FirstCuts: Nike Hyperdunk Goes International

Though much of the Hyperdunk push has been centered around Kobe Bryant, Team USA, and of course the already infamous "McFly/2015" Nike Hyperdunk, once 8/8/08 hits, the Hyperdunk will go international.

(Detailed look at the Australian Hyperdunk, pictured above.)

In addition to outfitting Team USA with their own Hyperdunk, Nike is set to outfit several international squads and international superstars as well. Teams that will be going for the Gold in the Nike Hyperdunk include the host country China, Spain, defending champs Argentina, Russia, select players from the Puerto Rico squad, Germany, and Lithuania. Kobe won't be the only superstar getting his own PE, international icons Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobli, Pau Gasol, and the hometown hero Yi Jianlian will rep their countries in personalized Nike Hyperdunks. Although the Hyperdunk did make scattered appearances in the NBA Playoffs, the world stage at the 2008 Beijing Games will ultimately serve as the Hyperdunk's proving ground.

But before the International Hyperdunks even make their debut on the court in Beijing, they will hit retail in limited amounts in late July. Meaning, that you to can wear the sneakers worn by the world's best basketball players, while watching them play from your couch.

Chinese Hyperdunk:

German Hyperdunk for Dirk Nowitzki:

Lithuanian Hyperdunk:

Argentinan Hyperdunk for Manu Ginobili:

Spanish Hyperdunk for Pau Gasol:

Puerto Rican Hyperdunk:

Russian Hyperdunk:

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.