Ep 31. Sole Man

In the world of basketball, players and coaches are often the ones in the spotlight. But in the 1980s and 1990s, a man named Sonny Vaccaro changed the game by revolutionizing the sneaker industry and creating opportunities for young athletes to make money off their own talent.

"30 For 30" season 2 episode 31, titled "Sole Man," delves into Vaccaro's story. Through interviews with Vaccaro himself, as well as basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, viewers get a glimpse into how Vaccaro's influence helped shape the game we know and love today.

The episode covers Vaccaro's early life, growing up in Western Pennsylvania in the 1940s and 1950s. It explores his love for basketball from a young age, and how that passion eventually led him to a career in coaching and management.

But it's Vaccaro's role as a marketing executive that really sets him apart. In the 1970s, he landed a job with Nike and played a key role in signing Michael Jordan to his first shoe deal. This was just the beginning of Vaccaro's influence on the sneaker industry.

The episode also touches on some of the controversies surrounding Vaccaro's work. For example, he was criticized for paying top high school players to attend certain colleges and wear certain brands of shoes. Some accused him of exploiting these young athletes for his own gain.

Despite this, Vaccaro remained passionate about giving young basketball players a chance to make a living off their talent. He founded the ABCD camp, a showcase for top high school basketball players, and continued to work with companies like Nike and Adidas to create opportunities for these athletes.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of Vaccaro's charismatic personality and tireless work ethic. He was never content to rest on his laurels, always pushing for new innovations and ways to help athletes succeed.

Overall, "Sole Man" is a fascinating look at one man's impact on the world of basketball and sneaker culture at large. Whether you're a diehard fan or simply curious about the business behind the sport, this episode is well worth a watch.