words_Brandon Richard

After a fast 18-0 start, the Syracuse Orange dropped their first game of the season, losing to conference rival Pittsburgh on Monday. Despite the loss, the #3 ranked Orange are playing some of the best basketball in the country, and will be one of the names to look out for when tournament time rolls around in a couple of months.

In addition to their top tier on-court performances, Syracuse may be the college hoops team wearing the best kicks. In recent games, we’ve seen everything from Jordan retros to the new Nike shoes for Kobe Bryant and LeBron James on the feet of Syracuse players.

To check out what the Orange and players from other top NCAA programs are wearing, check out this week’s NCAA Watch.

C.J. Fair gathers himself while wearing the brand new Nike Air Max Fly By.

Duke’s Andre Dawkins attempts a layup in the Nike Hyperdunk 2010.

Baylon guard A.J. Walton goes to the rack while wearing the adidas adiZero Rose.

Illinois’ Brandon Paul shoots a jumper while wearing the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse.

West Virginia’s Darryl Bryant salutes Kobe Bryant by wearing the “Ink” Nike Zoom Kobe V.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas; Dion Waiters of Syracuse rocks the festive Air Max LeBron 8 V/2 colorway.

Michigan State’s Draymond Green prepares to check in wearing the Nike Zoom Soldier IV.

Dwight Hardy soars in the “Cement” Air Jordan Retro 3, which will be released here at Eastbay this Saturday.

Pitt’s Gilbert Brown drives in the “Flint” Air Jordan Retro 13; Scoop Jardine defends in the “Space Jam” Air Jordan Retro 11.

UConn’s Kemba Walker goes up strong in the “Olympic” Air Jordan Retro 7.

Kansas’ Markieff Morris celebrates in a team colorway of the adidas Beast Commander.

Arkansas’ Marshawn Powell runs back after making a basket in the “Candy Pack” Air Jordan Retro 2.

Brandon Tiche looks to finish in the newly released Nike Zoom Kobe VI.

images via ESPN