Team Insight

TEAM BASKETBALL to handle. Plus, they're super durable, which is perfect for our intense games. It feels like I'm playing with the best equipment out there." Shoe preference: "Traction, durability, comfort and support on are my priorities in a basketball shoe. Since I have flat feet, I need shoes that offer excellent ankle support and cushioning to prevent any pain or injuries. ey should also be lightweight. I have about 20 pairs of basketball shoes at home in my closet." Favorite shoe: "For looks it is the Kobe Reverse Grinches. ey're just so stylish and iconic. However, for my feet specifically, I really like Jayson Tatum's shoes because they provide the perfect balance of comfort and support that I need. It's like having the best of both worlds — style and function." Purchasing power: "We vote as a team on our top options. We all get to have a say in what we wear. It's great because we make the decision together, ensuring everyone is happy with our gear. It feels awesome to be part of the process and wear something we all love." Brand preferences: "While brands aren't the most important thing to me, I do appreciate the lightweight quality that our Nike uniform provides. It looks sleek and feels comfortable. But ultimately, being on the team and playing the game I love is what matters most to me." Cool brands: "The cool models in shoes are Jordans, Kobes, KDs (Kevin Durants), Kyries and (Jason) Tatums. e most popular slides are Nike, Crocs and Yeezys. In apparel, Nike, Under Armour and Hoop Culture are definitely popular. And Nike is super cool and always in style." Sock preferences: "I prefer Nike and Hoop Culture socks because they are super com- fortable and provide great padding. I usually go for blue, black and/or white socks since they match with everything and always look clean and stylish." Who pays: "My parents pay for my basketball equipment. ey are incredibly supportive of my passion for basketball and help me get the best gear. I'm really grateful for their support." Horror stories: "I have flat feet, so shoes with too much arch are painful for me. e worst experience I've had is stopping during training or a game to take off my shoes because of a burning feeling. It's super frustrating and painful and it really disrupts my focus and performance." Arushi Saxena Talks Hoops Arushi, 16, is a member of the TNBA Houston 16U girls travel basketball team from Houston, TX. is fall she will be junior at the St. Agnes Academy in Houston, TX. Shoe preference: "I make sure to look for ankle support, comfort and solid grip on the soles." Favorite shoe: "I like Nike because there are lots of options and their items are comfortable." Buying power: "We can request certain num- bers to wear if they are available, but we do not get to provide input into what the uniforms look like for school or club." Cool brands: "Nike is still cool. I wear Birkenstocks as my slides, but Shark slides are popular right now. Basketball shoes by LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kyrie Irving are worn a lot these days. I also use McDavid knee pads because they are comfortable and don't slide off my knees." Sock preference: "I prefer white Nike socks." Who pays: "My parents pay for my basket- ball gear. Derek Vasquez Talks Hoops Derek, 16, is a student at Berean Christian School in West Palm Beach, FL. He is a member of the varsity basketball team and plays for the school's summer/travel team, too. is fall, he will be a junior at Berean Christian. Ball talk: "I enjoy playing with the Wilson Evolution basketball, which is the main ball we play with at the high school level." Shoe preference ... "I'm looking for shoes that are comfortable, provide ankle support and are 'springier.' I also like some color in my basketball shoes." Favorite shoe: "I like the KD (Kevin Durant) Treys. I'm currently wearing my second pair of them." Buying power: "My head coach and the athletic director make the buying decisions." Cool brands: "In shoes, I like Nike and Adidas. In socks, I buy from Dick's Sporting Goods and I like socks from Nike. In slides, I do like the Shark Slides." Sock preference: "I rock with Nike — black and/or white." 12 • Team Insight ~ July/August 2024 teaminsightmag.com Gabby Fulton Arusha Saxena Derek Vasquez

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