A WAVE OF TALENT NAVIGATES THE AMATUER SPORTS WORLD WITH A NEW LOOK AND DEFINITION
TFT STaff Writer
DEFINING YOURSELF: HOW ENTREPRENEUR DARNELL L. JAMES LINKED COMPETITION, CULTURE & COLLEGE ATHLETES WITH THE DEFINITION BRAND
T-shirt designer, entertainer, and entrepreneur Darnell L. James understands the power of defining yourself, especially when competition plays a central role in shaping who you are. A former college athlete at Virginia State University, James transformed his passion for creativity, performance, and personal expression into The Definition Brand, a clothing line built on the belief that individuals must define their own identity rather than allow others to define it for them. That philosophy came to life during a recent photo shoot featuring three rising freshman basketball talents from Fayette County, Georgia, including Anthony Perry, a 6'5'' freshman point guard with the Louisiana Knights Post-Graduate Program, Christian McAllister, a 6'4'' freshman guard at Tuskegee University, and Sean Van Dorn Jr., a 6'6'' freshman shooting guard at Georgia Southern University.
The shoot, photographed by KIC IT Films LLC, marked the first opportunity for these young athletes to collaborate with a brand built on excellence, perseverance, and authenticity. Assisting KIC IT Films LLC on set was freelance videographer intern Justtus “Shalom” Williams, a Film and Television Production student at Southern Crescent Technical College. Williams, who also contributes as a videographer for The Follow Through, used this opportunity to strengthen his portfolio and demonstrate the skills that have propelled him into the sports videography industry.
Throughout the session, the athletes reflected on their days at Fayette County High School, recalling the competitive battles and formative experiences that shaped their development on and off the court. Now stepping into their first year of collegiate and post-graduate basketball, the shoot served as both a reunion and a celebration of their continued growth. During the session, Darnell James offered insights on discipline, competition, and self-definition, emphasizing the importance of understanding who you are and embracing your own journey.
This collaboration also highlights the growing opportunities created by Name, Image, and Likeness. Under the current NIL landscape, student-athletes can leverage their platforms to partner with brands that align with their values. Through marketing campaigns, photoshoots, and ambassador roles, freshman athletes like Perry, McAllister, and Van Dorn Jr. can begin building their personal brand early in their careers. For entrepreneurs like James, NIL offers the chance to partner authentically with emerging talent whose drive reflects the mission of The Definition Brand.
For The Definition Brand, this project represents more than a photoshoot; it symbolizes the powerful intersection of culture, sport, and self-definition. For the athletes, it illustrates how basketball can lead to opportunities that extend far beyond the court. For the community, it stands as a reminder that when creativity and athleticism come together, they create pathways that redefine what is possible for the next generation.
We proudly showcase the inspiring success stories of athletes who have engaged with our platform and continue to thrive, alongside the guidance and mentorship we provide to athletes and their families. Here are a few remarkable student-athletes excelling on their journeys.
