We do not often hear about NBA champions let alone players in general who have a college degree, let's go a little deeper; we do not hear of NBA players who graduate from college, make a roster (undrafted) then go on to win a NBA championship.
Since college, Fred made his way not just into the NBA and playing a key role in Toronto Raptors first Championship in the team's 24 years of existence, but in the fashion arena. In September of this year, Roots Tuff Boots collaborated with Fredd with a limited edition Roots Tuff Boots and recently landed a sneaker endorsement deal with AND1. But how did this young fellow get into fashion as well as owning his own clothing store that houses his own designs?
Growing up in Illinois, it's almost a given to be a fan of the Chicago Bulls but that was not the case for young Fred who became a fan of Kobe during the Shaq and Kobe era. Fast forward to 11-year-old Fred, who knew he could play basketball at a higher level having played against his brothers’ friends and being just as good, if not better than them. Fred played for the Shockers (Wichita State University) all 4 years before entering the 2016 NBA draft.
Picks went on and his name was not called. The call that changed the trajectory of his career and mentality was with his then agent Christian Dawkins, who said 3 words that stuck with Fred till this day which inspired him to start fvvshop: “Bet on yourself.” Dawkins said these 3 words when he realized that Fred would not get drafted and the two believed that Fred belonged in the NBA.
“I remember seeing Kyle [Lowry] walk on a plane wearing something with his own logo on an Adidas jacket,” he says. “I'm, like, 'Damn, that looks cool. I want my own.'" said Fred to Magdalena Munao. Having this big idea he linked up with some people from his hometown in Rockwood to create a logo and print out T-shirts that would soon sellout via Facebook posts and the car trunks of his family members. Soon after that, fvvshop came to life in an online store that carries drip with the signature FVV logo on it with some of the best selling like basic T’s, slides and some items carrying the mantra, “Bet on yourself.” In 2018 the 328 E State St, Rockford, Illinois flagship store opened to a community Fred knew and grew up around.
You must possess some confidence in yourself and your game to do the things Fred has done, from refusing D league offers after not being drafted by any NBA team to winning an NBA championship, and that's what a 6 1’ kid from Rockwood Illinois did.
Fred is here to work on and off the court, with plans to come up with more original designs and premium quality fits.