This New Balance 992 Spotlights Darius Bazley's "Gap Year"
With an Oklahoma City Thunder-inspired color scheme, “Gap Year” hits on the heel and more.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley took a decidedly non-traditional path to the NBA by forgoing college in favor of a year-long training program and $1 million USD New Balance internship. Now on his second NBA season, Bazley’s “gap year” is long behind him and New Balance is celebrating its conclusion — and the release of a Gap Year documentary — with a special made in the USA 992.
Yellow mesh overlaid with orange, blue and yellow suedes on the forefoot and midfoot acknowledge the uniforms of Bazley’s OKC Thunder, while a black tongue and gray heel provide a nod to the time he spent in the Boston area with New Balance. Tongues, heels, throats and quarters alike add touches of hi-vis reflective detailing.
There’s a swath of Bazley-specific branding as well, specifically his “DB” initials on the tongue and #7 on the lateral collar plus a “Gap Year” spellout graphic on each heel. Two-tone midsoles utilize New Balance’s signature ABZORB cushioning and black outsoles round off the style.
Fans of the design can head over to the New Balance webstore now to purchase the made in the USA 992 “Gap Year” for $200 USD.
Elsewhere in the world of New Balance, learn more about the fried egg inspiration behind Paperboy Paris’ 992 collaboration.
