Curry Brand Signs Jacob Zhu to an NIL Deal
Published
Curry Brand has taken another major step in expanding its global reach by signing rising basketball phenom Jacob Zhu—known as Zhu Zheng in China—as its first Chinese athlete and second international signee.
A standout point guard in the Class of 2026, Zhu has quickly gained attention for his dynamic skill set. His smooth handle, sharp court vision, and ability to score at all three levels have made him one of the most intriguing young prospects in high school basketball. As Zhu continues to ascend through the ranks in the U.S., he’s also preparing to compete for China’s U19 national team in the upcoming FIBA U19 Men’s Basketball World Cup.
“I’m beyond excited to officially join Curry Brand and learn from the greatest point guard of all time—my favorite player growing up,” Zhu said. “Steph’s journey inspired me to believe that being ‘undersized’ doesn’t mean being overlooked.”
Born to a Chinese father and Jamaican mother, Zhu embodies the fusion of cultures and experiences that align with Curry Brand’s mission to inspire through sport. While his game has developed stateside, his roots and global outlook are central to his identity—and his future. Zhu has already garnered scholarship offers from notable Division I programs, including Auburn, Georgia Tech, UCF, and Mercer.
“To be the first Chinese player signed to Curry Brand is an honor I don’t take lightly,” he continued. “I want to open doors, represent with pride, and show young hoopers around the world—especially in China—that anything is possible with work, faith, and love for the game.”
As part of the Curry Brand roster, Zhu will compete in Curry Brand footwear, engage in off-court initiatives, and play a key role in expanding the brand's presence in the Asia-Pacific region. His growing fan base in both the U.S. and China offers a powerful platform for the brand to deepen its global impact.
“He embodies many of the qualities we look for in a Curry Brand athlete with his style of play, his work ethic and his commitment to bringing people together through sport,” said Simon Pestridge, VP of Marketing (APAC) and GM of Under Armour China. “His international appeal will help us continue to grow the brand around the world.”
With this signing, Zhu joins a loaded Curry Brand lineup that includes Stephen Curry, De’Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Quincy Olivari, and Keisei Tominaga. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world.
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
