From the DMV to One of Basketball's Biggest Stages
Some journeys are defined by a single moment. Others are built through years of preparation, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in what's possible.
For Darius Bivins, the journey from the DMV basketball scene to becoming a 2026 McDonald's All-American represents the culmination of years of dedication—and the beginning of another chapter.
The former Take One Sportswear ROAM Series athlete earned his place among the nation's premier high school basketball players following an outstanding senior campaign at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, Virginia.
And when Bivins stepped onto the national stage, a familiar brand was part of the moment.
During a one-on-one competition associated with McDonald's All-American festivities, Bivins wore a Take One Sportswear shirt beneath his All-American jersey, carrying a connection to the ROAM platform into one of the most recognizable settings in high school basketball.
For Take One, the moment represented something bigger than apparel.
It reflected the relationships, shared journeys, and commitment to young athletes that helped inspire ROAM in the first place.
A Point Guard Built for the Moment
Bivins has steadily developed a reputation as one of the country's most accomplished guards in the Class of 2026.
A dynamic floor general with exceptional court awareness, defensive instincts, and the ability to control a game's tempo, he built his reputation through performances against some of the most competitive programs in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
After beginning his high school career at Alexandria City High School, Bivins transferred to Bishop O'Connell, where he helped lead the Knights to back-to-back appearances in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I state championship game.
His senior season demonstrated how far his game had progressed.
Bivins averaged 17.4 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.0 steals per game, leading Bishop O'Connell in scoring and assists while showcasing the two-way impact that made him a nationally recognized prospect.
His ability to create opportunities for teammates, pressure opposing ball handlers, and deliver in competitive situations helped distinguish him among the country's leading high school guards.
By the end of his prep career, Bivins had earned one of basketball's most prestigious individual honors.
An All-American Achievement
In 2026, Bivins was selected to the McDonald's All-American Boys Game, joining an exclusive group of 24 players chosen for the annual national showcase.
He represented the East team at the March 31 event in Glendale, Arizona, competing alongside many of the nation's most highly regarded prospects.
The selection also carried special meaning for Bishop O'Connell, making Bivins the fourth boys' basketball player in the school's history to earn McDonald's All-American recognition.
For a player who had spent years competing in the DMV's demanding basketball landscape, the honor was validation of the work that had brought him to that stage.
It also offered a glimpse of the next chapter of his career.
The Take One Connection: United By The Game
For Take One Sportswear, Bivins' national recognition carried additional significance because of his relationship with the ROAM Series.
Created to celebrate young athletes through original storytelling, photography, performance apparel, and creative expression, ROAM was built around a belief that an athlete's identity extends far beyond statistics and recruiting rankings.
Bivins was among the talented guards featured through the initiative as his high school basketball journey continued to unfold.
Seeing him reach the McDonald's All-American stage reinforced the purpose behind the platform.
During the All-American festivities, Bivins also represented that connection by wearing Take One apparel beneath his competition jersey during a one-on-one basketball event.
It was a small but meaningful reminder of a relationship established before one of the biggest accomplishments of his high school career.
Take One's relationship with Bivins reflects the brand's broader commitment to celebrating athletes throughout their journeys—not simply at the moments when national attention arrives.
From local gyms and competitive high school matchups to nationally televised basketball events, those experiences are connected by the same passion for the game.
Making History at Saint Mary's
Bivins' next chapter brought another milestone.
In May 2026, he announced his commitment to Saint Mary's College of California, becoming the highest-rated recruit to sign with the Gaels' men's basketball program.
Ranked No. 46 nationally in ESPN's SCNext 100 at the time of his signing, Bivins arrived with one of the most decorated high school résumés in program history.
His decision to join Saint Mary's reflected an opportunity to continue developing his game while helping shape the future of a program with a strong tradition of guard play.
For Bivins, the transition from high school standout to Division I basketball represents another opportunity to compete, grow, and establish himself at the next level.
For the ROAM community, it's another chapter worth celebrating.
More Than a Moment
The ROAM Series was never designed to predict exactly where an athlete's journey would lead.
It was created to recognize talent, celebrate individuality, and document the people behind the performances.
Darius Bivins' rise from the DMV basketball scene to McDonald's All-American recognition—and ultimately to Saint Mary's—captures the spirit of that mission.
His accomplishments are the result of his own dedication, the support of those around him, and the work required to compete at the highest levels.
Take One Sportswear is proud to have been a part of his story and looks forward to following the chapters still to come.
From ROAM to the national stage. The journey continues.
United By The Game.
