Emmanuel Mudiay: The Key to Under Armour’s Success

Why Emmanuel Mudiay?

If their goal is to strengthen their reputation, then eventually giving Mudiay a signature shoe would be a no-brainer for Under Armour.

Financially, they are paying him an undisclosed amount. But given his age and that he was signed when he was about to play in China, it can be assumed it is for under $3 million a season, and that’s being a bit generous.

Meaning that if they can make a good-looking shoe and properly market Mudiay, then Under Armour could see great returns. Not Steph Curry-esque returns, but good nonetheless.

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So the only question would be if Mudiay can be marketed well. To which the response is another question: have you heard this kid’s story?

Seriously, there is literally no one in the NBA who shares anything resembling Emmanuel Mudiay’s life and upbringing.

Born in Kinshasa, Zaire, his family was deeply troubled by the Second Congo War. Mudiay’s father died when Emmanuel Mudiay was still just a toddler, and he lived in an area which was very unstable.

Through the hard work of his mother Therese Kabeya, Emmanuel Mudiay and his two brothers Stephane and Jean-Micheal eventually made it to the U.S.

But in the time before they did, Kabeya had to leave her children with her parents in an attempt to later further their lives. During that time Stephane became a father of sorts for both Emmanuel and Jean-Micheal.

They even fell in love with one of Stephane’s passions: basketball.

After moving to the U.S., Emmanuel Mudiay eventually became one of the most sought after prospects in recent memory, coming out of high school. He initially committed to SMU, but later opted to sign with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in China, where he played for one season.

Mudiay was then drafted into the NBA by the Denver Nuggets.

Now, can you tell me anyone who has a life, like Emmanuel Mudiay? I bet you can’t.

Which is why he is perfect for Under Armour. Just like Under Armour, Mudiay has built success without even being given a foundation to build upon. Similarly, both are looking to become respected names worldwide.

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I don’t know about you, but if a pair of Mudiay’s were to be released in the future, I would definitely cop them. Mainly because as a person, he is so unique and driven by the love for his family.