NBA star Ja Morant is generously providing special editions of his Nike Ja 1 sneakers to several college teams, including an HBCU. Among the recipients is Mississippi Valley State, which joins Murray State, Memphis, and Radford as institutions receiving these exclusive sneakers.

Ja Morant, who played college basketball at Murray State, has connections to these schools through his career and family. His former assistant coach, Shane Nichols, is currently at Radford, and his younger sister, Niya Morant, is a freshman on the women’s team at Mississippi Valley State.

The other three schools will receive the ember colorway of Ja Morant’s signature sneakers, while Mississippi Valley State has been given a unique, unreleased colorway that is anticipated to launch around Halloween. The MVSU team will debut the sneakers on November 2 when they play against Voorhees College. It’s hoped that Niya Morant will have the chance to wear her brother’s signature shoes during the game.

Ja Morant, however, will not be able to wear his own sneakers until December, as he is currently serving a 25-game suspension for conduct deemed detrimental to the league.

The Nike Ja 1 is built for Nike Basketball’s first Gen Z signature athlete, Ja Morant. Designed for the next generation of playmakers, whom Morant represents, the shoe focuses on three key performance areas: dynamic lockdown, a responsive ride and support for landing.

Dynamic Lockdown: The midfoot lockdown system provides a secure and snug fit, allowing athletes to quickly change direction while on the court.

Responsive Ride: The forefoot Nike Air Zoom bag helps give a quick, explosive sensation underfoot.

Support for Landing: The raised sidewall guardrail helps support takeoff and landing on two feet, combined with a raised cushioned foam collar and zonal cushioning for additional ankle support.