Ja Morant‘s second signature sneaker was revealed over the weekend during his induction into the Murray State Hall of Fame.
During the ceremony Saturday at his alma matter, Morant was awarded a special edition of the Nike Ja 2. The light blue sneaker features scratched graphics across its upper with a faint Swoosh bleeding into the shoe’s profile and Morant’s logo appearing on the tongue. The Ja 2 was presented in a custom wood box with a stand for his Hall of Fame ring and listing his accomplishments at Murray State, where he played from 2017 to 2019.
The Nike Ja 2 is expected to release this fall, roughly a year and a half after his signature sneaker launched. The Nike Ja 1 has been a popular addition to Nike’s Basketball line, selling out in a number of colorways and available at an accessible $120 price point.
The early days of Morant’s time as a signature athlete have been marked by controversy, however, as Morant was suspended by the NBA twice in 2023 for off-court incidents involving guns. Soon after returning to the team following a 25-game suspension for the 2023-2024 season, Murant’s season was ended by a shoulder injury.
When Morant was suspended for the second time last year, Nike said in a statement: “We are pleased that Ja is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being. We will continue to support him on and off the court.”
Prior to the weekend, a “Stargazer” colorway for the Nike Ja 2 leaked with a rough images and a reported October release date. The purple sneaker features a more articulated Swoosh with a range of textures used across the upper’s paneling.
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
