FWIW, I don't think it matters what pro athlete wears what brand/style of shoes in convincing a kid to commit. As much as fans who have too much time on their hands like to think it's the end all, be all, there's now way that a kid would go to a school or turn down a school because they have the wrong brand/style of shoes in and of itself. It's too trivial a concern when compared to major concerns like PT, the coaches, the facilities, the location, the academics, the fan support, culture/fit, the quality of opponents, the exposure, etc..
However, that's not to say that Nike sponsorship doesn't have its advantages. The real advantage is the fact that shoe companies sponsor camps for the best players and encourage those kids to go to certain schools with whom they have relationships. It's basically NCAA-sanctioned 3rd party advertising. THAT is where it matters - or at least that's where Rick Pitino thinks it matters (from what I hear) and it makes sense to me.
However, that's not to say that Nike sponsorship doesn't have its advantages. The real advantage is the fact that shoe companies sponsor camps for the best players and encourage those kids to go to certain schools with whom they have relationships. It's basically NCAA-sanctioned 3rd party advertising. THAT is where it matters - or at least that's where Rick Pitino thinks it matters (from what I hear) and it makes sense to me.
