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USC basketball player uses NIL money to open barbershop with father

University of South Carolina graduate B.J. Mack took his Name, Image, and Likeness earnings and gave them back to the Charlotte community in a meaningful way.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A west Charlotte barbershop is tying family and community together in a unique way. 

Brian Mack and his son B.J. opened House of Hoops Barbershop with a little help from B.J.'s Name, Image, and Likeness.

B.J. played college basketball at the University of South Carolina. After he earned some NIL money, he decided he wanted to help his father with a dream of his: To open a barbershop.

"I grew up in a barbershop pretty much all my life," B.J. said. 

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At first, Brian didn't want the financial help, but B.J. was able to convince him it would make a huge difference in the community.

“I’m a sports and entertainment management major, so ... I came to them with the idea of, 'Hey, since I know you really want to do a barbershop, you've been talking about it for pretty much 20 years of my life, why not be able to help you out with it?'" B.J. explained.

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Now when you walk in the newly opened barbershop, Brian has basketball history all over the walls. Most pictures feature talent from the Charlotte area from Steph Curry to Johnny Edwards. 

“It brings a community together," Brian said. "I just wanted to do something, so that the next generation would [see] you never know where you're going to, you know, where you come from."

Credit: WCNC Charlotte
House of Hoops Barbershop

Brian Mack has a history of basketball all over the walls within the shop. Most pictures, recognize the talent from Charlotte. From Stephen Curry to Johnny Edwards. Their goal is to help bring the conversation and impact inside the shop. 

"They're tangible; they're reachable, and, you know one thing, every young male comes to the barbershop at one point in time, so we can reach them here," Brian said. "We can keep them from out there.” 

Credit: WCNC Charlotte
House of Hoops Barbershop

B.J. is seeing the difference after his NIL opportunity.

"You have people like me, you have people like Armando Bacot, who gives back to the community or to their family to be able to help out with them because, you know, you never know the situation that people are in," B.J. outlined.

The two hope to inspire the community to chase their passions.

Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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