Ja 3 "Murray State" Basketball Shoes "Pure Platinum/Lightning/Dusty Cactus/Deep Royal Blue"

The Ja 3 represents the third chapter of Nike's signature line with Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, a silhouette built from the ground up for elite backcourt performance. The model sits squarely in Nike's basketball tier, engineered for the explosive first step and lateral agility that define modern NBA guard play. Unlike lifestyle-oriented basketball shoes, the Ja 3 prioritizes court responsiveness and ankle stability—technical demands that Morant's high-speed, direction-changing game necessitates. The shoe's design language emphasizes a streamlined upper with strategic reinforcement at high-stress zones, a philosophy consistent throughout Nike's recent signature basketball collection.

The Ja 3 employs Nike's Zoom Air cushioning setup tuned for quick-twitch movements rather than maximum softness, paired with a responsive foam midsole that returns energy efficiently during cuts and crossovers. The upper construction balances breathability with containment through engineered mesh and synthetic overlays, while a forefoot and heel Zoom Air pocket combo provides the dual-responsiveness signature athletes demand. The outsole pattern delivers multidirectional traction geometry refined through testing on NBA courts, critical for preventing slippage during rapid deceleration. The shoe's overall weight sits lean—a deliberate choice for guards who prioritize foot speed over maximum cushioning bulk.

This Murray State-themed colorway carries cultural weight within the Morant narrative. The Pure Platinum base, accented with Lightning yellow, Dusty Cactus green, and Deep Royal Blue, references Morant's college roots before his ascent to NBA stardom. The color story works equally on court or paired with tailored basketball warm-ups, track pants, or vintage team apparel. The colorway's muted tonal range prevents the shoe from reading as purely performance-focused, broadening its appeal beyond dedicated hoopers.

The Ja 3 holds its $125 MSRP across Nike's retail ecosystem. No discount code or promotional reduction applies—the price reflects standard Nike basketball shoe positioning for a signature model. The shoe typically remains available in most sizes at Nike retail channels, though specific colorways rotate. Fit runs true to Nike basketball shoe sizing; players preferring a secure ankle lockdown often size half-down from their standard running shoe size, though this remains a matter of personal preference around the ankle collar structure.