You can see some of the most devoted fans in China. And with the kind of global growth basketball has seen, the love for the sport is at an all-time peak as aspiring hoopers keep a close eye on all things NBA, hoping one day to reach the famed league. Until then, they make sure to be present for everything basketball and the most recent episode of sheer fandom was on display after the arrival of Jordan Brand ambassadors Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, Luka Dončić, and Paolo Banchero in China.

JT fans in China are insane as Mike Kaufman of Overtime, aka ‘Overtime Mikey’, will attest. Having gained exclusive access to the ‘Jordan China Tour,’ Kaufman was in it for the whole ride, giving us some amazing moments! A major one was the in-person unveiling of Jayson Tatum’s much-awaited ‘Jordan Tatum 3’ or ‘JT 3’ signature shoes.

Talking about what made this latest one so special, the defending champ said, “The thing I enjoy most about the Tatum 3 is like it’s an evolution from Tatum 1, Tatum 2. Things that we love about the Tatum 1 we brought it to the Tatum 2. Things that we felt like we should change and make better, that’s what we continue to do.” 

Even so, Jayson had his favorite aspects of the JT 3. “For me the panels on the shoe; the things that you can do with the colors and the storytelling, obviously. These are called ‘The Garden’; we play in TD Garden. But I’m super excited for the fans to see all the different colorways and stories that we’re going to be able to tell. And just how well they take color – the JT 3,” via Overtime’s vlog on YouTube.

Jordan Tatum 3 “Floral” has taken care to maintain the JT 2 shape while upgrading the upper and sole. The addition of floral motifs on the textile panels has also added individuality and flair to the brand-new kicks. The “JT” logo can be found on the tongue while the classic Jordan ‘Jumpman’ emblem is on the lateral toe. As the man of the hour promised, it’s soon going to be available in multiple colorways, each of which tells a different story.

On a different note, for a particular fan, this unveiling was an unforgettable moment of his life.

Jayson Tatum surprises a long-time fan with the sweetest gesture

As the 2x Olympic gold medalist arrived in Shanghai for the unveiling, an insane amount of fans were waiting in line for just a glimpse or a dap. Finally, when he sat down to interact with a lucky few, a long-time fan, Lucha, presented Tatum with a stunning traditional Chinese artwork. It featured the 5x All-Star lifting Deuce in the air while confetti rained on them. No doubt you remember that moment.

It was one of the iconic images captured after the Boston Celtics won their 18th title. The artwork also had Jayson Tatum’s marketing slogan, “What they gonna say now?” below the picture. And what did JT have in store for this super fan?

When the host asked how special Jay wanted to make the gifting of the first pair, the 26-year-old replied, “I think I got somebody in mind I want to give it to.” And who else but Lucha was the recipient of the Jordan Tatum 3 Floral! You don’t need us to describe just what the fan must have been feeling when he received those signed shoes, now, do you?

Well, for the rest of the ‘JT 3’ fans, the kicks are scheduled to drop worldwide on October 2024. So keep a close eye and ear on the sneaker news! Or you could just check this space. Easy-peasy.

 Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.