Ja Morant and Nike release the Ja 2s and pay homage to his college team

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant’s next signature sneaker is ready for its official debut. And the first colorway honors Murray State University, the school that helped make him into one of the NBA’s marquee players.

The Nike Ja 2, Morant’s second model with the brand, drops Thursday in the “Induction” colorway. Nike surprised Morant with the sneaker during his Hall of Fame induction ceremony at his alma mater in July. Coming in taupe gray and cobalt blue with a hint of gold, the new silhouette builds on what made Morant’s first model successful.

“Coming into the Ja 2s, I wanted the shoes to be even more comfortable. I wanted to change directions quicker and still have my bounce to be able to jump,” Morant told the Daily Memphian.

Nike designed the Memphis point guard’s latest to feel lighter on the feet, pack more durability, provide ample ankle support, and be more responsive to sudden movements. They factor his life story into the mix beyond aesthetics as the underfoot traction pattern mimics the semi-trailer tires Morant used to train in his backyard when he was younger.

The personal narratives that started with the Ja 1s continue with the sequel. The “Purple Sky” colorway was inspired by the idea of watching Morant’s quick ball-handling moves and high-flying dunks and is comparable to the experience to watching a purple night sky. The model also features personal callouts, such as the names of his daughter, sister, mother, and father etched into the medial arch. “[It’s about] bringing my fans into some different storytelling they may not know” Morant said. “We tell those stories through the colorways of my shoe.”

“In Nike Basketball, we get to work with the world’s best athletes, help them be even better on the court, and create a canvas to tell stories. We are excited for the world to wear the Ja 2 and to continue to be inspired by his growth and electric style of play,” Josh Wachtel, vice president/general manager of Nike Global Men’s Basketball, said.

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The Nike Ja 2 has a waterfall-inspired collar lining and ankle padding.

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The Nike Ja 2’s sidewall guardrail is designed to protect and stabilize.

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The Nike Ja 2's underfoot traction pattern, which is inspired by the semitrailer tires Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant used to train in his backyard as a child.

“The Ja 2 gives hoopers everything they need — it’s bouncy, fast, stable, looks great, and is available in kids’ sizing to serve the next generation,” Wachtel said.

The 25-year-old, whose 2023-24 season was cut short by suspension and injury, will also see his Nike line expand. The Nike Ja 2 will be accompanied by an apparel collection that consists of a fleece hoodie and pants. The shoe will be released in kids’ sizes for the first time.

The Nike Ja 2 “Induction” is available Thursday on the SNKRs app and in select markets for $120. “Purple Sky” will be released Oct. 8 on Nike.com and sold at select retailers.