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Special Edition USC Trojans-Themed Kobe's Are Released

Originally posted on USC Trojans on SI | By Jason Fray | Last updated Dec 18, 2023 11:00 AM ET

This past August, Vanessa Bryant, widow to the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, made a very special announcement as it pertains to the world of college basketball.

Six schools -- Kentucky, Connecticut, Oregon, LSU, Duke, and USC -- became the first basketball programs to be considered "Mamba Schools."

These programs have reportedly offered support towards the Mamba and Mambacity Sports Foundation (which was created in memory of both Kobe and daughter Gianna).

One of the perks of being a Mamba School is getting apparel privileges that other Nike schools don't enjoy. In this case, Nike came out with some fresh USC-themed Kobe's:

New custom USC Kobe’s dropped.

It’s an honor to be an official Mamba school! pic.twitter.com/ZZ2cl4YJpQ
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) December 15, 2023

These fantastic shoes were created to showcase the primary colors of cardinal and gold -- along with the trendy element of the color black.

Several different sneakers have been released in correspondence to the schools supporting the Bryant family. Each shoe has a unique presentation based on the colors of the institution.

Interestingly enough, the Bryant family does have a very strong preexisting tie to the University of Southern California.

Incredibly grateful for the Bryant family and The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. @CoachLindsayG shared a message with the team before they received their custom USC Kobe’s ❤️ pic.twitter.com/d7H8Qne7Bv
— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) December 15, 2023

Kobe and Vanessa's oldest daughter Natalia is currently a student at USC. Garnering admission out of high school, she's reportedly enrolled in the prestigious film program. Natalia is set to graduate from USC in 2025.

Without a doubt, these shoes are simply sensational. It will be fascinating to see what other sorts of shoes -- or even jerseys -- Nike cooks up in honor of Bryant and his daughter.

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This article first appeared on USC Trojans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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