There is no debate about who is #1 in the world of footwear and apparel in college basketball. This place obviously always goes to Nike. But now more than ever, it seems Adidas is losing second place, as Under Armor continues to gain ground in the basketball world. adidas has held its place behind Nike in NCAA basketball almost by default for years now, but all that is changing as the still relatively new brand Under Armour, with the help of the overwhelming popularity of two-time MVP Steph Curry, certainly gives the Three Stripes a run for their money.
Under Armor vs. adidas in college hoops was a hot topic recently CBS Sports survey of more than 110 Division 1 basketball coaches, who were anonymously asked to share their opinion on which brand has the strongest hold in the current NCAA landscape. The poll (which included coaches from various schools sponsored by Nike, Adidas and Under Armor) found that a surprising 76 percent of respondents thought Under Armor was now in second place. Anonymous quotes from coaches who felt Under Armor had passed adidas include:
-“For me, Nike runs away with first place. Not even close. Second place, I think, is Under Armor – and they’re leaving adidas behind. Adidas regularly offers poor quality equipment and uniforms. The best thing they have going for them is the Yeezy shoe line, but I’ve heard that it’s still almost impossible for some of the big adidas sponsored schools to get the shoes. I would be pissed if we were sponsored by adidas.
-“Not even close: Under Armour!” In fact, they are nipping at Nike’s heels. When you look at the changing prospects in terms of AAU, the popularity of Steph Curry and the number of colleges switching to Under Armour, it’s hard to say anyone else is second.
-“Under Protection. Not even close. Have a large event at a large facility in Atlanta in July. AAU programs and high school programs all over the country wearing Under Armor. They’re blocking major programs from football and basketball and, in many cases, entire sports programs The Steph Curry factor also helps I think Adidas is a distant third.
Of course, not all opinions have yet been swayed. Although a minority, 24% of coaches surveyed still think Adidas is in second place. But many of them believe that Under Armor is not far behind:
– “Under Armor has made great strides over the last five years, but I think Adidas (especially with the NBA rookie signings they have) will stay number two for a while. Outside of Curry’s influence (which is great), UA just doesn’t have the appeal that the other two have with kids.”
-“Adidas. The proof is the signing of six of the top 10 picks in this year’s NBA draft. The brand is still much stronger and respected in the United States, even though Under Armor has covered some ground.
-“Still adidas in my opinion, but Under Armor is about to take second place.
Even without coaches’ opinions, it’s clear the tides are turning in the world of college hoops. Newcomer Under Armor has certainly moved into Adidas territory in college basketball, but for now, adidas still appears firmly entrenched in second place behind Nike at the NBA level with its impressive roster of athletes and its ever-increasing popularity. Boost cushioning technology. But will the change in college soon be reflected in the NBA?
Source: CBS Sports
