Project 03

2021–

Design

Jerseys, merch and graphics, mostly for The BAL. First up is the Bullies, my team's jersey since the league's first season. I've also had a hand in other teams' jerseys around the league.

Role
Jersey design, Merchandise, Graphics
Years
2021–
Team
Bullies, BBAL
Tags
Jerseys / Apparel / Graphics
Liam Besecker wearing the Bullies number 91 jersey he designed

01The name

Named after the Broad Street Bullies

The Bullies are my team in BBAL, one of the original six. We've played every season of the league's growth, from the first game to where it is now.

The name comes from the 1970s Philadelphia Flyers, the Broad Street Bullies. I wanted the jerseys to feel the same way: tough and a little grungy. I designed them myself, with no reference.

02The details

Every piece means something

The lettering is based on the type printed on county jail uniforms. The 91 is a nod to Dennis Rodman. The red splatter across the shoulder keeps it grungy, and the skull and crossbones on the hem is the cherry on top that pulls it all together.

I designed it in an afternoon and built it directly on the supplier's site.

Close-up of the Bullies jersey: red splatter on the shoulder, stencil BULLIES lettering and a red 91
Stencil lettering, a Rodman 91, and the splatter.

03On the court

We're the villains

Six seasons later, they're still some of the favorite jerseys in the league.

For the team, putting one on is a badge of honor. It's like a superhero putting on a cape, except we're the villains. Once the jersey is on, everybody plays the part: tough, physical basketball.

Liam Besecker in the Bullies jersey with his teammates, looking on with a game face
Game face. Summer 2025.
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