Nelly later signed a shoe deal with Reebok.

But local obsessions are only partly related to scholarships and shoe deals.

Get them a nice shoe deal.

After being drafted by the Bulls in 2008, Rose signed a shoe deal with Adidas for $1 million per year.

Sign a shoe deal at 17, and you can pay your own way through college, at your own pace.

The coach of the 90's has a car deal, a camp deal, a radio and television deal, and don't forget the shoe deal.

Jones, on his 10th team in seven seasons, went to the Cavs without a shoe deal.

He contacted prospective players, encouraged several to join, selected the uniforms, negotiated a shoe deal, and arranged for sponsorships.

"I came here without any clothes," said Voltchkov, who does not have a clothing contract, a shoe deal or much money in his pocket.

He did not barge into the N.B.A. as a hot draft choice with a shoe deal.