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Kicks Analysis 2015 #1: Shoe Sponsorship

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Nike picked up the pace in 2015 with a 75% representation of the teams making the Big Dance. 48 of the 64 teams (not counting the First Four) don the swoosh. Adidas had a significant lost from 2014, going down seven teams from 18 to 11 in 2015. Who gained from Adidas’s losses? Up and comer Under Armour. From a single team last year, UA sponsors five teams in the tournament, translating to 8%. UA has a good showing with Maryland, Notre Dame, St. Johns, Utah, and S.F. Austin.

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This year saw no representation from Reebok, And1, Converse, or New Balance.

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Kicks Analysis 2014 #0: The First Four

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I don’t normally start my annual Kicks Analysis this early, but Yoda808 called me out on it, so here we go… Round 1 of the 2015 NCAA Tournament officially starts with the “First Four” as eight teams vie to enter the Round of 64. Here are the eight teams along with their shoe sponsorships.

  1. Manhattan Jaspers – Under Armour

    2. Manhattan Jaspers

  2. Hampton Pirates – Nike

    3. hampton

  3. BYU Cougars – Nike (based on jerseys)

    4. byu

  4. Ole Miss Rebels – Under Armour

    5. ole-miss

  5. North Florida Ospreys – Nike (based on jerseys)

    6. North Florida Ospreys

  6. Robert Morris Colonials – Nike

    7. Robert Morris University

  7. Boise State Broncos – Nike

    8. Boise State Bronocs

  8. Dayton Flyers – Nike (based on jerseys)

    9. flyers

So that’s six for Nike, two for Under Armour, and surprisingly zero for Adidas. Will the First Four field all Nike swooshes? Probably doesn’t matter since I doubt any of the First Four will make it past the Round of 64. While I couldn’t find pictures of all the team’s kicks, I must say that Robert Morris got their kicks game going with a variety of styles and colors.

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Guess What Starbucks Drink This Is

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Can you guess what unofficial Starbucks drink is being crafted in this scene?

Here are some hints. You see the cup oversized for the contained espresso shots? See all that ice? The deliberation at the condiment bar is already captured in the picture. All that’s left is to add the (free) dairy for the one and only ghetto latte!

Oh and for the demanding oat-y types, the popular Hawaii oat cake is back.

Yup, looks the same as before. While I have heard they are tasty, I just can’t bring myself to buy one.


The Tiramisu Latte from Starbucks

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Today, Starbucks has two additional drinks on their menu, the Tiramisu Latte and the Caramel Flan Latte. The Caramel Flan Latte actually debuted last year but is back as part of the caramel motif at Starbucks. So while I initially thought the Caramel Flan Latte didn’t really taste like its namesakes, I think the Tiramisu Latte is spot on. After my first sip, I instantly recognized tiramisu. 


The price of the Tiramisu Latte is a whole lot of fat. I went with non-fat milk and light whipped cream, and it’s still a loaded drink. But I think you really need some whipped cream for the full tiramisu experience, just not the same without it. I’m thinking this drink is a great seasonal addition. I can’t imagine this as a full-time menu option since it’s kinda too sweet.

Thrillist Ranks Every Starbucks Drink

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I’m not so addicted as to attempt what Thrillist has done – ordering and ranking every drink on a Starbucks regular menu. Keep in mind this ranking is on the regular stuff, not the seasonal specials. I won’t spoil the list since you should check it out yourself, but here are some of my comments.

starbucks-doubleshot-iceMy personal go-to drink, the Caramel Macchiato (hot) came in at a disappointing #33 with the iced version ranking at #25. I don’t drink Refreshers or any teas so I have no opinion on these.

I’ve rediscovered my current favorite, the Starbucks Doubleshot on Ice. Freshly made, this drink can’t be beat. It tastes great, is relatively inexpensive, and is low on calories. You gotta be ready for the caffeine kick though, and sadly once the drink starts getting watered down as the ice melts, its flavor profile changes. The recently added Flat White is surprisingly way up there on the ranked list although I don’t disagree. It must be the whole milk that smooths everything out.

Anyways, it’s a fun list to look at and see where your favorite Starbucks drink falls.

The Return of the Starbucks Raspberry Mocha

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With Valentines Day coming up, Starbucks is promoting their corresponding hashtag, #StarbucksDate, on their Tumblr site. Check out the animated image that shows the return of the Raspberry Mocha.

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Looks like Starbucks debuted their Raspberry Mocha back in 2007. Unfortunately for me, this drink did not meet my high expectation at the time. Will it be any better eight years later?

But going back to #StarbucksDate. On Friday, February 13, 2015 after 2pm, Starbucks is offering a variety of pairings for you and your loved one. Maybe the Raspberry Mocha will taste better with a Heart Cookie?

More Viable Than a Star Dash

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While Starbucks’ most recent Star Dash is targeted for the addicted, a better, more viable alternative is this promotion for Rewards members.

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That’s 4 bonus stars with the purchase of one espresso beverage like the new Flat White. So with one drink, you’ll earn 5 stars (one for the purchase and four bonus). Although this promotion is only good for about a week, I can see myself visiting Starbucks three times in a week to accumulate 15 stars.

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