# "What If?" Branding Kobe Bryant ‘Varsity Bones' College Kicks Based on Choosing NBA By Christina Butty | Published 2009-07-29 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kobe-bryant-nba References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2009/07/sbtg-x-nike-dunk-high-varsity-bones-custom-for-kobe-bryant/) & [nike](http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nike/language_select/) Presented to NBA superstar Kobe Bryant during a recent Asia tour were these “Varsity Bones” Dunk Highs inspired by the theme of “What If” in a wooden box. Made by SBTG, a Nike associated artist and customizer, these shoes were inspired by Kobe Bryant’s offer to attend Duke (Bryant chose to go to the NBA out of high school). While the “Varsity Bones” Dunk Highs are pretty sweet, we can all be glad that Bryant chose the NBA instead (there are plenty of highlights to prove that). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **What If? Branding:** Exploring alternate universes can lead to unique branding opportunities. - **Customized Merchandise:** Consumers want unique products that reflect their personalities. - **Sports Fashion:** The intersection of sports and fashion allows for creative expression. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Sporting Goods:** Customized sports merchandise can become a lucrative market. - **Fashion and Apparel:** The combination of sports and fashion leads to a new niche market. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Incorporating 'What If' concepts in branding can create innovative campaigns. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Athlete-Honoring Lifestyle Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linen-edition.md) - [Basketball-Honoring Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bb-4000-li-basketball-shoes.md) - [Athlete-Honoring Apparel Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halo-2.md) - [Basketball-Shaped Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-baller.md) - [Performance Basketball Tributes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kobe-3-protro-halo.md) - [Festive Vibrant Celebratory Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-mamba.md) - [Game-Worn Sneaker Auctions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-kobe-4-protro.md) - [New Year-Inspired Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-dragon-colorway.md) - [Festive Themed Soccer Cleats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grinch-colorway-1.md)