14. Kentucky Wildcats Checkerboard
The Kentucky Wildcats are arguably Nike’s second most famous team in college basketball, trailing only the Oregon Ducks. As usual, they managed to create an awesome alternate jersey which didn’t kill the classic blue and white look. How did they do it? By adding a checkerboard down the side.
Adding squares is a pretty bold decision. It’s either going to be terrific or horrible, and there’s not much middle ground. With the Wildcats, it was the former. This should make a huge influence on college basketball uniforms moving forward.
You need a great color scheme to make the checkerboard pattern work, especially if it’s going to be down the side. Blue and white is a very good duo for it. This was a brilliant decision by Nike, as it gives a modern look to an already excellent uniform. They didn’t mess with the classic look at all, adding just the squares down the side.
Nike’s relationship with Kentucky has been a very positive one for both sides. The Wildcats never need to worry about looking good. Meanwhile, the company is outfitting one of the most popular teams in college basketball. Both sides benefit financially from it, as Kentucky jerseys are constantly among the best sellers.
This brings back some bad memories of teams that tried the checkerboard look and failed. Tennessee’s attempt remains one of the ugliest jerseys of all time. Luckily, Nike did an excellent job with Kentucky’s uniforms, making them one of the best uniforms in college basketball.
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