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Cam McGriff’s basketball talent has taken him across the globe, from playing in Belgium, France, and Puerto Rico to competing at the highest level with the Portland Trail Blazers. Along the way, McGriff has faced off against some of the NBA’s biggest stars. In an upcoming exclusive interview with EssentiallySports’ Andrew Whitelaw, the Indiana Mad Ants forward shares insights into his journey and how figures like Kyrie Irving have influenced him both on and off the court.

One of the standout moments of McGriff’s career came when he faced LeBron James — who, of course, was a former teammate of Kyrie Irving‘s at the Cleveland Cavaliers. For McGriff, playing against LeBron was a surreal experience, one that would stay with him for the rest of his life.

Playing Against LeBron James: A Moment to Remember

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“What was it like to play against LeBron James?” McGriff reflects. “He went crazy when we played against them. It was definitely something I can tell my grandkids. He’s LeBron, man. He’s the best—if not the best ever. It’s hard to put into words. You had to be there to really enjoy that moment. But still, you have to lock in and play, so it happened fast. You’re like, ‘Wow, I’m playing against LeBron,’ and then you snap out of it and get back to playing defense.”

Despite LeBron’s legendary status, McGriff found him to be approachable and grounded on the court, a stark contrast to the sometimes intimidating personas of other superstars. “He’s very vocal on the court, but not really a stubborn guy,” McGriff shares with EssentiallySports. “There’s no ego like you hear about with some players. He wasn’t that way that night. Maybe it’s different in playoff mode, but from what I experienced, he was cool.”

While McGriff looks up to the basketball legends he shares the court with, he also draws inspiration from athletes making waves off the court. He’s particularly inspired by Kyrie Irving’s ventures in the fashion world, especially his work with the Hélà collection. Fashion and basketball go together like lime and soda, and basketball players are renowned for having some of the freshest looks around.

McGriff’s Vision for No Cosign: Building Community and Entrepreneurship

McGriff, a Texas native, has ventured into fashion with his own brand, No Cosign. The brand offers a range of apparel, from hoodies to sweatpants to backpacks, with a focus on creating a community-driven platform for athletes and creatives alike. “No Cosign is more than just clothes, it’s a community!” McGriff says, emphasizing his goal of building something that resonates with people.

McGriff admires athletes like Kyrie Irving, who have taken control of their own creative paths. Irving’s work with Hélà —featuring sneakers with symbolic laces that reflect his cultural roots—has caught McGriff’s attention as an example of independence and creative freedom. “It’s the guys who do things independently,” McGriff explains, “Kyrie’s influence goes beyond just basketball. He’s built something special with Hélà, and he has much more control than he would at a big company. That’s something I respect.”.

“It’s the guys who have been able to do things independently,” McGriff says, referring to his admiration for athletes carving their own paths in the business world. “Nick Young started his clothing brand, Most Hated, and I was definitely a fan of that when I was in college. But Kyrie Irving is really doing something different with his Hélà collection. It’s not just about clothes; it’s about ownership and being in control of your creative direction.”

Irving, known for his unique cultural background and diverse influences, has translated his personal style into a fashion line that blends his Sioux heritage with modern streetwear. His Hélà sneakers—featuring three different colored laces—symbolize tribal, fashion, and ethnic elements, showcasing a deep respect for identity and individuality. McGriff resonates with this mindset, noting that Kyrie’s role as Chief Creative Officer (CCO) for ANTA is a testament to his ability to shape his brand and maintain artistic control, a luxury he believes would be harder to achieve within the confines of a corporation like Nike.

 

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As McGriff continues to grow No Cosign, he remains dedicated to creating a space that encourages entrepreneurship and individuality. “It’s about showing people that you don’t need a ‘cosign’ to do what you want,” McGriff says. “You just have to believe in your own vision and put in the work to make it happen.”

A Legacy Beyond Basketball: McGriff’s Aspirations

For McGriff, basketball is only the beginning of his journey. “Basketball is my first love, but what I’m doing with No Cosign is how I want to be remembered,” he further shares. “Building a brand, connecting with people, and showing them that anything is possible—that’s my legacy.”

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As McGriff builds his fashion brand and continues to inspire others through his work, he looks to figures like Kyrie Irving as proof that athletes can transcend their sport and make lasting impacts in multiple industries.

For McGriff, embracing the unpredictable has become second nature. Whether he’s called to pull on a new uniform in the NBA or overseas, he approaches the journey with humility and resilience. “I’ve dealt with DNPs in the G League… so even after a guy who’s had his name in 10-day talks multiple times, I’ve been through every level there is, just about, outside of being a full-time NBA guy. From the last man on the bench to the starting go-to guy, I’ve been everywhere,” McGriff says.

Despite the highs and lows, McGriff remains grounded, knowing that every role and experience shapes who he is today. He adds, “I just have to say, remain humble no matter what position you’re in. It’s easy to get a big head when you have everything you want, but that’s when the basketball gods will come in and take care of all day. Respect the game, and it will love you back.”

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As McGriff continues to carve his path both on and off the court, his story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and unwavering respect for the game. With his fashion brand, No Cosign, and his relentless drive in basketball, McGriff is committed to leaving his mark—and proving that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Get ready for an unmissable conversation with Cam McGriff—dropping soon! Stay tuned for updates you won’t want to miss.

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