Stepping out in style; men’s basketball unveils new jerseys

The WSU Men’s Basketball team is hoping to turn over a new leaf in 2013. Cougar fans curious about what the team will look like this season now have their first look.

The WSU Athletic Department and WSU basketball players Will DiIorio, DaVonté Lacy and D.J. Shelton unveiled the new Nike Hyperlite basketball uniforms on Thursday.

Unlike their uniforms last season, the Cougars’ new white, crimson and gray uniforms are made from a lighter and thinner material, according to a WSU Athletics press release. The laser-cut perforations and Dri-FIT fabric help ventilate and wick sweat away from the body. This allows players to avoid excess sweat and stay cool during games, according to the release.

The new material is a change the players welcome with open arms.

“I think the new jerseys are cool,” senior forward DiIorio said. “They’re a lot lighter than last year’s.”

Another change highlighted by WSU Athletics is the addition of the Cougar Fight Song imprinted on the back of all three uniforms. The fight song is shaded over perforations on the back of the uniform.

“This idea of the fight song imprinted on the back is intriguing, and I like the jerseys,” WSU Athletic Director Bill Moos said.

Dilorio shares Moos’ interest in the addition of the fight song.

“I really like the fight song on the back. It looks pretty cool,” DiIorio said.

WSU Athletic officials decided to make the uniform change after having discussions with Nike officials, the university’s athletic equipment provider.

“We’re in conversations with our partners at Nike in regards to changes that can be made, and we want to be on the cutting edge when it comes to uniforms, equipment, shoes, and all that they have to offer,” Moos said.

While fans are waiting to see what the Cougar’s on-court production looks like this season, the new jerseys will have the team dressed for success.

“I know our players like the jerseys, and I think our fans will, too,” Moos said.