Yes, that Puma.
Yes, the same Puma that hasn’t signed a basketball player since 1998.
Walt Frazier was the face of the apparel company back in 1973, but since then, Vince Carter has been the only star basketball player to sport the brand. And Carter’s deal with the apparel company lasted just one year.
Now, DeAndre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III will join forces to kickstart “Puma Hoops.” Ex-Texas Tech guard Zhaire Smith has also signed with the brand.
So why now? Why would two college basketball superstars, both heavily associated with Nike (more on that later), opt for a brand with extremely limited basketball history?