Caitlin Clark Dominates NCAA Tournament in Kobe Bryant’s Iconic ‘Bruce Lee’ Sneakers
As the NCAA Tournament heats up, one basketball star is dominating the court while sporting a special pair of Nike sneakers. Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark, a unanimous First-Team All-American and rising talent in the sport has been wowing fans with her deep three-pointers and flair for the dramatics. But it’s not just her skills that are catching attention; Clark has been carving her name into basketball history while wearing the iconic shoes from the late-great Kobe Bryant’s signature sneaker line.
Specifically, Clark has been rocking the Nike Kobe 5 Protro in the ‘Bruce Lee’ colorway during her historic NCAA Tournament runs. These retro sneakers, which were originally released in limited quantities in November 2020 for $180, have become a must-have item for sneakerheads and basketball fans alike. According to StockX, the average resale price for the ‘Bruce Lee’ colorway is now $536, highlighting the popularity and value of these performance sneakers.
The Nike Kobe 5 Protro is a special shoe that pays homage to Bryant’s fifth signature shoe with modest tech upgrades. Bryant wore the Nike Kobe 5 during the 2008-09 NBA season en route to winning his fourth championship. Following his retirement, Nike launched the Protro (performance + retro) line to bring back many fan favorites.
Bryant’s impact on basketball is still felt to this day, and it’s clear that Clark is one of many players who have been influenced by his legacy. The ‘Bruce Lee’ colorway is inspired by the classic films Game of Death and Enter the Dragon and features a black and gold upper that pays tribute to Lee’s iconic jumpsuit. The red scratch marks on the lateral side are a nod to one of Lee’s most memorable final fight sequences, making these sneakers a true work of art.
As Clark continues to make history in the NCAA Tournament, it’s inspiring to see a younger player pay tribute to one of the greatest hoopers ever. With her impressive skills and stylish sneakers, Clark is a rising star in the basketball world who is sure to leave her mark on the game.