STILLWATER — Each of the orange shoes are marked with a black sharpie.
#LLRL
#LLCK
#LLJL
The marked-up pair of Nike Kobe A.D. Exodus on Isaac Likekele’s feet nearly each Oklahoma State game are a tribute to loved ones, a “live long” message.
His late grandfather, Rafael. Likekele’s friend Criston King, who died in a car accident. Likekele’s best friend, John Lee, who died playing basketball.
They are Likekele’s motivation.
“Me going out there and playing like that is paying respects to them,” Likekele said.
Likekele is a do-it-all force for the Cowboys, a big 6-foot-4 point guard with an uncanny ability to dominate the floor on both ends.