The Academy has taken over Los Angeles for another invite-only showcase featuring some of the country’s top young basketball talent. The event is also bringing out a fresh batch of exclusive sneakers, including a Giannis Freak 8 made just for the occasion.

This “The Academy” PE comes dressed in bright yellow and dark green, giving it a look that feels straight out of Oakland. Yellow covers most of the upper, laces, and midsole, while green takes over the tongue and the large panel running through the center of the shoe.

Custom branding helps set the pair apart from regular Freak 8 releases. The Academy’s circular basketball logo appears on the tongue and heel, linking the colorway directly to the Los Angeles event.

NBA shooting coach Chris Matthews, better known as Lethal Shooter, gave the sneakers an early on-court look during the opening day of the showcase.

The Nike Giannis Freak 8 “The Academy” PE is not expected to release to the public. The Freak 8 made its retail debut in late July 2026.

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