Today in Performance Sneaker History: Juan Dixon Leads Maryland to 2002 NCAA Championship in Nike Shox Stunner

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Complex Original

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Maryland may have not made this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, but things were much different a little over a decade ago. The Terrapins faced the Indiana Hoosiers in the championship game, and Maryland pushed through with a 64-52 victory.

The Terps were led by Juan Dixon, who went pro later that year but never found quite the same success in the NBA. On April 1, 2002, Dixon couldn't be stopped, putting up 18 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, and three assists for his team. He was voted the NCAA Basketball Tournament Most Outstanding Player, as well as earning other accolades such as ACC Athlete of the Year and being selected for the All-American first team.

During 2002, Nike's Shox technology was all the rage in basketball footwear. Dixon would wear the Nike Shox Stunner, a model driven by performance. Not only was the Shox cushioning innovative, but the upper featured a synthetic overlay which provided ample support. This style has not yet been re-released by Nike.

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