Denver-based bedding startup Sheets & Giggles has drafted a "dream team" this March Madness of what they're calling the best-rested players in the NCAA.
The startup is partnering with players in the NCAA March Madness tournament who have played the fewest minutes on their respective teams.
The players — Brock Jancek, a forward for the University of Tennessee; Russell Stong, a guard for UCLA; Becca Ripley, a guard for the University of Central Florida; Connor Serven, a forward for the University of Illinois; and Justin Taphorn, a guard for the University of Wisconsin — posted photos with their new Sheets & Giggles sheets on social media to coincide with the kickoff of March Madness.
The pun-friendly startup is joking on Twitter with the players, noting they are "sleeper picks" and the "Dream Team" of getting some Zs.
“If you’re not snoring tonight, you’re not scoring tomorrow. When the game is on the line, the most rested team is the one with the advantage,” said Colin McIntosh, founder and CEO of Sheets & Giggles, in a statement.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with the best of the rest, the individuals who know how important being well-rested is to helping your team when it counts," McIntosh continued. "We’re proud to welcome these men and women to the Sheets & Giggles Dream Team as we spread the word on getting the best possible sleep off the court so you can be your best when you’re on it.”
The name, image and likeness (NIL) deal, means the college athletes earned $500 each for the partnership, as well as "a set of the softest, most comfortable sheets of their lives," according to a spokesperson for Sheets & Giggles.
Sheets & Giggles — which has 14 total employees, six in the Denver area — is also competing in the Colorado Inno Madness bracket this year. The company was a Denver Business Journal 2021 Small Business Award winner. An early accolade was their 2018 win in the Denver Startup Week Pitch Challenge.
The company's flagship eucalyptus sheets are made of lyocell, which uses less water in their creation than cotton sheets. The company also plants a new tree for every order.
>> Scroll down to see photos of the "Dream Team" in action.
