As Oakland University’s men’s basketball team makes their way to the NCAA Tournament, it’s only right that the spotlight shines bright on them this week — and why can’t that spotlight include their fashion choices?
The trend of NBA tunnel fashion has become an iconic part of the basketball world, and that medium of self-expression has even extended to OU’s men’s basketball players’ pre-game fits.
For Tone Hunter, fashion plays a large role in his life, and serves as an intersection point for many different facets of himself.
“I’m comfortable in what I wear, and I think that’s the biggest thing about fashion. It’s not about trying to be like the next person, it’s about how you feel wearing the clothes you wear,” Hunter said.
For this specific outfit, Hunter was inspired by the song “Still Get The Chills (Denim Tears)” by artist Lil Bean — specifically the lyrics, “It be hard to cry, that’s why I got on Denim Tears,” and, “I got Chrome Heart crosses on my sleeve.”
Hunter was listening to the song while getting ready and realized that he actually did have a Chrome Hearts hoodie and Denim Tears Cotton Wreath pants, so he found both in his closet and put them together.
“That picture shows my music, where I’m from, two brands that I really like and support and you see a big smile on my face because, you know, I’m just happy to be here and happy that I can show those types of things off about myself,” Hunter said.
Hunter counts major brands like Rhude and Sp5der as sources of inspiration, but also likes supporting brands from his native Las Vegas — like his cousin Quan’s Millions TooLate and his childhood friend’s Nothing Bigger.
Isaiah Jones — like Hunter — also likes to make a point of buying his clothes from friends who run their own clothing brands as a way to support them and their businesses.
Jones describes his style as baggy and trendy and references NBA players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jordan Poole as his main style inspirations.
“My favorite piece is in this photo. The Stoic Gallery jacket feels great and with it having a double hood, it gives it some weight. It’s a very nice piece. And also my vintage Nike track pants because I just love the way they fit — especially for my height,” Jones said.
Fashion is not only a great point of artistic expression for Jones, but also a way to express his mood.
“Calm fits with sweats and a hoodie are the days where you are most locked into me. When I dress up a bit more, I am more open to others and responsive,” Jones said.
That same throughline of comfort extends to Trey Townsend, whose simple white t-shirt, navy baggy cargo pants and frayed-hem tweed shirt jacket — all from the Los Angeles-based streetwear brand MNML — demonstrate his personal style and fashion priorities.
“Any chance I get to put on a nice outfit I’ll definitely seize the opportunity, whether it’s for a game or some kind of event,” Townsend said. “But don’t get me wrong, you’ll also see me in just sweatpants and a big hoodie a lot because I love to be totally comfortable too.”
