In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Obi Emegano — a former college/pro hooper - for a powerful conversation about mentorship, adaptability, and what it really takes to keep leveling up as an athlete.

Before Obi was averaging 23 points per game in college and building a successful pro career, he was just an 11-year-old soccer player. His path didn’t change because of a highlight moment or sudden breakout — it changed because one coach saw something in him, believed in his potential, and took the time to invest in his development. That moment became a turning point.

The conversation centers on a truth that shows up again and again in elite athletic journeys: the right coach, at the right time, can completely alter an athlete’s trajectory — and sometimes their entire life.

Obi shares how, as he climbed each level of basketball, he began to notice a consistent pattern. Every time he moved up, his role changed — and with it came discomfort, uncertainty, and the need to rebuild from scratch. In high school, he played as a big man. In college, he had to transition into a guard. Later, in the pros, he went from being a defensive specialist to becoming his team’s leading scorer — and eventually the 7th leading scorer in the nation.

Instead of resisting those shifts, Obi leaned into them.

One of his most important lessons for young athletes is simple but often overlooked: excel in the role you’re given. Advancement doesn’t usually come from demanding more responsibility before you’ve earned it. It comes from mastering what’s in front of you — even when it feels smaller than your ambitions.

A major theme of the episode is mentorship. Obi emphasizes that when you look at nearly any elite athlete’s journey, there’s almost always a coach or mentor who played a pivotal role behind the scenes. But not all mentors are created equal. His advice is to choose wisely:

- Have they already achieved what you’re working toward?

- Do they genuinely have your best interests at heart?

- Are they invested in your growth — not just your results?

If the answer is yes, be a sponge. Absorb everything you can. Success leaves clues, and learning from people who’ve already walked the path you’re on can dramatically shorten the learning curve. Their mistakes become your lessons. Their journey becomes your roadmap.

Throughout the episode, Obi reinforces that talent alone rarely carries athletes as far as they hope. What separates those who stall from those who sustain long careers is adaptability, humility, and the willingness to grow through changing roles — guided by the right people.

This episode is a must-listen for athletes navigating transitions, parents thinking deeply about long-term development, and coaches who understand that belief, guidance, and trust can be just as impactful as any drill or workout.

🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by ⁠https://athletesuntapped.com/⁠ - the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect families with elite, vetted coaches who help athletes grow through strong fundamentals, smart habits, and positive training environments.

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