From Jayhawk to fashion, former player tries his hand at men's c - KCTV5

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -

Basketball may be the only thing on some minds these days, but at least one player is trying a new game – in fashion.

“I still haven’t gotten used to being called ‘fashion designer,"” said Justin Wesley, a former University of Kansas basketball player.

Wesley played basketball for KU, but when he graduated last May his eyes were set on a different prize.

The 23-year-old thought basketball was going to be his life. His brothers, Keith and Kevin Langford, are professional ball players overseas. He played forward for KU, so it just felt right.

“Going to the games I kind of developed a love for KU, so I wanted to experience it for myself as a player. I had the greatest time of my life,” Wesley said.

But he also enjoyed something else even more – designing classic men’s clothes and shoes.

“I feel like had other talents and aspirations that I didn’t just have to rely on basketball. That’s what I’m doing today,” he said.

He’s even tried his hand at acting. His first acting gig was as Wilt Chamberlain in the movie Jayhawkers.

“Outside of the sixth grade school play, and I only had one line in that. So, no, I had no prior acting experience. The director said, ‘You’re an athlete, just be yourself,"” Wesley said.

Breaking into the fashion industry hasn’t been easy. He’s in transition, moving from Lawrence to Kansas City. He uses his favorite spot, Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters, as an office and to come up with creative ideas.

For him, it’s about following his ideas and not those of others.

Wesley’s says those who want to branch out can’t turn down opportunities to meet people or shake hands. He was on his way to Chicago to see his clothing go from designs on paper to fabric.

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From Jayhawk to fashion, former player tries his hand at men"s c - KCTV5