If you’ve got a favorite college basketball athlete, there are plenty of ways to show your support that go beyond just watching their games. Whether it’s cheering them on in the stands, repping their college basketball jerseys , or boosting their presence online, every little thing you do helps fuel their journey. Here are some ways to back up your favorite player, like the MVP of fans.

Show Up and Be Loud

Let’s start with the obvious: go to their games. 

College basketball players thrive on energy from the crowd, and there’s no better way to bring it than being in the stands. From the feet stomping that rocks the whole stadium to the roars after a huge play, all these send a significant boost to the team’s energy. So, grab some friends, learn the chants, and get loud.

And if you’re going to show up, look the part. Wear their jersey, a team hoodie, or at least rock the school colors. A sea of matching fans creates a home-court vibe that rattles the opposition.

Bonus points if you snag some NIL gear like the Tip-Off Edition Jerseys. That way, you’re not just repping the team, you’re helping support them financially, too.

Hype Them Up Online

These days, social media is as important as the game itself. Following your favorite athlete online and engaging with their content can go a long way. 

Like their posts, share their highlights, and leave a quick “Let’s go!” in the comments. These small actions can boost their visibility and help them build a stronger personal brand, which is a big deal for college basketball players in the NIL era.

And if they’re putting out podcasts, vlogs, or other content, tune in. The more engagement they get, the more opportunities they have for partnerships, sponsorships, and endorsements.

Rep Their Brand

Merch isn’t just about looking good (though that’s a nice perk). It’s a direct way to support your favorite athlete. 

If they’ve got branded basketball jerseys, basketball shoes, or other apparel, snag some. Not only are you showing your fandom, but you’re also helping them earn through NIL deals.

Check out the latest NIL Store 2024 Winter Edition Basketball Jerseys collection. They make great holiday gifts and put money right back into the pocket of your favorite college basketball athlete. 

Spread the Word

Word of mouth is underrated. Talking up your favorite athlete might seem small, but it can have a huge impact. Share their standout stats, that clutch game-winning shot, or how they’re averaging a double-double this season.

“Did you see that 25-point game last night?” or “They’re averaging a double-double this season!” – these are the kind of buzz that can help elevate their profile. The best college basketball players thrive on recognition, and your enthusiasm can help fuel that.

And keep it positive. These athletes are dealing with enough pressure already from balancing school, life, and intense game schedules. A few kind words of encouragement–like a quick “Great game!” or “You’ve got this!”–can go a long way and remind them they’re not alone in the grind.

Support Their Off-Court Hustle

Your favorite athlete likely has passions beyond the court. Maybe they’re running a basketball clinic, hosting a fundraiser, or supporting a cause they care about.

Support them by showing up, donating, or simply helping spread the word. Sharing their posts or promoting their events is an easy way to show you value them as a person, not just a player on the court.

Keep Up With Their Journey

A real fan sticks around for the whole season, not just the highlights. 

Stay in the loop by watching their games, catching up on replays, and following team news. Know their stats and track their progress. This also gives you more to talk about when you’re hyping them up to others. 

Being informed not only makes you a better fan, but it also helps you appreciate the grind they’re putting in to make those moments happen.

Be Their Biggest Cheerleader

At the end of the day, supporting your favorite college basketball player is about showing up in every way you can. Whether you’re hyping them up in the stands, sharing their highlights online, or proudly wearing their merch, your support fuels their hardwork. So throw on that custom jersey, bring the noise, and keep showing them the love they deserve.

Want to step it up even more? Check out the NIL Store to find exclusive merch, throwback mesh jerseys, and more to rep your favorite student-athlete while making a real difference in their journey.