The Univ. of North Carolina football team's decision to wear Jordan Brand jerseys beginning next season is "one of the more savvy business moves the school has made in recent memory," as UNC is "taking a no-risk gamble ... linking with the university's most recognized alumnus," according to Adam Powell of the ACC SPORTS JOURNAL. Jordan Brand and Nike will "recoup their investment in UNC many times over by creating walking, breathing billboards on the football field." The Jumpman logo will be on "everyone's jerseys and apparel, and it will thus be seen by everyone watching on television." UNC may not see a benefit "in recruiting from the Jordan Brand arrangement," and the school "probably should have made an arrangement like this much sooner." However, Jordan's legend "has grown to mythical proportions over the last two decades." The school "solidifying its connection" with Jordan will "improve the school's national visibility." The added fact that it will "substantially improve the athletic departments bottom line is a major plus" (ACCSPORTS.com, 3/9).
RAISE THE ROOF, OR THE CEILING: Jordan Brand is capitalizing on Michael Jordan's now-infamous "The ceiling is the roof" quote from last week's Duke-North Carolina game. Jordan had "t-shirts made for the UNC pep band" to wear at this week's ACC Tournament with the phrase (NEWSOBSERVER.com, 3/9). A Jordan Brand spokesperson said that the shirts “will be sold at soon to-be-announced retail locations” (ESPN.com, 3/9).
