Darius Acuff Jr. signs with Reebok for signature shoe while still in college

Darius Acuff Jr. has made NCAA basketball history with a major commercial milestone.
The Arkansas freshman star has signed with Reebok and will receive a signature shoe while still playing at the college level.

The deal is a landmark one, as Acuff becomes the first men’s NCAA athlete to earn that distinction from a major American brand before reaching the professional ranks.
It also reflects the growing importance of college basketball in the branding strategies of top sports companies.

The news was confirmed to ESPN by Jide Osifeso, Reebok’s head of basketball.
For Acuff, it is another sign of his rising profile, not only as an elite prospect but also as a marketable figure off the court.