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How a failed Knicks tryout led to the takeoff of a luxury jean brand

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Jovan Acree, wearing Daekshinco jeans, and his son Jordan

Jovan Acree says his “rags-to-riches” story was born after a failed tryout for the New York Knicks.

Acree played in the semi-pros — but often found himself sleeping on couches — for over a decade.

“Everybody was like, ‘You need to get a job . . . It’s time for you to move on,’ ” Acree, 37, said. “I was like, ‘I’m really going to make it to the pros. So I’m going to keep trying!