Skechers B2S Team Bank: NBA & WNBA Stars Talk Performance and School Spirit

Skechers is making its presence on the hardwood impossible to ignore lately. After steadily building a roster of talent over the last two years, the brand is kicking off the school year with the Back-to-School “B2S Team Bank” collection.

Across four silhouettes, the SKX Reign, SKX Nexus, SKX Float, and SKX Resagrip, Skechers delivers varsity-inspired makeups, with the standout being a green and yellow color combo that nods to Damien High School. The Southern California basketball powerhouse signed a deal with Skechers, allowing the footwear brand to sponsor The Classic at Damien, a high school basketball tournament that began in 2016 and hosts some of the nation's top talent every season.

We spoke with several Skechers athletes from the NBA and WNBA to hear about their experience with Skechers and how their schooling helped them become the players they are today.

Julius Randle – Timberwolves

For Julius Randle, joining Skechers came at a moment when he was ready to try something different. “I have been kind of doing the same thing for a long time, and at that point in my career, I wanted to try something different,” Randle says. “When I got [to Skechers] and I met with the team and I saw the products and how they do things… I just felt like it was a great opportunity to be a part of something special and not just another athlete… but have impact and have opportunity to collab and travel the world and build something special from the sports performance and basketball side.”

That decision came with a personal challenge as he was coming off ankle surgery when he first laced up Skechers on-court. “It was like one of those things where it’s risky… and I put the shoe on and I couldn’t believe how comfortable it was,” he says. “We have the slogan ‘comfort that performs’ and that’s very true… it’s a comfortable shoe and a great basketball shoe as well.”

Now in his second year with Skechers, Randle has been closely involved in the evolution of the brand’s product. “Anytime I give them feedback, they’ll stop making the shoe and they’ll change everything until they get it right… they’re gonna work tirelessly every day just to make sure they get the perfect shoe.”

Off the court, Randle leans into Skechers’ comfort-first designs, especially running and training models like the Spark and Glide-Step. He’s also quick to shout out retro-inspired looks like the S-1992. “One of my best friends… had no clue [about them]… he just started following Skechers… and he was like, ‘Man, you gotta send me some.’ So I sent him a couple.”

Looking back, his mindset was shaped long before the NBA. Randle points to his time at Kentucky, where he learned to “deal with adversity” and “be accountable every single day.” His advice to his younger self and young athletes chasing the game is simple: “Stay focused… dream as big as you want and believe in it and don’t let anybody… tell you from your dreams. Just have tunnel vision and continue to love and have fun with what you do.”

Terance Mann – Brooklyn Nets

Terance Mann initially viewed Skechers as an underdog but that’s exactly what attracted him to the brand. The Brooklyn Nets guard recalls his first meeting with Skechers as the moment he knew this was something different. “Their idea of wanting to start brand new in basketball, kick it off, and take over, I really liked that,” Mann says. “It went hand in hand with the underdog story.”

The leap of faith to join an untested brand paid off the moment he hit the court in Skechers. Mann admits he didn’t know what to expect at first, but was quickly won over by the comfort and build quality. Last season, he leaned heavily on the SKX Nexus for its speed and stability while mixing in the Resagrip.

School pride still runs deep for Mann. His four years at Florida State under the mentorship of Coach Leonard Hamilton shaped him on and off the court. “Coach Ham was more mentor than coach. His biggest thing was just learn from other people’s mistakes and you’ll live an easier life,” Mann reflects. Before his college career, Mann starred at a high school powerhouse, winning Gatorade Player of the Year and a state championship — moments that cemented his competitive fire and love for team colors.

His advice to the next generation? “Follow your own path. The next guy’s path is going to be different. A lot of people get stuck and caught up looking over their shoulder and looking at the next guy and what he has and how he's doing.” He continued, “I think what helped me later on in my college career was just sticking to myself and really focusing on what I had to do to get better.”

Off the court, Mann keeps it casual with Skechers Foamies, a slip-on style he swears by for post-practice comfort. For anyone still skeptical about the brand’s place in basketball, Mann’s pitch is simple: “There’s so many different kinds of silhouettes, looks, and colors. I have no problem finding a shoe to match any outfit on any given day.”

Kiki Iriafen – Washington Mystics

For Kiki Iriafen, signing with Skechers was about aligning with a brand that values her voice. “I chose to sign with Skechers because of their vision and commitment to growing in the basketball space. While they’re relatively new to the game, they’ve made it clear that they value my voice as an athlete. Our partnership is truly collaborative and focused on performance, comfort, and style,” she says.

It didn’t take long for Iriafen to feel the difference on-court. “What surprised me most was just how comfortable the shoes are. Before Skechers, I always needed custom insoles to feel right on the court. Now, the shoes mold to my feet naturally, giving me all the support I need without any extra modifications. That level of comfort has made a huge difference in my performance.”

Her connection with the brand goes beyond wear-testing. “One of the biggest reasons I wanted to work with Skechers is how invested they are in athlete feedback. They’ve welcomed my input from day one and are genuinely committed to constant improvement. It’s not just about putting out a product; it’s about evolving together.”

That dedication, combined with designs that deliver both style and performance, keeps her confident on court: “I never have to choose between comfort and style. I get to wear shoes that perform at the highest level and look great… they feel game-ready straight out of the box.”

Of course, with Skechers tapping into school spirit for its latest collection, Kiki had some thoughts to share on how that shaped her as a player. “Team spirit and school pride have played a major role in shaping who I am. Being part of a team taught me the importance of putting others before myself and working toward a common goal. My teammates have become like sisters to me.” If she could design her own PE, it would be rooted in the colors that defined her path: “I’d base the color around cardinal red… include gold accents to represent USC and white to represent Stanford, honoring both chapters of my college career.”

Her advice to young athletes mirrors her own growth: “Enjoy the process… the journey, the growth, and the relationships are what really matter. Prioritize your mental health as much as your physical training… being proactive is just as important as getting up extra shots.” She credits her junior year at Stanford as the moment she believed she could play in the WNBA, rediscovering “the pure joy and excitement I felt when I first fell in love with the game.”

Jackie Young – Las Vegas Aces

Skechers’ approach to performance footwear felt different from the start for Jackie Young, the Las Vegas Aces star. “Skechers might be newer to basketball, but what really stood out to me is their focus on innovation and putting athletes first. They’re not just following the crowd—they’re creating something fresh that’s all about performance, comfort, and style,” she says.

That difference was immediately clear when she hit the court. “What’s impressed me the most about Skechers basketball shoes is how comfortable, supportive, and stylish they are. From the moment I put them on, I could feel the difference—the cushioning, stability, and sleek design are incredible… They give me the confidence to stay quick and agile on the court without ever sacrificing comfort or style.”

Young has been closely involved in giving feedback on products, noting that “They genuinely listen to my input and take it seriously, which makes me feel like a true partner in the process.”

Even though she signed with the brand less than a month ago, the experience has been impactful. “They’ve made me feel like a key part of their vision from the start, and I’m looking forward to being part of this journey as they create a lasting legacy in the sport.” She also sees Skechers’ growing presence in women’s basketball as a statement: “They’re saying comfort and performance don’t have to be separate, and they’re making it work for women’s ball. That’s powerful.”

School pride shaped Young long before the WNBA. “Growing up in Princeton, that community meant everything. At Notre Dame, that team pride taught me accountability and belief in something bigger than myself.” If she could create her own PE, she’d return to those roots: “I love rocking that Blue and Gold from Notre Dame… maybe I’d do another one that’s even bolder and more vibrant, just like the energy from my high school days.”

Young’s advice to her younger self is rooted in patience and persistence: “Stay patient, trust your process, and don’t rush. Keep that work ethic strong, listen, and keep pushing, even when it gets hard.” For today’s young athletes, she adds, “It’s more mental than anything. You have to believe you belong, even when no one else does. Stay confident, stay grounded, and work on your character as much as your jump shot.”

Rickea Jackson – Los Angeles Sparks

Rickea Jackson sees Skechers’ entrance into basketball as anything but timid. “Skechers is making it clear they’re not here to play it safe — they’re here to change the game,” she says. “By stepping into performance basketball with such intention and innovation, they’re showing that athletes deserve fresh energy, bold design, and real support. It’s about disrupting the norm and raising the bar, and I’m proud to be a part of that movement.”

Her connection to team colors and pride began long before the pros. “Team spirit and school pride shaped everything for me. At Tennessee, we didn’t just play ball — we carried legacy. The energy from the fans, the sisterhood with my teammates, the weight of the jersey... it taught me how to lead, how to uplift others, and how to stay grounded in who I am. That pride still fuels me in the league today.” If she could design her own PE, it would feature “Lady Vol blue and that iconic orange… sleek with sharp color-blocking, maybe some chrome accents for a modern edge.”

Jackson’s aggressive, physical game demands footwear that can match her intensity. “I’m attacking the paint, switching directions, absorbing contact... I need that locked-in support, but also comfort and responsiveness. Skechers delivers all of that without weighing me down.” Adjusting to the pace of the WNBA has been a major growth point: “Every possession matters, and you’ve got to be mentally sharp and physically ready. Skechers… give[s] me the confidence to cut, jump, and defend without hesitation.”

Her advice to her younger self? “Stay patient, stay hungry, and always believe you belong… Your journey is yours for a reason — embrace every part of it.” To young athletes chasing the league, she’s direct: “You can’t just love the game — you have to live it. Show up early, stay late, study, take care of your body, and protect your peace… Be coachable, be relentless, and never lose the joy that brought you to the game in the first place.”

Skechers B2S Collection Release Info

These NBA and WNBA athletes have all found a home at Skechers, where their skills and perspective are equally valued. Each was able to reach the pros through hard work and determination but also with a support system that included their schools. Skechers looked to their insights to help inform the upcoming B2S collection, which channels the intense culture of school pride. Head over to the Skechers website now to experience the SKX Reign, SKX Nexus, SKX Float, or SKX Resagrip for yourself.

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com