Duke's Jared McCain gets NIL deal with beauty company after painting nails: 'Going to be myself'
The No. 4 seed Duke Blue Devils take on the top-seeded Houston Cougars in the Sweet 16 Friday night on CBS. A berth in the Elite Eight is on the line in Dallas and would mark Duke's farthest run under second-year head coach Jon Scheyer.
The Blue Devils rolled to big wins over Vermont in the first round and James Madison in the second round. In the latter victory, freshman guard Jared McCain scored 30 points to cement his status as Duke's top scorer in the tournament.
One thing viewers may have noticed in Duke's run to the Sweet 16 is McCain's nails. He's been painting them since quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ahead of Friday night's game against Houston, McCain announced on his TikTok account that he's earned an NIL deal with the beauty brand Sally Hansen.
March Madness 2024: NCAA men's tournament schedule, bracket, TV times
2024 NCAA Tournament expert picks: Predictions for Friday's Sweet 16 games
Why does Jared McCain paint his nails?
McCain told Complex in October that he started doing it back in 2020.
"It was just something I saw and I like to get manicures and pedicures," he said. "I take care of my body."
In his TikTok video, McCain reiterated that stance, saying that it helps prevent him from biting his nails and is a form of self-care.
"Just do some self-care time," he said. "I think everyone should do self-care for themselves. For me, it's nail painting. I'm sorry if that offends any of you guys... I thought it looked nice and I know a lot of people disagree. A lot of people don’t like it. I’m just going to be myself and do what I think looks nice."
Though he said he isn't superstitious, McCain added that he played really well in a game after painting his nails and it stuck.
Men's March Madness highlights: Thursday's Sweet 16 scores, best NCAA Tournament moments
Fan reaction to McCain's announcement
Multiple fans left comments on McCain's TikTok video supporting him painting his nails and becoming a partner with Sally Hansen. Fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, were mostly supportive.
we know who this will offend
— and1freddy 🇵🇸 (@And1Freddy) March 29, 2024
Be you! Get that bag and express yourself how you please. (If you feel like the polish helps your shooting be this elite let a brother know too😂)
— T3 Bracketology™️🏀 (@T3Bracketology) March 29, 2024
No one is offended. We just thinks it’s weird
— Jackie Moon (@BreakingMooos) March 29, 2024
Houston to cover tonight.
— Moosey (@0nlyMeez) March 29, 2024
I love this so much.
— Victoria Brownworth (@VABVOX) March 29, 2024
He's not the only notable athlete to garner reaction on social media for painting his nails. Former USC quarterback and top prospect Caleb Williams went viral while at a USC women's March Madness game for having painted nails and a pink phone.
NCAA Men's Tournament Sweet 16: How to watch Houston vs. Duke
When: Friday, March 29, 2024
Time: 9:39 p.m. ET
Where: American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX
Cable TV: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+
How to watch March Madness: Watch all tournament games with a subscription to fuboTV
How to watch NCAA Men's Basketball March Madness 2024
All games will be broadcast across CBS, TBS, TNT and TruTV. Here are additional streaming options to watch all the action on your devices.
Stream through Paramount+
Stream through HULU with Live TV
Stream through DirecTV Stream
How to watch March Madness: Watch all tournament games with a subscription to fuboTV
Printable March Madness bracket
You can find a printable bracket for the men's tournament here.
A women's tournament printable bracket is available here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Duke's Jared McCain nails NIL deal with beauty company Sally Hansen
