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Mark Dorris, founder of Sneakerneardz in Cincinnati, OH

Lifestyle

Fresh Off The Block Ep. 5 - Cincinnati's Mark Dorris

Oct 30, 2023

Each episode of City Gear's Fresh Off The Block series, produced in partnership with Nike and Nice Kicks, takes viewers to a new city to explore the area's impact on the music scene, basketball, personal style, and the neighborhoods behind the city's heartbeat. Episode 5 takes us to Cincinnati, OH to meet former baller and current community leader Mark Dorris.

Basketball is more to Mark Dorris than just a game. As a kid, basketball was the way he connected with his father, who he lost at a young age. Throughout his teens, basketball helped Mark invest his time and energy into sports and outlets that kept him on the straight and narrow. In a way, basketball saved his life, he says.

After his school days, basketball put a passport into his hands and took him across the globe as an international baller. And everywhere he went, Mark wore his hometown, Cincinnati, Ohio, on his back, proudly representing the place that raised him. Ask Mark, and he will tell you he IS Cincinnati.

When his own basketball career came to an end, Mark turned to the kids in his community to keep him connected to the game. Today, he helps coach and mentor the next generation of players not only as the Dean of Students and his school but also as one of the founders of Hoopnerdz.

mark-dorris-hoopnerdz-coach

Hoopnerdz is a community program spearheaded by Mark, his brother “Big Mike” and their god brother Ed. The program helps young players learn the game from both a physical and mental standpoint. The organization is Mark’s way of helping save lives through the sport of basketball, just as he believed basketball helped save his.

Basketball is the constant in Mark’s career, his heart and his community, so it’s no surprise Mark’s style is also grounded in basketball.

He likes to match cap to kicks – and City Gear is where he goes to get fresh. City Gear is a staple in the city and is THE place to go for fresh shoes, a fresh Nike fit and fresh clothes in general. He says there’s always love when he goes into his local City Gear. It’s his one-stop-shop for new basketball shoes, like his Ja 1s, or Forces, Tech Fleece and more.

Mark Dorris, Fresh Off the Block Cincinnati, OH FOTB Cincinnati, OH - Mark Dorris fist-bumping student Cincinnati, OH's Mark Dorris with his mom on basketball court
FOTB's Mark Dorris standing in front of City Gear storefront

Whether he’s mentoring young athletes, representing his city, or shooting hoops for fun, this is how Mark shows up Fresh Off the Block.

This Is Fresh Off The Block

Style is more than self-expression, it’s an expression of your city, your community, your culture.

Your style is an extension of your DNA.

When the streets are your runway, it doesn’t matter where you show up. The style is curated, but the swag is effortless. It’s in your way of walk. Your way of talk. Your style is your way of letting all those around you know, “I’m here. Take notes.”

When you step out, you always keep it fresh, because what you wear is as authentic as you are. So put on for your city, your neighborhood, your street, and always show up Fresh Off the Block.

More From Fresh Off The Block
Each episode of City Gear’s Fresh Off The Block series, produced in partnership with Nike and Nice Kicks, takes viewers to a new city to explore the area’s impact on the music scene, basketball, personal style, and the neighborhoods behind the city’s heartbeat.
See More Episodes
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