As Nike continues to invest in the next generation of hoopers, the brand officially welcomes three of the top rising players in the nation to the brand, adding five-star athletes Aaliyah Chavez, Brandon McCoy and Tyran Stokes to a growing NIL roster that’s next up. 

“Nike isn’t just a logo. It’s not just a brand,” Chavez tells SLAM. “It’s more about legacy.”

As each top-ranked player continues their basketball journeys into the college level and eventually to the WNBA and NBA, they’ll be building with a brand they’ve all grown up wearing. 

“I’ve known since I was a little kid,” smiled Chavez, a Lubbock, Texas native now starring at Oklahoma. “Nike is the only shoe that I’ve ever worn. It was an easy decision to make.”

The trio has each showed out at all of Nike’s showcase events throughout their High School runs. After breaking out on the EYBL circuit and repping for USA Basketball around the world, they also put in memorable performances at both the SLAM Summer Classic in New York and the Mamba Invitational in LA. 

For Brandon McCoy, an explosive 6’5” PG out of LA who is set to star at Sierra Canyon this season, he’s dreamed of landing a shoe deal before closing out his High School career.

“I’ve had the goal of becoming a Nike athlete written on my wall for two years,” says McCoy. “To officially be part of the family means everything to me.”

As “Beezy” continues to learn about the marketing world, with his parents serving as his sounding board and guidance, the added spotlight only serves up more motivation.

“Honestly, getting the deal makes me even hungrier to get better on the court and be a better person off the court,” he said. 

With NIL shoe deals only becoming a reality in just the last five years, all three players have been working towards earning that opportunity as they grew their game and their name on the prep stage.

“I know it’s not a typically normal thing, but I feel like I’ve put in a lot of hard work and I feel like the timing is right,” McCoy told SLAM. “I’m just proud of myself and my family and excited to start this journey.”

“Partnering with Nike means I’m joining a team, a family and a legacy,” said Stokes, the #1 player in the class of 2026 and MVP at this year’s SLAM Summer Classic at Rucker Park. 

Since the introduction of NIL, Nike’s select roster of top rising basketball athletes has included the likes of current pros Caitlin Clark, Bronny James, Paige Bueckers, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, along with JuJu Watkins, AJ Dybantsa, Jazzy Davidson and Jerzy Robinson currently at the college level. 

 

To kick off their official partnerships, the new group got together for a campaign shoot in recent weeks, dubbed “Name. Image. Legacy.” Chavez also made a cameo in Nike’s most recent Kobe brand commercial that dropped in August. 

“I’ve worn Kobes since I was in 6th grade,” beamed Chavez, who loves the Kobe 6 most. “It was amazing. It was literally a dream come true to be in a commercial. Obviously, a commercial in general, but a Kobe commercial at that. It was surreal, for real.”

The deals are more than just a check from the Check. 

Nike views their NIL signings as the start of “career-building collaborations” with each athlete. With personalized support for their on-court training and growth, along with resources for everything from media, to content and styling, the partnerships are in place to help each athlete rise to their best as they inevitably head to each top Association. 

“I’m going to be surrounded by high-level, talented people who will keep me working hard to be at the top of my game,” said Stokes, who often opts for the Kobe 5 and 6 on the floor. 

Chavez joins the brand at a pivotal time, as Nike continues to invest in platforms like its Athlete Think Tank, where top female athlete icons provide driving insights. Earlier this year, the brand launched its “So Win” campaign by featuring women during a commercial that debuted during the Super Bowl. 

“It’s just amazing to be on this journey when women’s sports and their brands are growing,” Chavez said. “NIL is growing the women’s game.”

Stokes, who recently starred on his own SLAM HS cover, is already thinking of ways that he can make his mark with the brand. 

“I also want to work with Nike to connect with young athletes and give feedback on our footwear and apparel,” added Stokes. “Not just from me, but from my community.”

For Chavez, she knows her path can help to inspire players even just a few years younger than her, as they continue to work towards their goals. 

“I’m hoping to show little girls and hispanic culture that it’s possible,” she said. “You can do whatever you put your mind to.”

As the newly inked trio looks to get building with Nike in the short term, each of the teenaged stars are already thinking big picture as well, with legacy in mind ahead.

“Nike is building culture,” begins McCoy. “With me being a younger athlete, I’m closer to the youth and I can give my positive impact and try to build a good culture. I can show that hard work can take you far, far in life.”