hawaiimbb – Pulpconnection

March 19 2016

Late with Kicks Analysis 2016

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Yeah, I know Pulpconnection’s annual analysis of shoes worn by teams making the Big Dance is late. But this year with the University of Hawaii Warriors making the tournament, it’s been a fun ride to watch the madness.

As usual, Nike has the preponderance of teams in the tournament, but one of their representatives is no more. The Under Armour-clad Warriors beat the Jordan-ed Cal squad for Hawaii’s first win in the men’s tournament.

Quincy Smith led the way uncharacteristicly wearing the UA Curry 2 Suit & Tie instead of his usual Curry 1 Lows. Although as you know, the Suit & Tie has brought the team success, usually worn by Rod Bobbitt. Though in the 4 vs 13 matchup, Rod crashed in wearing the brand new Curry 2 colorway, the Surprise Party. Both he and Mike Thomas battled in the birthday cake colored shoes commemorating Steph Curry’s birthday.

Next up Hawaii plays the 5th seeded Maryland, hopefully wearing the same UA kicks yielding another win.

Photo by Brandon Flores Photography.

March 15 2016

Rod Bobbitt’s Shoe of Choice

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When it comes down to the wire, Warrior guard Roderick Bobbitt’s game shoe of choice is the Under Armour Curry 2 “Suit & Tie.” Black and white with red highlights, this shoe has been on Bobbitt’s feet during crunch time.

Bobbitt1_BigWest1 — Bobbitt wearing Under Armour Curry 2 Suit & Tie

Rod’s worn many Curry colorways this season and recently has gone from the low cut Curry 1 to the high cut Curry 2. Rod’s even changed shoes at halftime during a few games when he struggled on-court. In the Big West Conference tournament, Rod wore the new Curry 2 low cut but inevitably went back to the Suit & Tie with successful results.

Early in the season, #5 favored the Curry 1 low. Rod rocked a white, home colorway and black for the road unis.

UH defeats Cal Poly, 86-73, at the Stan Sheriff Center, Honolulu, HI on January 06 2016. Photo: Brandon Flores.

UH defeats Montana State, 87-76, in oepning round action of the Outrigger Resorts Raibow Classic, at the Stan Sheriff Center, Honolulu, HI on November 13 2015. Photo: Brandon Flores.

I thought he and then-Warrior Isaac Fleming had something with the South Beach-themed “Curry Camp” colorway. The bright teal and orange made for great contrast on court.

UH defeats Auburn, 79-67, — Curry 1 Low “Curry Camp”

The Hawaii men's basketball team falls to Long Beach State, 78-64, — Curry 2 Northern Lights

But during the Big West season, Bobbitt went from low to high and from the Curry 1 to the Curry 2. Unfortunately, the “upgrade” to the Curry 2 didn’t come without a hitch, especially with this Northern Lights colorway. Yes, dramatic, but also unlucky for the Rainbow Warriors. Rod had his worst times with the Northern Lights. Remember that loss at home against Long Beach State? Yup, Northern Lights.

In the post season Big West Tournament against Santa Barbara, Rod changed it up showing off the Curry 2 Low.

But that was the first half in which Rod struggled. Guess what was on his feet in the second half? Yes, the Suit & Tie for a 88-75 win.

Long Beach State for the Big West Finals. You think Rod’s wearing the Northern Lights? Nope. Suit & Tie all the way to a nail biting, net cutting victory.

As the Warriors face Cal on Friday, I’m hoping to see Rod bust out something new like the Curry Two Surprise Party or the Combat Green Curry 2 Low.

But… I’d be perfectly okay with the Suit & Tie and a victory.

Awesome photos of the UH men’s basketball season courtesy of Brandon Flores Photography.