The freshman forward’s colorful shoes could be noticed from the top of Rupp’s rafters. The custom Nikes were inspired by Spongebob Squarepants, the Nickelodeon invertebrate that lives in a pineapple under the season.
“It was a Spongebob type of day today,” Whitney said after the game. “It was one of my favorite cartoons growing up.”
If all days are Spongebob days, it bodes well for the Wildcats. After a scoreless debut, Whitney racked up 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks. After the exceptional performance, Whitney took off the Spongebob shoes but still rocked Squarepants.