A tip-in at the Garden turned into a sketch the next morning, then a shirt on the racks of a national store one week later. Now the basketball has become a tennis ball.
There is an energy in New York City that you can’t manufacture. It’s an authentic, electric current that runs through the streets, the subways, and, most importantly, the arenas.
I felt that exact energy pulsing through Madison Square Garden during the New York Knicks’ historic, epic 2026 run to become NBA Champions. I was there for Game 4.
The tension in the building was thick enough to cut with a knife, culminating in a 107-106 victory secured by an almost biblical tip-in by OG Anunoby. The arena exploded. The city exploded. And the very next day, an idea was born.
The Sketch That Started It All
Still riding the high of that monumental win, I sat down and started sketching. I took the most iconic piece of New York graphic design in history, the classic "I Love NY" tee, and replaced the heart with a basketball.
It was a flash of inspiration, but I knew im
mediately it had legs. I showed the sketch to a friend in the sports apparel business. The validation was instantaneous. Every single person who saw the design said yes. Then, the ultimate decision-makers at a national retail chain saw it and they said yes, too.
From the moment my pen hit the paper to the shirts hanging on the racks of a national store, exactly one week had passed. One week.
They sold out almost immediately, both in-store and online. But the real validation wasn't just the sales numbers, but the community I’m witnessing grow from this. We’ve had zero returns and when I’m walking down the avenue wearing the shirt, I can’t tell you how many times people stop me to ask, “Where can I buy your shirt?”
Sometimes, I just get a loud, “Hey! Knicks in 5!” followed by a high-five and a broad smile from a total stranger. That’s the magic of this city.
Simple, Elegant, Alluring
If there is a main point to this journey, it’s this: the power of a simple idea, well done.
My design philosophy is rooted in simplicity, elegance, and allure. A great graphic doesn't need to be overworked; it just needs to strike a chord.
But a great design also demands superlative execution. That’s why I obsessed over the production. The color saturation is vibrant and rich, and the quality of the printing is absolutely top-tier. When you hold one of these shirts, you feel the craftsmanship.
Serving Up the Next Chapter for The 2026 US Open
Because that NYC energy is so deeply connected and authentic, I immediately decided to amplify this concept into other arenas of New York life. Right now, my absolute focus is on another iconic staple of the city: The US Open.
Beginning on August 23, 2026, the US Open is the most lucrative event in U.S. sports. For two incredible weeks, the city becomes a global hub for international tennis stars, celebrities, and fans from every corner of the world. It’s a spectacle of sport and culture, and I wanted to celebrate my personal love for tennis with that same simple, striking aesthetic.
Our new US Open-inspired tee shirts perfectly capture the intersection of tennis and New York City.
Available Colors: White, Black, Yellow, and Blue
Price: $35 per shirt (plus shipping)
Just like the basketball tee, the design is superlative, the colors pop, and it serves as a wearable badge of honor for anyone who loves the game and the city hosting it.
A Canvas for New York Culture
This is only the beginning. New York isn't just a sports town; it’s the cultural capital of the world.
Looking beyond the US Open, I am already designing upcoming collections that celebrate the lifeblood of NYC’s art and culture scene. Soon, we will be rolling out designs honoring The Met Museum, Broadway Theater, and The Guggenheim.
Moreover, we’re expanding the canvas so these designs won't just live on tee shirts. The collection is growing to include hoodies, mugs, tote bags, and bumper stickers.
Great design connects people. It starts conversations on the sidewalk, it brings strangers together for a high-five, and it captures a moment in time. We started with a basketball, we’re moving to the tennis court, and we’re taking the rest of the city with us.
