NOVUS Clothing Company has partnered with Maine United, an AAU program training young basketball prospects.

“A few months back we received an email from Andrew McNabb, a parent of the Maine United 15U EYBL Boys Basketball program,” NOVUS CEO and creative director Garrett Bernardo said. “He had come across NOVUS from our Harrison Butker partnership and our ties to UMaine.”

NOVUS owners Garrett and Nick Bernardo with the Maine United basketball team.

Through McNabb, Bernardo connected with the team’s coaches, Andy Bedard and Kelly Flagg. Both coaches are former University of Maine Black Bears like NOVUS owners Nick and Garrett Bernardo.

“The opportunity to sponsor a young team with a strong vision, coached by fellow UMaine Alumni, really got us excited to outfit these guys and do our part to make an impact,” Bernardo said. “We could really hear their drive and passion in coaching these athletes, equipping them with skills to be the best versions of themselves— great basketball players and dynamic young men off the court.”

The Bernardo’s were able to meet the team and see their NOVUS loungers in action at the GymRat Challenge hosted in Albany in May.

“We really enjoyed watching them play, and getting a real taste of the family culture their team embodies,” Bernardo said. “Their talent is real and they are a fun group to be around.”

After the tournament, the team took a trip to the new NOVUS Clothing Company headquarters in Latham, NY. Bernardo gave the group of young athletes a tour and was able to tell them the story of the company.

“We got to walk the whole team and parents through our new headquarters and give them a deeper look into our company and explain how we operate,” Bernardo said. “It was awesome to create that experience for them.”

The new partnership goes beyond outfitting the team in custom apparel; it’s a team of young athletes that NOVUS plans on supporting as they move forward in their athletic careers and lives.

“These guys are only 15 years old and just starting out their high school careers so we can’t wait to watch them grow and make the most of this exciting stage of life,” Bernardo said. “We love building great relationships with great people and we know we have that in Maine United.”

NOVUS is excited to grow alongside the young athletes of Maine United and work on more projects with them in the future.

“We are excited to continue to grow together and support these young players and coaches as they claim their crowns on and off the court!” Bernardo said.