A recent article in the Wisconsin State Journal highlights an unexpected and inspiring collaboration between UW–Madison’s Faisal Abdu’Allah — the Chazen Family Distinguished Chair in Art and associate dean of the arts in the School of Education — and Kamari McGee, a former player on UW–Madison’s men’s basketball team.
Their connection began in 2022 after the student-athlete posted about one of Abdu’Allah’s exhibitions on social media. Abdu’Allah wrote to thank him, and the two began chatting. Abdu’Allah then invited McGee to his studio, which led to a close and ongoing mentorship.
Since then, Abdu’Allah has helped McGee shape his personal fashion brand, “Karpe Diem,” guiding him through building a concept, developing a brand — even arranging a Zoom call with a fashion designer in New York. Abdu’Allah has encouraged McGee to think intentionally about brand-building — an approach that mirrors the discipline and focus McGee developed as an athlete.
“The ball stops bouncing eventually,” McGee said. “Now that I’m older, I know that there’s more than basketball.”
McGee’s brand remains in development, and he is eager to keep learning and growing. Having graduated from UW–Madison this spring, he is planning to pursue a professional basketball career overseas, while also exploring opportunities to deepen his fashion knowledge.
First, though, Abdu’Allah asked McGee to visit an immersive art class he’s leading for youth at Madison’s Warner Park Community Recreation Center. McGee spoke to the students about his journey and joined them for a casual basketball game afterward.
“Basketball, he explained to the students, was all he put his mind to when he was younger,” notes the Wisconsin State Journal. “But since meeting Abdu’Allah, he’s learned to not simply be ‘one-track minded.’”
Read the full story in the Wisconsin State Journal.