer Huarache releases. Nike SB provided some big breaking news, as the unreleased SB Dunk Low ‘Loon’ Sample from years ago is now set for a Quickstrike release next month. And finally, West NYC, one the most well-known sneaker shops in the world, collaborated with Nike Running in a Friends and Family collection of footwear and apparel. Via Sneaker News

Nike Air Max 24/7 ‘Glass Blue’

Just in case you were looking for a pair of Nike Air Max 24/7 in the ‘Glass Blue’ colorway, ANYCOnline now has a full size run available. Retail on the 24/7’s are around the $160 price range, but you can grab a pair for $149 at this reliable sneaker dealer. You can also take an additional 10% off if you sign up for their mailing list… not bad for an awesome colorway on one of the most comfortable sneakers ever produced. Via Sneakerfiles

Eminem Says He's Recording With Dr. Dre

Dre and Shady are back in the studio, but for what project?

Eminem gave fans reason to be excited when he revealed that he was in the studio with Dr. Dre - despite the vagueness of the news.

Shady called into "The Morning After" with Angela Yee yesterday (October 28), commemorating his Shade45 radio station's sixth anniveresary.

"I'm in the studio with Dre now, let's jus say that," teased Em, saying that Dre was in the other room. "Pretty soon he's going to make a beat and I might rap on it."

Em added that he was planning on "taking a break" after the success of his latest release, Recovery, and his four-date tour with Jay-Z.

Eminem did not clarify whether he's working on a new solo project, or whether the Dre beat is for the long-delayed Detox. Via This Is 50

Air Jordan XII PE – Ray Allen Seattle SuperSonics

Way back when Jordan Brand first started out as its own entity, Player Exclusives were few and far between. Brand Jordan was just starting to separate itself from Nike and it did so for the first time with the Air Jordan XII.

Quality has dropped off (understatement of the century) quite a bit from the good old days. Let’s reminisce for a moment with an awesome blast from the past with this Ray Allen PE AJ12’s, worn by Mr. Allen when quality was still around and Seattle had an NBA franchise.

These rare kicks from 2004′s Retro lineup are available for those of you who’d wish to forego purchasing ALL of the soon to be released Retro J’s and put all of your money into one giant quality driven product made by what was once known as the best performance sneakers available at the time. If you are interested feel free to stop by eBay and check out qkro23′s listing. Via Sneakerfiles

Nike Air Force II High – Black – Challenge Red – White

Releasing right around the same time as the similarly now-rare Court Force and Delta Force is this new Nike Air Force II High. AF-deuxs used to sell alongside the aforementioned Forces at Nike Sport Culture accounts, but the change in name to Nike Sportswear heralded a shift in thinking with other retros, hybrids and lifestyle-oriented designs leading the way. And the Air Force II couldn’t have come back in a better colorway, with this Bred palette offering a tiny tribute to its Chicago roots with some AJXI-style patent leather on the Swooshes. We’ve got more images waiting for you to click on the jump below, and if you wanna grab a pair, the only place that has em is Britain’s JD Sports. Via Sneaker News

Nike Air Max 1 “Dark Army”

We’ve been seeing a lot of Air Max releases this year, and today we shed light on the newest Air Max 1 release from Nike Sportswear. These Air Max 1’s sit on a gum sole and feature a dark army paint job, with mesh detailing. It’s safe to say that you can’t go wrong with these Air Max 1’s this fall/winter. Look for these AM1’s at your local Nike retailer. If you don’t feel like searching for a pair, Premier & SneakerBistro have them in stock right now. Via The Shoe Game

Quote Of The Day: 10.28.10

The Artist formally known as “FLASH” no longer exists. This is a NEW CHAPTER in my life. A NEW ERA has begun…
“
— Dwyane Wade (@dwadeofficial)

Via The Hightop Fadeaway

Nike Air Force 1 Bespoke by Shahendra Ohneswere

The latest Air Force 1 Bespoke design comes to us courtesy of Shahendra Ohneswere. Keeping the design more simple than most Bespoke looks we see these days, Shahendra chose a black wool base, with black denim filling in the toebox, side panels and heel tab. White suede works the Swoosh, while tan leather works the Swoosh underlay and inner liner. We also see white hits on a contrast stitch throughout the upper, as well as the laces and heel branding. Brining a little more color to the shoe, Ohneswere went with pink suede on the tongue and heel spine. The lace dubrets have been personalized with the word "Rebel," and the shoe is finished off with a traditional white midsole and black rubber outsole combination. Are you a fan of this Bespoke design? Via Sole Collector

Video: Slim Chin and Dwight Howard - The Beast

Dr. Ken Jeong resumes his role as the quick witted golden mogul Slim Chin in this new adidas spot with Dwight Howard. After palling around with Derrick Rose (who adidas never lets speak in commercials), the "Beast From the East" gets together with the "Beast From the Regular East" to play a little game of 1-on-1, Beast From the Regular East fitted with his new Beast shoe. Slim's cheetah even gets a glimpse of the action. The two then sit down for a song around the piano, breaking into everybody's favorite tune, "Fast Don't Lie." Check out this new spot from adidas Basketball below. Via Sole Collector

Nike SB Dunk High - "Ironman" - Team Red/Black

Arriving this month at select Nike SB retailers is the much talked about "Ironman" SB Dunk High." Taking inspiration from the classic Marvel superhero, this Dunk High arrives in an all suede construction, ready to be skated. Burgundy suede works on the toe, eyelets and heel panel, while team red covers the suede toebox, side panel and other areas throughout.

Black and yellow also play a part in the look, combining on the patent leather Swoosh, and once more on the sole below. Black laces are also seen, while yellow caps things off on the sockliner.

The "Ironman" SB Dunk High has now begun to arrive at select Nike SB retailers. Via Sole Collector

Color: Team Red/Black
Style; 313171-600

9th’s Opus: It’s A Wonderful World Music Group Vol. 1

A new album droppped yesterday from Little Brother producer 9th Wonder. The North Carolina native returns with his third solo album, 9th’s Opus: It’s A Wonderful World Music Group Vol. 1. The album features North Carolina artists that are all a part of, or at least associated with 9th Wonder’s imprint, It’s A Wonderful World Music Group. It's available er'where!

Prison Guard Suspended Without Pay For Visiting Lil Wayne

(AllHipHop News) Another prison guard at Rikers Island has been disciplined for making an unauthorized visit to see superstar rapper Lil Wayne, who is finishing a one year sentence for having a handgun on his tour bus in 2007.

According to the New York Daily News, Captain Raphael Collazzo was suspended without pay for 10 days for visiting the rapper for over 45 minutes, while he was in his isolation cell for having headphones and a charger for an MP3 player.

Capt. Collazzo, a 20-year-veteran, is not expected to be disciplined any further. He also denied breaking any rules during the unexplained visit.

He is at least the third guard at Rikers Island to get into trouble for visiting with Lil Wayne.

In April of 2010, Amelia Negron was fired for allegedly making an impromptu visit to the rapper's cell.

In September, Captain LaTanya Brown was accused of visiting the rapper, in addition to giving him preferential treatment by letting him stay in his cell while other inmates were on the recreation yard.

Lil Wayne is expected to be released from prison next week. Via All Hip Hop

Photo Of The Day: 10/27/10...Throwback!

Via The Hightop Fadeaway

Nike SB Dunk Low - "Loon" - November 2010

Coming as possibly the biggest news of the day, we can now officially say the "Loon" SB Dunk Low will be releasing next month as part of November's Nike SB Collection. One of the most coveted SB Dunk from the past few years, the "Loon" takes inspiration from the Minnesota state bird-the Loon.

A clean combination of white, green and black is put to use, along with a pattern directly inspired by the Loon. White leather takes place on the toebox and side panels, while black suede accented by the Loon pattern takes place on the toe, eyelets and heel area. Green takes place on the Swoosh and outsole, while minimal hits of blue are also seen, covering the tongue and heel branding.

The "Loon" SB Dunk Low along with a special limited edition tee designed by Todd Bratrud will officially release November 6th, exclusively at Minneapolis' Familia Skateshop, which only seems fitting. A wider release is set for later in the month, at select Nike SB retailers. Via Sole Collector

New Fitteds @ ROCK-N-JOCKS: Custom NEW ERA x MLB「Dodgers」59Fifty Fitted Cap

Champs! ROCK-N-JOCKS has you covered, literally. Their latest NEW ERA custom fitted is the Los Angeles Dodgers fitted done in the 2010 NBA Champions, LA Lakers colors. The Yellow crown is matched to a solid Purple bill. The “L.A.”lock up logo is embroidered in Purple with a White outline. Limited to 30 total pieces, and the only place you will find it is at http://www.rocknjocks.com/. Follow RNJ on their blog at http://rocknjocksnewerafitteds.blogspot.com/ for discount codes and updates. Via Strictly Fitteds

Nike Air Max 1 Premium “Crepe”

The Nike Air Max 1 is offered in two new colorways for Fall 2010. Both Air Max 1 Premiums feature premium leather, pony hair, and canvas. The highlight that makes these Air Max 1’s so desirable is the wallabee-ish crepe outsole. From what we’ve heard, these Air Max 1’s are flying off the shelves, so hit up Proper or swing by your local shops if you want a pair. Via The Shoe Game

Supra Society – Holiday 2010 Releases

Terry Kennedy could be considered a ‘baller’ in the figurative sense, but with the latest collection of Supra TK Society ultra-hightops, we get two new colorways evoking the last two decades’ most dominant NBA franchises. First up is the second purple suede Society, with this one adding patent leather to the ankle straps and a bright yellow sole that’s timed appropriately with the Lakers celebrating their 16th chip last night. The other NBA-repping palette shouts out the last team to accomplish what the Lake Show is attempting in a second three-peat, a classic Chigago-style look. The other two Societys are texture-heavy variations on black/white that echo the current drone of all things simple, and all four are available now at select Supra stockists like their own Factory 413. Via Sneaker News

NBA Game Of The Night: Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics

Alrighty, let the games begin! Tonight is the season opener for the NBA, which will give us the pleasure of viewing three games: Lakers vs. Houston, Phoenix vs. Portland and of course Miami vs. Celtics. Although the Lakers are the defending champions all of the media attention goes to the newly reformed Miami Heat. Keep it real, even die hard Lakers fans are going to be checking this game out tonight! Be sure to see this possible eastern conference finals preview tonight at 7:30pm ET on TNT!

Nation Of Hardwear Drop: THE BUBBLES

Nation Of Hardwear has dropped a new colorway of The Bubbles Tee! It's now available in Heather/Black. Be on the lookout for womens new crewneck and hoodie designs over the next few weeks and of course the kicks!

Hello Kitty x Reebok PT-20 INT ‘Plush Kitty’ Pack

Don’t look now, but adidas Originals’ collaboration with the flamboyant designer Jeremy Scott seems to have seeped over into Three Stripes’ corporate cousin. For the Reebok PT-20 INT ‘Plush Kitty’, we’re getting a look at a classic silhouette done up in three of the most ostentatious getups you could ever hope for. Pairs in pink, black and white are each done in an all-over fuzzy material and add distinctive bowtie addons to the lateral ankles. About as ‘Hello Kitty’ as you can get without an official Sanrio collabo (even the soles hint at it!), the Plush Kitty PT-20s are available now at atmos in Japan. Via Sneaker News

Limited Edt x New Balance M577BST

Signapore based sneaker boutique Limited Edt just unveiled their latest New Balance project. They used the NB 577 as their canvas for this New Balance collaboration. The sneakers were made at the Flimby factory in the UK, so these shoes are constructed with top-notch materials.

Singapore’s premium boutique Limited Edt has announced their second collab with New Balance. With Turquoise pops, silver accents and a reflective tongue, the M577BST has an elegantly metallic feel, which is further accentuated by the quality of the materials – full grain croc-emboss and supple cracked chrome leathers. The shoe is also made in the UK at the New Balance factory in Flimby. Distribution is via select NB accounts worldwide, although the Singaporean release of 180 pairs will arrive in a special blue velvet jewel box, each numbered with a money bag, LE lace locks and a VIP access card to the Vault at their new Marina Bay Sands Shop. Scheduled for a Singaporean release on November 12th with a worldwide release to follow on Nov 20th, check out the Vault 577 mini site for more news and updates. Via The Shoe Game

"To be honest, if I was outside this picture and a betting man, I would probably pick us to be outside of the playoffs considering all the changes and the new guys“

—Steve Nash on the Suns’ playoff hopes. :(

Via The Hightop Fadeaway

JORDAN BRAND「Olympic」Fitted Baseball Cap

More so know for their sneakers than their fitted cap selection, Miami based sneaker boutique SoleFly has a very limited amount of Jordan Brand fitted caps. Done in the familiar Jordan Olympic motif from His Airness’ Dream Team days, this could be a wonderful addition to the collection of that sneakerhead in your life. Available now via SoleFly’s online store. Via Strictly Fitteds

Custom Nike Dunk Carbon Fiber V.2 by JBFcustoms

Today we bring you a custom shoe by artist JBF, using a pair of Nike Dunk Lows. Constructed entirely of synthetic carbon fiber, these dunks are one of kind. Lime green contrast stitching pulls the design together. To order a pair contact JBF at check out JBFcustoms.com. Act fast though, these will only be made in extremely limited quantities. Via Sneakerfiles

NINE MICROPHONES x YOPOONG「Fight Back」Fitted Baseball Cap

NINE MICROPHONES are newcomers to us. The Japanese streetwear brand has linked up with Korean hat manufacturers YOPOONG for their Fight Back fitted baseball cap. Pictured here is a preview, which amount to two color ways in Silver and Gold. We’ve seen a more than a few YOPOONG fitteds popping up on the scene recently. Could this be a signal of a change out East? Via Strictly Fitteds

Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer - "Superman"

To acknowledge the superhuman abilities that Larry Fitzgerald displays on the football field, Nike Training and designer Aaron Cooper created the Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer “Superheroes Pack,” a series of Huarache Trainer colorways inspired by different superheroes with attributes comparable to those of the Cardinals wide receiver. Larry’s quickness blowing by defenders was likened to the speed of The Flash. His ability to fend off defenders with his hands is similar to the combat skills of the Green Hornet. Last, but not least, a Superman comparison due to the soaring plays he makes on the gridiron. Here’s a detailed look at the Superman Zoom Huarache Trainer.

As you probably guessed, the Superman Zoom Huarache Trainer takes its design cues from the costume of the Last Son of Krypton. A deep royal blue synthetic is used for the shoe’s skeleton, which is lined with a sport red and varsity maize inner sleeve. White hits Nike branding on the midfoot cross-strap, as well as a large Swoosh on the heel’s TPU overlay. Royal blue continues to handle most of the work, seen on the midsole and majority of the outsole. However, there are a few more hits of color, like the red heel pull-tab and the maize grooves in the outsole.

When asked about being compared to superheroes in a recent interview with Sole Collector, Fitzgerald said “Honestly, I never view myself as a superhero or a super anything, and I always just feel like I’ve been blessed with a gift and through hard work and preparation, I’ve been able to enhance my ability, with the help of my teammates and coaches, obviously.” Larry’s modest approach to the game makes Nike’s comparison even more accurate.

You can pick up your very own pair of the Superman Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer at NikeStore. Via Sole Collector

Photo Of The Day: 10/21/10

The ‘87 LA Lakers on a yacht. The best parts of the pic? Kurt Rambis staring down a fish and of course, A.C. Green holding a Cabbage Patch Kid. What a freakin’ odd photo. Via The Hightop Fadeaway

First Look: Nike Air Max Penny 1 - Black/Club Purple

Just yesterday we gave you look at the upcoming Retro Air Max Penny 1, returning in the popular Orlando Magic colorway. We now have confirmation that they won't be arriving alone, with new images surfacing of what could very well be a Phoenix Suns-inspired colorway. Paying homage to Penny's time with the Suns, this latest Air Max Penny 1 goes to work with a clean combination of black and club purple. Black nubuck works most of the shoe, while the usual black and white piping runs along the side down to the toe. Club purple adds some life to the predominantly black look, taking place on the Swoosh, laces, Air unit and sockliner,

An official release has yet to be confirmed for this unexpected colorway of the Air Max Penny 1, expect for Sole Collector to keep you updated with the latest. Via Sole Collector

Nike Zoom Kobe V - "5 Rings" Quickstrike

You’re coming off back to back NBA Championships and not exactly outside of your prime. Yet, the experts have you falling short of a Three-Peat in favor of a team who has yet to suit up for a regular season game. We’ve always compared Kobe Bryant to Michael Jordan. If he really is anything like Michael, he’s out for blood this year. While Nike is excited about the prospect of LeBron’s potential future stranglehold on the Larry O’Brien trophy, they haven’t forgotten where their championship bread has been buttered for the last 10 years. That has been courtesy of Mr. Bryant, and the latest color way of the Zoom Kobe V is their way of saying “Thank You.”

Already dubbed the “5 Rings” Kobe V, the shoe sports a concord and gold upper, featuring the achievement graphic detailing we saw on the “Big Stage” releases. A gradient effect has been applied to the midsole, which sits above a translucent outsole to complete the look.

According to NikeTown LA, we should expect to see the “5 Rings” Kobe V available as a Quickstrike release on October 27th. Seller Californiadeal also has a few sizes available on eBay. Via Sole Collector

Color: Midwest Gold/Concord
Style: 386429-702

PF Flyers Center Hi – Fall 2010

Originally released in 1953, the PF Flyers Center Hi sneaker is a versatile, vulcanized mid-century basketball classic. It features the signature vertically ribbed toe guard, diamond-patterned outsole, and posture foundation insole.

The Center Hi shoe brings old fashion kicks to the court. New styles for Fall 2010 are available in ginger baseball glove leather, dark olive baseball glove leather, and more. Via The Shoe Game

Nike Foamposite “Metallic Pewter”

The Air Foamposite releases is going to have the beginning of 2011 on lock. Everyone’s excited to see the Penny Foamposite One return next year as well as the new Foamposite Pro in Electric Green/Black. However, the Metallic Pewter Foamposite is also a highly anticipated 2011 release. It took a while but we finally have close up shots of the Metallic Pewter Air Foamposite One. The Pewter Foams are set to hit stores March 2011. Via The Shoe Game

APL “Banned By The NBA” T-Shirt

Athletic Propulsion Labs is now on everyone’s radar due to the fact that the NBA banned their Concept 1 sneaker. The announcement was made yesterday, and APL is taking advantage of all the attention they have been getting as of late. As you can see, APL didn’t waste any time, and they already have plans to release a “Banned by the NBA” t-shirt. Don’t ever get it confused, it’s all about the Benjamins, baby. The tees will be available on APL’s website sometime this week for $20. Via The Shoe Game

NBA bans its first pair of shoes due to 'unfair advantage'

Though no NBA player actually professed an interest in buying these special Athletic Propulsion Labs vertical-influencing basketball shoes, you have to wonder if there are a series of floor-bound big men, the league over, that just had their Tuesday ruined by David Stern.
This is a press release, and not an actual report from the frontlines, but it's an interesting turn nevertheless.

The NBA has actually banned some shoes (which can be yours for only $300!) due to an apparent "unfair competitive advantage," which will no doubt send the sales of these Athletic Propulsion Labs' duds through the roof. I hope Messrs. Stern and Adam Silver bought some stock in this company before they made it infamous.

To the release!:

For the first time in its 64-year history, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has banned a new line of shoes based on the league's rule against an "unfair competitive advantage" that increases a player's vertical leap. The league's ban on Athletic Propulsion Labs' Concept 1 confirms the company's claims that the shoe, with its Load ‘N LaunchTM Technology, performs as advertised. No professional player will be allowed to wear the product in games for the upcoming 2010-2011 NBA season.

This action comes on the 25th anniversary of the NBA's ban on Nike's Air Jordan shoes, albeit for reasons of their colorful appearance rather than any performance advantage.

Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) was notified by a senior NBA official who stated, "League rules regulate the footwear that players may wear during an NBA game. Under league rules, players may not wear any shoe during a game ‘that creates an undue competitive advantage (e.g., to increase a player's vertical leap).' In light of that rule...players will not be permitted to wear the APL shoes during NBA games."

Shoe companies, for decades, have promoted a sort of "unfair competitive advantage" through their shoes, from PF Flyers to the most recent set of Derrick Rose-brand adidas that we'll showcase here at BDL later this afternoon. But this is the first time that the NBA has borderline endorsed one brand of shoe being better than another, even if they won't allow its players to run in it. Via Ball Don't Lie

How Shawn Kemp was nearly a Bull

Twitter-using NBAniks have no doubt heard of Clarence Gaines, who Tweets under the cgrock24 handle on a litany of subjects. Those who are familiar with his work also know that he was a long time scout and executive for the Chicago Bulls during their championship years and beyond, as well as being the son of legendary college basketball coach Clarence "Big House" Gaines.

Gaines is a consistent must-read, both for the breadth of his knowledge and because of longer Twitter entries like the one he posted a few days ago, detailing Chicago's decision to pass over Shawn Kemp in the 1989 Draft despite having three picks (one in the lottery) in the first round. Here's a snippet:

I was a rookie scout. Only saw a few games during the year on the west coast, but saw all of the top draft picks in the Orlando Classic with Jerry Krause and Jim Stack. I didn't have much weight in the organization at the time and I had never seen Shawn Kemp play, but I knew somebody who had coached him very well. My dad, Clarence "Big House" Gaines was the only college coach who ever coached Shawn Kemp in an organized game. My father coached Kemp in The Jones Cup in 1988. The team went 7-0 and other players I remember being on the team were Greg Anthony, Billy Owens, Felton Spencer. My dad thought Shawn Kemp was the best talent on the team and communicated that information to Krause.

This was a tough draft, because while the Bulls were championship contenders heading into it, they also had a series of picks that were seemingly the stepping stones toward putting them over the top. Imagine if Orlando had a lottery pick and two mid-round selections in last June's draft, and you'll get the idea.

So while King turned into a serviceable big man (who was later parlayed into Luc Longley), and Armstrong eventually because the starter at point guard (and a Mo Williams-ish All-Star), losing out on a talent like Kemp remains one of Chicago's great "what might have been" stories.

Then again, they weren't the only team to whiff on the Reign Man that night ... Via Ball Don't Lie

Picture Of The Day: 10.18.10

Photo: Ashton Bowles, via The Shoe Game

SO FRESH CLOTHING x NEW ERA「All Over Cali」59Fifty Fitted Caps

SO FRESH CLOTHING has just received a shipment of their latest custom NEW ERA 59Fifty fitted baseball caps. This new pack covers California based teams. Included in this drop are the Modesto A’s (Oakland A’s Minor League Team) in classic Black & White. The San Francisco Warriors appear in the SF Giants colorway. Finally the California Angels feature a thowback team logo in Black with a Metallic Stitching and a contrast bill stitch. These exclusive are limited to just 30 pieces and are now available athttp://sofreshclothing.bigcartel.com/ Check www.twitter.com/sofreshclothing for more updates. Via Strictly Fitteds

SO FRESH CLOTHING
911 Cedar Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.600.8703

Nike Air More Uptempo - Dark Obsidian/Orange-White

Set to make a return this Holiday season, the Air More Uptempo has been one of the most recognizable shoes Nike Basketball has ever created. Arriving a bit early, we have this all new colorway that would be perfect for a Denver Broncos or even a Charlotte Bobcats jersey. The all new colorway arrives in a dark obsidian nubuck upper, with white piping outlining the "AIR" side panels. White is also seen on the toe and tongue Swoosh, and continues along the midsole below. Minimal hits of orange are also seen, working the full length Air unit and other areas throughout.

Pick these up today over at Finish Line where a full size run is available. Via Sole Collector

Quote Of The Day: 10/17/10

"I think I killed off all the centers and now all the centers want to play the European-style basketball. There’s only 1.5 or 2 real centers left, Dwight Howard and Yao Ming. Every now and then Yao Ming steps outside and wants to shoot jumpers, but it’s gone more toward the European style. The days of Patrick Ewing and Rik Smits and Kevin Duckworth and Robert Parish, those days are over, thanks to me.“

- Shaquille O’Neal on the real centers of the NBA

Via The Hightop Fadeaway

First Look: Jordan CMFT Max Air 12 – Medium Grey/Black/Hot Red

After our initial view of the Jordan CMFT Max Air 12 late last month, a new sample colorway has surfaced on the Internet. The shoe features a medium grey Jordan 12 inspired synthetic and mesh upper, with black working the tongue and inner liner. The midsole, which takes cues from the Air Max 97, is white and features a hot red visible Air unit. Completing the look is a black rubber outsole. This pair is just a trial sample, so we’re currently unaware of whether or not we’ll see a wide release. Would you like to see these hit retailers? Via Sole Collector

Style: 428922-008

Nation Of Hardwear: LOVE @ 1st - FLIGHT (Grape)

As those of you who are familiar with Nation Of Hardwear may already know, they have a dope tee called Love @ 1st Flight. For those of you who don't, this is the brand you need to be on for tees to go with your kicks and step your game up! Anyway, NOH has dropped it in multiple colorways in the past few months and have just added Grape! As always these are limited production runs of shirts so head over to Nation Of Hardwear to grab one with the quickness!

ORIGINAL FAKE x NEW ERA「8 Panel Wool Cap Black」Fitted Cap

ORIGINAL FAKE does the 8 panel shuffle. This alternate to the boxy high crown 59Fifty NEW ERA style, has a vintage fit. This 100% wool baseball cap features an unstructured, low profile crown and felt applique “XX” in the front panels. Basic black with white detailing, smells like a classic. Via Strictly Fitteds

T.I. Sentenced to 11 Months In Prison

(AllHipHop News) T.I. is heading back to prison, after a federal judge revoked the rapper's probation and sentenced the rap star to 11 months in prison for possessing drugs in September in Los Angeles. T.I. appeared in court today (October 15th) for a hearing that started at 2:00PM, flanked by his team of lawyers that included Ed Garland, Steve Sadow, Don Samuel, Janice Capek, Kristen Wright and Dwight Thomas.

The courtroom was packed, as he stood before Judge Charles Pannell Jr. Prosecutors chastised the Grammy Award winning rapper for violating the terms of his federal probation for attempting to purchase machine guns and silencers in October of 2007 and wanted to send him away for two years.During the hearing, a small fire broke out on the side of the courthouse, causing a stir, but the proceedings continued.

The rapper's defense attorneys argued that drugs in his system were the result of a root canal and T.I. admitted to using the drugs, after he had dental surgery. Judge Charles Pannell Jr. sentenced T.I. to the prison sentence, after the Atlanta native and his wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle were caught in Los Angeles on September 1st, in possession of a controlled substance, which was later revealed to be ecstasy. Additionally, the rap star tested positive for drugs the following day and was traveling with a convicted felon named Cortez "C-Rod" Thomas, who allegedly helped the rapper set up the purchase of illegal weapons that T.I. was originally arrested for, which further violated the terms of his probation.

The rapper asked the judge to sentence him to rehab for a drug addiction, but he was sentenced to the 11 months in prison, instead. T.I., born Clifford Harris Jr., was released from prison in March, after serving a year in prison for attempting to purchase the machine guns and silencers prior to the BET Awards in October of 2007. After T.I. was released from prison, he appeared to be on the right path, hitting the studio to record his highly anticipated come back album King Uncaged, while promoting his #1 box office movie, Takers.

During an interview with CNN's Don Lemon, T.I. said that he was "tired" and vowed to turn his life around. The rap star also apologized to anyone he may have hurt, or disappointed due to his arrest.

"The only thing that I can say, man, is that all people who have supported me, who were behind me, who believed in me, who were disappointed and were let down, I just offered my sincerest apologies, and I will dedicate my life no matter how long it takes to earn your trust back and to make you proud yet again," T.I. said.

"I'm tired. I'm wore out," the rap star continued. "I don't have the age, the energy or just the attitude to move forward and continuing in this cycle in this ongoing process of destruction and disparity in my life. I've got too many depending on me and counting on me. I can't do it."

According to reports, T.I. will return home and start his sentence shortly. Via All Hip Hop

Jordan Melo M7 – “China” – Footwear & Apparel

One thing that has always held true about Jordan releases is that along with every shoe comes a plethora of matching apparel to keep you properly outfitted. No exception made with the “China” Melo M7, which was inspired by China’s Jade Culture. Keeping with the Jade theme, we see a matching long-sleeved shirt and black fleece jacket with jade detailing and Chinese proverb lettering. We also get another look at the Melo M7 and special packaging for this release. The shoes have already made their way to select overseas retailers. We’ll keep you posted on any information on a possible stateside release. Via Sole Collector

Jordan x Sole Collector CMFT 11 SC Premier

Jordan Brand x Sole Collector have come together to pay tribute to Tinker Hatfield’s revolutionary usage of carbon fiber, which was first introduced to the Jordan line with the Air Jordan XI.

The Air Jordan CMFT Vis 11 is the sneaker used for this tribute and rightfully so. Blending two of Tinker’s most widely received sneakers the Air Max 1 and AJ11. When one thinks of the Jordan XI, patent leather is the first thing that comes to mind. Replacing the patent leather on the CMFT Viz 11 was something most Sneaker Heads didn’t approve of. However, replacing it with a synthetic carbon fiber seems to work well. An icy outsole is used as well as a reengineered ‘23’ heel tab logo now bearing ‘SC’ in the same font style. Via Sneakerfiles

Nike SB Dunk Low – Dark Charcoal/Black

Seems like this month Nike SB is making a come back, with this Dunk low being added to Octobers line up. Yesterday we showed you guys a better look at the Nike SB Dunk low ‘Un-loden’, and now we give you a look at this new colorway. This Dunk low has a quite simple colorway, with a mix of black suede and leather on its upper. Black leather sits on the toe box, side panels and ankle area, while a dark charcoal suede covers the toe,eyelets and heel panel of the shoe. The shoe sits on a White mid sole, along with White laces and Red accents to help contrast the shoe. Expect these to hit Nike SB retailers sometime this month. Via Sneakerfiles

Justin Bieber vs. Tom Brady: The hair/rap battle is on

Let me start this off by saying:

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHALOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOL!!!!

Okay now that we've got that out of the way: you know what I never thought we'd have on The Retro Sole Blog? A Justin Bieber video. But that was before I knew that Justin Bieber was awfully territorial about his haircut and that he doesn't appreciate Tom Brady trying to steal his look. So we've got a Bieber video, and I couldn't be more excited about it. He addresses Brady about 25 seconds in. Spit that hot fire, son.



If you didn't catch the line, it was:

"Call up Mr. Brady, tell him leave his hair to the guy who sings 'Baby.'"

Oooooh, snap! You got served, Tom Brady. That's Justin Bieber's haircut you're sporting, bro. There's only room for one of those haircuts in the world, and you know what? Biebs is right. Tell Gisele that you need to leave that hair to the guy who sings "Baby." Via Shutdown Corner

Nike Air Foamposite One – Dark Neon Royal – New Images

By now most of you guys should know about the Nike Air Foamposite one Dark Neon Royal dropping again next year. Well more detailed shots of this retro has surfaced thanks to the people at Marquee Sole. The shoe set for a early Spring 2011 release date, so expect 2011 to be a great year with a hand full or og Air Jordan colorways being retroed aswell as 2 other Nike Air Foams. Now for those who cant wait till Spring time, you can pick up a pair now at Marquee Sole, and continue after the jump for more pictures of the Nike Air Foamposite ‘Royal’. Via Sneakerfiles

DEFEND HAWAII x NEW ERA「Bows」59Fifty Fitted

DEFEND HAWAII states itself their duty to defend of the Aloha spirit. Their latest salvo is the Bows New Era 59Fifty fitted baseball cap. The Black crown and bill is topped off with a oversized rainbow graphic on the front panels. A brand spell out embroidery in Red is found on the back. This online exclusive is available in sizes 7 to 8 at their online store. Via Strictly Fitteds

Nash Money – Johannesburg Sneaker Archive Exhibition

Sneaker customizer and collaborative designer Alex Nash (Money) is one of the biggest names in the after-market shoe game. Nash Money isn’t known for offering large runs of his creations like, say, SBTG/Royale Fam, but Nash’s ingenuity more than makes up for how hard it is to cop his kicks. For example, years before Jason Negron swapped the soles from various Nike Air Foamposite One/Pro and Air 1/2 Cent colorways, Nash had fused the bottom of a Nike Air Max 360 with Visvim’s FBT boot! That’s what he’s hinting at with the image pictured above, and with his upcoming exhibition at Johannesburg, South Africa’s GRAYSCALE Gallery, sneakerheads in the area will be able to see what other tricks he might have in store. Via Sneaker News

Eric Stoltz was the original Marty McFly?

Can you picture “Back to the Future” without Michael J. Fox? We couldn’t either until we saw this clip. Apparently, Eric Stoltz, the original actor cast in the role, played McFly for five weeks of shooting before director Robert Zemeckis decided he just wasn’t clicking with the role.

Zemeckis describes the casting change as, “this horrific decision; it was heartbreaking for everybody.”

When he began to realize his lead actor was a problem, he went to producer Steven Spielberg with the footage.

“(Zemeckis) showed me the first five weeks of shooting that he had put together,” Spielberg said. ” And he said, ‘I just don’t think we’re getting the laughs I was hoping we would get.’ “
Spielberg said he realized his director “was absolutely correct.”

Thankfully Zemeckis and Spielberg were able to convince the studio to let them re-shoot with a new actor. Michael J. Fox joined the cast and an icon was born.

The clip is part of the extra’s package for the new BluRay edition of the classic trilogy.