A lot has changed in 12 years. I believe it was 1999 when Nike and Foot Locker first released a campaign called the House of Hoops. Back then, HoH was simply a small section at all the Foot Locker stores dedicated to Nike. That summer, Nike and Foot Locker came up with some ads with Nike endorsers, like Shareef Abdur-Rahim, actually building a house. The main contractor would talk about the building the house and the latest shoe from Nike. The ads were pretty amusing and ran for a couple of years and tons of different versions. A few years after the two brands put together an actual House of Hoops, a Footlocker store dedicated to basketball. The store mainly housed basketball goods and special edition kicks such as Player Exclusives. WIth Footlocker not available here, Nike put up their own concept similar to the store on the 2nd floor of Nike Park the Fort. Aside from getting your usual Nike Basketball Products, you would get Jordan Brand, Signature Lines (Kobe, LeBron, KD) and Player Exclusives.

That brings us to this post. With the 2nd wave of PEs for this basketball season, Nike BHS exclusively brings in these seven (7) Player Exclusives to our shores. From the Hyperfuse Lows (Rajon Rondo, Deron Williams and Steve Nash), Hyperdunk 2010s (Lamar Odom and Andre Iguodala) and the Air Max FlyBys (Amare Stoudemire and Brandon Roy), all these pairs are now available at the Nike Park the Fort (Nike BHS for more).

Hyperfuse Low. The Point Gods get this shoe. Whether you love the Old School (Nash) or the New School (Rondo and Williams), The Zoom Hyperfuse Low is basically the same shoe but done as a low top sneaker. Each PE carries their team colors with a special Nike PE logo by the heel. I tried the Deron on and wanted to walk out the store with them on my feet. Nike Design team, good job!

Air Max Flyby. A new offering, the Air Max Flyby has two colorways available- Orange/Blue for Amare Stoudemire and Black/Red for Brandon Roy. Basically taking cues from the Hyperfuse, the AM FlyBy has a strap (where the PE logo is located) and Air Max cushioning by the heel box. Amare loves straps on his kicks and Nike got him one.

Hyperdunk 2010. With the shoe already carrying a couple of other PEs (Pau, Steph, Reke, and Dirk), Nike adds two more with Iggy (Andre Iguodala) and LO (Lamar Odom). The shoes are done with their away colors with their special PE logo by the tongue. A pretty straightforward shoe, these PEs won’t disappoint.

So there you go, Nike Basketball’s 2nd wave of PEs for the 2010-2011 season. Remember, these shoes are exclusive to Nike Park BHS, Manila’s version of the House of Hoops.

Just a friendly reminder- Hyperdunk 2010 PE and Zoom Hyperfuse PEs are on sale beginning today, December 10. Titan and Nike Park BHS will be carrying the 8 PEs. Just in case you didn’t read the previous posts, the Nike Hyperdunk 2010 PEs are for: Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Tyreke Evans, and Stephen Curry. For the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse PEs, they will be dropping the Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, and Brandon Roy PEs. The HD2010 retails for 6,995 php while the Hyperfuse goes for 5,995 php.

Some of you guys wanted to see the actual pairs signed by the pound for pound king so here it is. 5 pairs. 4 signed last week, the other a worn PE by the MP with different insoles. Authentic MP shorts. It’s all here. In that bag, the whole collection now would be more than 200k by now. Just imagine once Manny decides to really retire. Thanks again to Miko for lending his collection to show the world.

Trainer 1- dropped 5/1/09

“Lights Out” dropped 9/25/09

Trainer 1 SL dropped 11/21/09

Trainer SC 2010 dropped 3/10/10

Worked out in by MP “Game worn?”

Different insoles as regular Trainer  1

authentic MP shorts- signed, ofcourse

why would MP sign it by the crotch area? I wonder why…

Alright guys, here’s another colorway for LeBron’s sneaker in 2010. This obviously is the CTK or Christ the King colorway. To be honest, I’m lovin’ this. Aside from the black/white/gold and the red carpets, this is one of the better colorways of the LeBron VII. I saw these over at BHS last night. They actually had 15 pairs of the Kobe V Aces (Lower Merion Aces to be exact) but sold out quick! If I’m not mistaken, they came out sometime Wednesdsay. These are still available at Nike BHS as of last night. Hurry up and and cop your pair!

The 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend officially started Friday Manila time with most of the participants flying in from whatever city they’re reppin’. Our very own Philippine contingent finally made it there after 20 or so something hours of travelling. I was supposed to make the trip but had to give up my spot so that others can experience the wonder that is the All-Star Weekend. But  for most of us, aside from the game, we’ll be focused on what they players are wearing. I posted last week Adidas’ offering for All-Star- TS Supernatural Creator and Commander. Last night, I decided to drop by Nike BHS to check out this year’s all-star digs.

The soles you see here are the soles of the fifth (yup, you read that right, FIFTH) Kobe V shoe. That’s 5 pairs all within a span of a week. Word around is that a 6th should be out next week. Which one? I’ll keep mum about it til it’s confirmed from my source. Anyway, these are the Kobe Vs for the All-Star Game. It’s unfortunate that we won’t see them on the Mamba’s feet come All-Star Game. Kobe was scratched off the list at the 11t h hour because of all the injuries Mamba incurred over the first half of the season. Among all the ASG special releases, these are the best. BHS only (and the only one to carry All-Star kicks) has 20 pairs and if I’m not mistaken, are all reserved or have names to their boxes. Better try your luck on the net for these Daring red joints. As much as I’m giving props to the V, I really don’t like the 3M wood finish on the upper. First of all, where have you see red wood like that? But that’s the only thing I’m not feeling on it. Otherwise, the shoe’s pretty delish.

For all the other West bigs and wings, they’ll be sporting the Nike Hyperize (though I’m sure Steve, Dirk, KD will rock special PEs of their kicks). These are actually nice. I just don’t wear high tops when I ball so I’ll pass up on these. It’s a surprise that they didn’t release the East version of the shoe. This carries the same finish as the Kobe V and also has 3M on it. I took some picks (albeit ugly ones) of them flashing their 3Ms.

Ofcourse, the King will not be outdone by the Mamba. Here’s the VII done in the East’s blue colorway. I’m not feelin’ it as much as the Vs, and the blue doesn’t pop out as much as the reds. These are still available. It’s funny that LBJs popularity doesn’t translate to sneaker sales the way Kobe’s kicks do. I think a visit from Bron during the offseason might do the trick though. I’m sure LeBron will love the Philippines. and in return, we will love him back by finally buying his kicks. I personally don’t like most of his kicks. The only signatures I like were the 1s (Zoom Generation).  The VIIs also have the 3M finish but I opted not to post them as I wasn’t happy with the photos I took.

For more on the kicks for All-Star and other new Nike Drops, drop on by NIKE BHS and take a look for yourself. They are pretty swell. I’ll pass on them though. I see some kicks on the horizon I’m feenin’ for. For All-Star action, tune in to Solar TV and BTV for all the main Events. BTV has other All-Star Events that can only be seen there. Log on to www.btv.com.ph for more details on All-Star Weekend.

As the V dropped Friday, Nike/Kobe heads rushed to Nike stores around the country to cop the 4 possible colorways initially available to the Philippines. The Bruce Lee, Chaos, Away and White/Red came out and sizes were hard to come by at certain stores when Sunday rolled around. I saw the Chaos at Nike Trinoma and decided to take pictures of it. Mr 81 wore these on Christmas Day and was given away to Lakeshow fans seated at courtside- similar to the IV giveaways from the last yuletide season. You guys can’t not like these.

Even in the PBA, players were wearing the Kobe Vs- James Yap wore the White/Reds, TY Tang had the Dark Knights on (TY always wears the best ones- I remember him wearing the DMPs once before and a slick Hyperdunk when Hyperdunks were scarce). Ronald Tubid, the guy everyone loves to hate, had the Chaos on– how fitting right? Well, they’re all out. Expect the All-Star Colorway (Red with wood-type texture) to drop before Monday.

The Internets were at work yesterday. From an SMS all the way to forum posts, Manila was a flutter when they heard a shipment of Bruce Lee Kobe Vs were on sale at BHS. By the afternoon, word got to the big kahunas to hold off on the sale as the Vs were supposed to launch on the 5th (Feb 6 was also thrown around). Alongside the Bruce Lees, the Away, All-Star (maybe at a later week), and possibly the Chaos should be out on that date. So folks, mark your calendars. I was able to get a hold of the Vs before they were neatly tucked back in to the stock room. Guys, don’t pester our friendly neighborhood SAs to sneak you up a pair. Girls, don’t let your boys convince you to seduce the SAs for a pair. Let’s all wait til the 5th.

In the meantime, check out some shots of the V. Inspiration came from 2 Bruce Lee movies. Lee wore the yellow jumpsuit in Game of Death (thus the yellow/black colorway). The red accents at the heel as well as the 4 scratches by the toe section were taken from  Enter the Dragon.  Google it. You’ll see. 1 more week folks. 1 more week.

These days, wearing the Purple and Gold on your feet ain’t so bad. As Nike has recognized the Philippines as Lakerland territory, Laker  colorways have been churning at an amazing rate. I’m not complaining as the shoes are pretty solid. I don’t rep Showtime (except during the real Showtime era and sometime when Quick and EJ were running the show with Shaq and a young buck named Kobe) but I do respect their game. But with my boy now suspended for the rest of the season for bringing the artillery to the locker room, I might as well rep the Lakeshow.

These actually came out early in the month but I never had the time to drop by BHS to check ‘em out for real. These are the Hyperdunk Low, made in Lamar’s team colorway. These never came out back in ’08 when Kobe and the rest of Team USA wore the Hyperdunks (with the rest of the Olympians). I loved the Hyperdunk when they came out but hated the fact that they were high tops. I guess the Gods (Goddess in this case) answered my prayer.  Lamar’s PE logo is on the heel. Yes, folks that’s LO7, not LOL. This is now available at Nike Park BHS for 5,995 Php. For all you out there who can’t wait for the Kobe V Aways, pick these up. They’re a grand cheaper and are fly as hell.

PEs weren’t the only things Nike released over the holidays. There were a couple more kicks that were out alongside the PE collection. Most of the stuff here also came out in December, though I have been hearing things that there are a lot more in store for us Nike fans this 2010.

The Zoom Hustle. I didn’t take a picture of Tony Parker’s other PE shoe which is the Zoom Hustle. No, this is not a Hornets colorway (though it could definitely be if we wanted it to be), but a French National team colorway. Everybody loves Tony (and his gorgeous wife Eva Longoria), especially the folks over at Nike. The other French National colorway sports a perforated blue upper with aqua accents all throughout the shoe. The other color here is a Black/Electrolime version of the Zoom Hustle. I’m not sure if you notice the resemblance, but the Zoom Hustle resembles the Hyperflight from ’01. There’s also a white colorway available but all in all, I don’t like the shoe.

Maui Invitational Hypermax and Hyperize Supreme. I’m sure most of us aren’t familiar with the Maui Invitational. The Maui Invitational is basically the biggest (and to a certain extent most prestigious) Preseason Tournament for US College Basketball. Last November, host Chaminade (HI), Gonzaga, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Arizona, Colorado, Maryland and Cincinnati played there with the Zags taking the Chip. Now, to the sneakers. Nike produced special editions of the Hypermax and the Hyperize in honor of this Tournament. All 8 teams can either rock the black/gold (Chaminade, Vandy, and Colorado) colorway or the blue/red (Zags, Wisconsin, ‘Zona, Maryland and Cincy) joints for the tournament. Aside from the colorways, there is a floral print accenting various parts of the shoe. You might not see it here, but they’re usually found on the heel and ankle area of both pairs.

DJ Clark Kent x AF 25 Low. Sneaker lover-DJ Clark Kent has released a couple of special kicks over the past couple of years with Nike. From his 112 Pack, AF1s for All-Star, and the Un-Guccis, DJ Clark Kent definitely knows what he’s doing when it comes to sneakers. This time around, Clark Kent and Nike came up with a simpler tone for the Air Force 25 Lows. Coming in two colorways (black and silver), these are quite tame compared to the other sneakers he released in the past. These do have his Clark Kent logo on the tongue and come with 3M detailing (meaning=reflectorized!) on the toe box area. I personally am not a fan of the AF series so this is a pass for me once again.

LunarSwift+ Running. I bought my first Lunarlite runners way back in ’08 and have been a fan ever since. Though they do are bright as stabilo markers, they do provide you with ultra comfort and cushioing. The LunarSwift+ is the latest member of the Lunar+ family.

So there you have it. I believe I’ve finally caught up with all the holiday releases. Though there are a couple of kicks on the horizon– Jordan Alpha 1, Kobe V, and a couple others that are worth your ducats. I do encourage you to drop by the nearest Nike store for more on the latest kicks around town.

Aside from the Maxim Torch coming out at BHS, tons (and I mean TONS) of PEs are available for the Nike Basketball line. Most of these were out late December, but it’s only now that I was able to drop by and find out what’s out. Here’s a blow by blow of the PEs now available (by the way, PE means Player Exclusive):

Zoom Flip’n Supreme Tony Parker PE. The wavy lines remind me of Scottie Pippen’s joints back in the day. Pretty simple, but gets the job done. TP’s logo is on the tongue and the colorway resembles the Spurs’ unis.

Nike KD2. The Durantula’s 2nd Signature shoe is finally out. I first saw these around September and was blown away. Well, not totally blown away but amazed at the improvement from the first one. Three pairs are available– KD’s Creamsicles (made some noise over the net about a week or two ago), a white patent home version and a black away edition. Though the white homes are safe, I’d pick the Creamsicles. Where else can you find bright orange joints these days?

Huarache 2010 PEs- Rashard Lewis and Rudy Gay. Ever since the 2K4, Nike’s been releasing the Huarache for their basketball line. Though there is a semblance from previous versions, this one’s alright. The neoprene sock does

it good, I believe. The one below is for Magic forward Rashard Lewis. Though he’s not as popular as other Nike ballers, the colorway works for a lot of us who love to play ball (works well for ateneo guys who plan to play for their alumni league this january!). The tongue carries Shard’s nick, Sweet Lew. Rudy Gay’s version is right below Rashard’s. His specialized logo is also on the tongue and the colorway is similar to the Sharkalaid that came out a few months back.

Zoom Flip’n Supreme Deron Williams PE. Dwill also had a Sharkalaid PE the same time Rudy had his. Not a lot of patent leather here, which works out well for patent leather haters. Deron’s special logo (2 balls that form an 8 with D and W on its side) is also on the tongue. Pretty simple, which is so the opposite of Dwill’s game.

Air Max Supreme David West and Brandon Roy PEs. 2 Budding All-Stars from the West Coast get their set of PEs. Both players have made it to the All-Star Game and why shouldn’t we all get a taste of their A game? Both Broy and Dwest have their logos by the heel tab on their respective teams’ colorway. It might hard to rock these joints if you’re conservative, but they’re definitely comfortable. I’m not a high top kinda guy, so I’ll definitely pass up on these.

Skyposite Ama’re Stoudemire and Nate Robinson PEs. If HK get Yi’s PEs, we get STAT and Kryptonate’s. Pretty fair deal right? Ama’re’s Skyposite PEs have the Suns away colorway with a hand doing the 1 on the right boot with AS on the left. The Skyposite’s got foamposite technology on the upper with Lunarlite technology on the sole. Why are Nate’s kicks green? Nate wore the Kryptonates during the 09 All-Star Saturday wherein he won the Slam Dunk Challenge against Superman (Dwight Howard). This is the Skyposite version of the Kryptonates. Funky, I believe so. Let’s see how many people are brave enough to rock these.

Well, these are the new PEs available at BHS and most likely at other major Nike stores. These go without saying the other PEs that did come out at other stores like the Jordans, Kobes, CP3s, Nashs, Dirks, LeBrons and other PEs for the other players mentioned above (Rudy, Dwill, TP). Listed below are the prices for the kicks posted. Tomorrow, I’ll post the other Nike kicks I saw at BHS.

Zoom Flip’n Supreme- 6,995

Huarache 2010- 5,495

Creamsicles/KD2- 5,495

Air Max Rise Supreme- 5,995

Skyposite- 7,495