Over two weeks ago SLC Dunk reported on Donovan Mitchell receiving a signature shoe deal from Adidas. We didn’t expect that the shoe would be unveiled this soon, but Mitchell released details of his signature shoe the “D.O.N. Issue # 1” earlier today.
Mitchell, right on brand, decided that the best way to break the news would be allowing two students from his high school to break the news.
Rory Ashmeade (9th Grade, above right), is a freshman in high school with interests in sports, writing, music, and an intention of inspiring others. She admires Donovan because of his overall work ethic, humility and talent on the basketball court.
Blaise New (8th Grade, above left) is currently a student at Donovan’s alma matter and has known Donovan since he was in 2nd grade. He comes from a family of athletes (his older brother played basketball with Donovan at GCDS) and plays basketball and lacrosse himself, all while being an academic honors student.
Together, the two students met with Mitchell and his family in New York City so they could witness the moment where Mitchell saw the final version of his signature sneaker for the very first time, interview him about the experience, and tell their story.
This is pretty amazing stuff. Mitchell didn’t want some huge media stunt to maximize exposure or attention. He chose two aspiring journalists that he had local ties to, and wanted to give them the experience and glory of breaking a huge story.
Mitchell becomes the first Jazz player since Karl Malone to get a signature shoe deal. In just his second year in the league, he becomes one of four Adidas-sponsored NBA players with a signature shoe, joining James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Derrick Rose. Donovan Mitchell has made it. But he’s not even close to being done yet. Despite all of the national attention and now signature shoe, he still is going to take his NBA legacy “one step at a time”. (very pun-intended)