83. What Coaches Really Look For in Players - Torino Johnson

In this episode of the podcast, Obi sits down with head coach, relationship engineer, and Nigerian National Team assistant coach Torino Johnson for a real conversation about coaching, leadership, and what actually drives player development.Torino shares how his journey from South Central Los Angeles to leading programs at Cal State LA and working with the Nigerian Men’s National Team shaped the way he approaches athletes. He talks about learning from mentors like John Wooden, building relationships with players, and why coaching goes far beyond X’s and O’s. For Torino, the job isn’t just about basketball — it’s about understanding people.The conversation moves into the realities of development in today’s game. They unpack why shooting is still the most valuable skill on the floor, how social media is shaping young athletes’ expectations, and what coaches actually look for when they recruit players. Torino explains the difference he’s seen coaching men and women, why curiosity matters more than ego, and why the best players are usually the ones who stay open to learning.Obi reflects on his own experiences as a professional athlete, from representing Nigeria on the international stage to working with younger players who are chasing the same dream. Together they talk about the importance of humility, building real relationships inside a team, and why growth in basketball often starts with growth as a person.This episode isn’t just about basketball.It’s about leadership.It’s about perspective.And it’s about understanding that the best coaches — and the best players — are the ones who never stop learning.Make sure to follow us.WONBYONE MHP IG: https://www.instagram.com/wonbyonepodcast WONBYONE IG: https://www.instagram.com/wonby1ne/OBI EMEGANO IG: https://www.instagram.com/obiemegano/VISIT US :  http://wonby1ne.comPODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wonbyone-podcast/id1603115592PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/62QmQX4OTyMcyReHoHo2bi?si=ef0f8b43c7b446f6Podcast Questions