Jared McCain Wants You To Be Comfortable & Confident

Duke Blue Devils guard Jared McCain is working with Champs Sports to inspire individuality.

College basketball fans either love or hate the Duke Blue Devils. But freshman guard Jared McCain enjoys a unanimous approval rating. The perpetually upbeat 19-year-old has cultivated a massive fanbase thanks to his production on the court and authentic style off the court.

That is why Champs Sports has made McCain the face of its upcoming CSG Active apparel launch. Champs Sports’ CSG Active collection is all about designing clothes for the active athlete, whether working out or just casually hitting the streets. The collection is built with limitless comfort and effortless movement. 

Beginning today, athletes and fans will be able to shop the entire collection on the Champs Sports' website. As part of the exciting announcement, FanNation Kicks spoke with McCain about his fashion style, college experience, and expectations for the upcoming NCAA basketball season.

Jared McCain in a Champs Sports photo shoot / Champs Sports

How did this partnership between you and Champs come together?

"From the beginning, it was always a genuine connection. Champs has always been in my love because of being in sports. So when we first got into contact with them, it was perfect. It was authentic to my brand. It was the perfect connection."

What input did you provide for the clothing style?

"Champs is always asking me for input, whether it's my social media posts or even when I'm at the shoots. They ask me what I want to wear, and I tell them what I would usually wear. It's always authentic to myself. That's what I've always loved about Champs."

What are your goals for this partnership?

"Just to create a long-lasting partnership with them has always been a dream of mine. It's already been a year and some change. So just being with them and forming a long-lasting partnership, so I can influence my supporters to go out and get Champs, because that's what I would do when I was younger. All these young fans can go out to the Champs stores and support something that I've supported my whole life."

People look to you as an influencer, what fashion advice would you give to other hoopers?

"For me personally, I paint my nails, I just do things that I like. It sounds simple, but if I see something on TikTok I like, or in the Champs store, I just get it. I'll wear it and find a way to make it work because that's what I like. Wear what you want to wear, wear what's comfortable, and what you feel confident in - that's the biggest part."

Jared McCain in a Champs Sports photo shoot / Champs Sports

Switching gears, how has your time on the Duke campus been so far?

"Man, I've loved every moment of it. I've always loved being independent, and even my mom will attest to this, I've always loved being on my own. Now that I'm here, it's like, 'Dang, I'm in college.' I love this campus, it's like the Hogwarts campus with that brick, that old style. It's just so nice, and my best friends are here. So, I'm just living life, playing the sport I love with my best friends."

Do you have individual and team goals for the upcoming season? Do you like to speak it into existence?

"Yeah, I'm a huge Law of Attraction person. Speaking it into existence. Obviously, winning the National Championship is the main thing I want to accomplish. When you put your team goal first, all of the individual stuff will come. Obviously, there's stuff like Freshman of the Week, ACC Freshman of the Year, just all that stuff will come with us actually winning. 

I think just winning the ACC Tournament and winning a National Championship are my two main goals. I don't worry about the individual stuff too much. It's just too much on your mind. You just got to control what you can control and just make the winning plays, as Coach Scheyer always says."

Nike recently honored Duke as a "Mamba Program." Are you going to wear Kobes or different sneakers on the court this season?

"We're going to see! I don't know. I've really been liking the new LeBrons. But definitely some Kobes, too, Kobe is my favorite player of all time. So, I'll definitely be rocking some Kobes."

Last question: what sneakers are you wearing off the court?

"Right now, I have on my New Balance dad shoes. The 530s. Also, I've been loving the Jordan 1 Lows a lot recently. Especially with summer, anything that's easy to get on and off out the door without making my feet sweat. But as the winter goes on, probably some Air Jordan 4s, and some Converse - I love Converse. So, we'll see what I pull out. I'll rock anything.

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