“The Get Up”, hosted by NBA superstar, Ja Morant, Foot Locker and Nike celebrated the release of his new shoe, the Ja 2 this weekend in Memphis. Morant held giveaways during his block parties across the city for the fans along with games for the kids, pop-up shops and a showcase of local food… but the most important aspect of the event was what makes Nike a company rooted in legacy and the future. The finale of the weekend was the spotlight on the collection of talent in the basketball showcase.
Memphis is a blue-collar city which could be considered the second home of Nike. While Nike does support a lot of local programs, the Swoosh has often missed on creating a connection to sport in the region. The Nike EYBL, which had a stop in Memphis this season, isn’t really about the region. It’s about hoopers and basketball recruitment. This co-branded event with Foot Locker, Nike and Ja, landed on a weekend where the Ja 2 Nightmare sneaker dropped, and the Grizzlies were hosting their opening night for the NBA season. It was a perfect storm of opportunity to really connect with the city and highlighting athletes is a perfect chance to do that. Enough of the business talk.
A lot of the city’s best were back home for the event including Jacob Walker, Cello Jackson, Keeper Jackson and Tyler Jones. Combine that with local standouts like 6’6 Cameron Brown, Central High guard Damion Cox, Houston HS sophomore Justin Frison and his teammate, 6’8 Keiron Jackson, it was a really good showing in front of a nice crowd in the center of the city at Snowden Middle School. NBA players from the Grizzlies were in attendance: GG Jackson, the Grizzlies first round pick, Zach Edey (who is 9 ft tall in person, lol) and former Florida star and Memphis Grizz, Mike Miller, were all on hand to see what the city hopes to be the first of many of these types of events Ja’s kicks release in the future.
I have to admit, I got there a little late, so I didn’t see other showcase events. There were several including a girl’s elite middle school game, elite girl’s high school game, which was followed by the boy’s elite game at 4:30. Below is a look at a few of the standouts from the final game.
- Keeper Jackson 6’7″ WF 2026 (Columbus HS, Florida) The game MVP, Jackson quietly did work pouring in 27 points, showing off his shot making ability from all over the floor. Jackson has always been a really, really talented player in my opinion but do I think playing against better competition has helped him in these few months? Yes. The biggest difference I saw in him from the previous outings was the willingness to attack off the bounce and finish at the rim. While he’s still perimeter jumper oriented, you have to respect his ability to attack now which opens up his offensive profile even more and increases his chances of playing mid to high major basketball once his prep career ends.
- Cameron Brown 6’6″ G/F 2025 (Whitehaven HS) He is one the 10 best scorers in Memphis. Brown had one of the biggest highlights of the day where he made his defender lose balance with a shifty handle and ended it with a huge dunk that made the crowd get up . Cameron has added the ability to handle with pressure into his offense (which consists of various pull ups, 3 ball and the mid game). Brown is also a better athlete than most think. I think he could be in for a really nice year.
- Jacob Walker 6’0″ 2025 (Sunrise Christian, Kansas) Jacob is now a Division 1 commit (Sam Houston State). He showed his ability to get by you off the cross into the hesi or just off the first step. Walker’s speed to the rim was evident. He is an open floor nightmare because he can find others, or he is a constant threat to score. As he continues to get better as a jump shooter, I think you see a player who steps onto the floor immediately in college.
- Antonio McGaughey 6’6 G/F (Valley Prep, Arizona) Only a sophomore, honestly, he may have the highest ceiling of anyone that played on Sunday. He can play on the ball as a 1 or off it at the 2 or 3. Traits are there for Antonio to be a high major player because of his versatility. His handle is smooth, and, in a flash, he can get by his defender. He has the length to shoot over the top, vision to see over the defense for passes into open shots for teammates. I think he has a good chance to be a really nice player, maybe even one who cracks a top 100 list sooner rather than later nationally.
- Braylon Williams 5’11 PG (Bartlett HS) 1 of 3 freshmen in the game, Williams held his own in a setting with players 3 years older than him. The poise, quickness and burst in the open floor… his ability to get in the lane and make a quality read, Williams is one of the premier guards in 2028 in the city and region. It’s easy to see why he’s highly touted. I’m excited to see what the future holds for him.
Events like these are really good for communities across the city and also shows Morant’s personal likeability along with increasing his already enormous profile with fans and supporters who may not get the chance to see him up close like they did this weekend. I think Morant is a true embodiment of Memphis, the personality of the city, the charm and what it truly means when you hear the term “Big Memphis” from him.
Big shout out to Nike, Foot Locker and Ja for laying down what should become a foundational element of sport and culture with youth athletics. There is considerable opportunity to really connect. Nike doesn’t necessarily need it, but Foot Locker should certainly find a way to endear itself to this region especially with the creation of their new Power Store in the heart of Whitehaven.