Image Credit: Dove Men Care
Dove Men+Care has partnered with men’s streetwear designer, Just Don’s Don C. to release limited-edition basketball jerseys that unite the most notable rivalries in college basketball and celebrate their positive impact on the game. 
Image Credit: Dove Men Care
Over the past few weeks, they released jerseys that payed homage to the famous Tobacco Road, Battle of the Bluegrass and Crimson & Gold rivalries. Each jersey bought together a well-known rival pairing by highlighting their shared histories cultures through each jersey’s intricate design.
Check out the interview below as Don C talks Rep The Rivalry, college basketball & more.
RESPECT: How excited are you to be partnering with Dove Men+Care for March Madness #RepTheRivalry?
Don C: I was so excited to be working with Dove Men+Care on this campaign. I love collaborating with brands and designing apparel that pays homage to history. I knew it was going to be a great campaign to be involved because rivalries are such a fascinating phenomenon in sports, yet they really are grounded in similarities. I wanted to work with Dove Men+Care to turn the jersey into a symbol of unity.
Which rivalry in your opinion holds the biggest impact on college basketball?
I think the Tobacco Road Rivalry has the biggest cultural impact on college basketball today. The schools are separated by only 10 miles, they’ve faced off for so long, and the teams and fans have a joint history – most of the athletes, students and fans are deeply connected. Also, more greats in the sport have come out of these programs than any other – and there is a shared respect. It’s inspiring.
The Crimson & Gold Jersey blends well together. Which jersey pattern is your favorite and why?
I really enjoyed designing each jersey – all three rivalries have amazing histories and traditions. For Tobacco Road, I integrated the number of 15 which is the highway that connects the schools along a 10 mile stretch of highway. For Battle of the Bluegrass, I tapped into the rich Kentucky horse racing culture by weaving in the horse bridles. Finally, for the Crimson & Gold jersey, I added strips of white to break up the crimson and evoke images of speed, also paying homage to throwback jerseys of legendary Indiana teams.
How do you feel about the Duke & Carolina rivalry?
I think it’s one of the most popular and well-known sports rivalry! I love that no matter where you are in the country, you can always find Duke and UNC fans. Both teams always have such amazing talent with NBA potential and always find a way to bring the country together. I really thought we were going to see them face off again in Final Four.
If you could name one song that reminds you of the “Tobacco Road” Jersey. What would it be?
I love the song “Raise Up” by Petey Pablo and it reminds me of Tobacco Road because he shouts-out North Carolina on the track. It’s the perfect hype song before a Carolina game!
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