We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful O’brian Calahan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with O’Brian below.
O’Brian, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Only Basketball Elite (OBE) was born out of a deeply personal mission that began with my non-profit, the Forever Young Foundation. It all started in my neighborhood, where I offered free mentorship to kids because I understood the profound importance of being seen and heard. Growing up, many of the kids around me didn’t have role models they could admire—someone who “made it out” but still felt relatable and approachable. I wanted to be that person for them.
My mission is meaningful because I’ve witnessed the transformative power of hope and encouragement. When you show young people that their dreams are valid, that they can believe in themselves and pursue something greater, you ignite a chain reaction. One life inspired today becomes a life that inspires others tomorrow. It’s a contagious cycle of belief and opportunity that has the potential to reshape entire communities.
For me, this is more than basketball—it’s about breaking a cycle of negativity by offering a solution: meeting kids where they are and showing them where they can be. It’s not about fixing what’s “wrong” with our youth; it’s about giving them a reason to believe in what’s right within them. And yes, while basketball is the medium, the real message is hope, guidance, and the belief that someone cares enough to invest in their future.
This mission is my heart. It’s how we move from simply stating problems to creating lasting solutions—one young life at a time.
O’Brian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For folks who may not have read about OBE before, can you tell the readers…..
I’m O’Brian Calahan, a Louisiana native, husband, and father, with a passion for mentoring and basketball. My journey into the basketball industry began organically when I started coaching my kids’ basketball team. Parents quickly noticed how I connected with their kids and how the skills they learned on the court translated to life. This feedback encouraged me to dive deeper, combining my love for the game with my desire to mentor the next generation.
How did you get into your industry?
I entered the basketball industry through grassroots involvement, initially volunteering as a coach for my children’s basketball team. What began as a simple commitment quickly grew into a larger mission as I witnessed the profound impact I had on young athletes, both on and off the court. As word spread about my coaching approach, I was given the opportunity to serve as a Nike Camp Director, leading camps across Texas and Louisiana.
Building on this experience, I became a Chris Paul Middle School Combine Coach, further solidifying my commitment to youth basketball development. My desire to provide the highest level of service to my athletes led me to pursue advanced certifications. I earned my Pure Sweat Certification under renowned trainer Drew Hanlen, who has worked with elite NBA players such as Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Maxey. However, the certification I hold closest to my heart is my 94FT Certification under 3x NBA Champion Coach Phil Handy, who has trained legendary players like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Davis.
These experiences and certifications weren’t just accolades—they were steps I took to ensure I could offer my clients the best possible training and development. As more parents entrusted their children to me, I realized the need to formalize my efforts, transforming my passion into a fully structured program. That’s how Only Basketball Elite (OBE) was born, a platform designed to develop not just players, but disciplined, dedicated, and passionate individuals.
How did you get into the business side of things?
Transitioning from free mentorship to a business was a challenge. I used to train and develop players for free, as long as they attended my mentorship sessions. However, I soon realized that to grow and reach more kids, I needed to set up a proper structure, which included pricing my services. It was tough putting a price on something I love, but it allowed me to expand my reach and invest more resources into OBE.
What role does discipline play in your business?
Discipline is the backbone of everything I do. On the court, it’s about teaching players the fundamentals. Off the court, it’s about handling the less glamorous but essential parts of the business: administrative work, securing gym spaces, and managing social media. These tasks don’t come naturally to me, but they’re areas I’m committed to improving because they’re crucial to the growth of OBE.
What type of products and services do you offer?
OBE offers a range of basketball-related products and services. Our products include branded merchandise like hoodies, shorts, and other gear that helps athletes feel part of the OBE family. On the service side, we provide consulting, camps, clinics, and group training. What sets us apart is our focus on education—we don’t just teach skills; we ensure our players understand why they’re doing what they’re doing. This deeper knowledge helps them translate their learning into real-game situations.
What problem do you solve for your clients?
We help players and their families understand the game on a deeper level. It’s not just about drills; it’s about translating those skills into game situations. Our approach builds basketball IQ and helps players maximize their potential on the court. We also foster a culture of discipline, dedication, and passion, giving kids the tools they need to grow both as athletes and individuals.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of how God has opened so many doors for me since I decided to step out on faith. Starting this journey was a leap, but it’s been incredible to see the impact OBE has made in such a short time. The trust and support from parents, kids, and the community have been overwhelming, and it’s a blessing to watch OBE grow.
What’s the main thing you want people to know about you and OBE?
OBE isn’t for everyone—it’s for those who are obsessed with the game. We’re here for the kids who eat, sleep, and breathe basketball. If you’re disciplined, dedicated, and passionate, OBE is the perfect place to develop your skills and take your game to the next level. We’re about more than just basketball; we’re about building character, fostering resilience, and helping young athletes reach their full potential
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
After launching Only Basketball Elite (OBE) and working as a Nike Camp Director, I was energized by the incredible experiences and the genuine love I received from kids across various regions. The fulfillment I felt mentoring young athletes was unmatched. However, despite the passion and impact, the financial side wasn’t aligning with the responsibilities of supporting my family. This reality forced me to make a pivotal decision: return to my career field to stabilize my family’s financial needs while finding a way to keep OBE alive.
To sustain the brand, I pivoted by introducing OBE merchandise—hoodies, shorts, and other basketball-related gear. What initially felt like a temporary solution turned into a revelation. The overwhelming response from the community made it clear that OBE wasn’t just a basketball program; it was becoming a movement. The demand for merchandise showed me that people not only believed in the brand but also wanted to be a part of it, wearing their support proudly.
This pivot didn’t just sustain OBE; it expanded its reach and deepened its roots. What started as a necessity became a powerful extension of the brand, reinforcing the sense of community and passion that drives everything we do.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
At Only Basketball Elite (OBE), we’ve built more than just a brand—we’ve created a central hub where our community can experience everything we offer in one place: www.onlybasketballelite.com. This website is your ultimate destination for the latest OBE merch, news, upcoming events, and everything else that makes OBE more than just a basketball program.
We intentionally chose to host everything on our own platform rather than using third-party sites like Amazon or Etsy. Why? Because we want our visitors to experience the full essence of OBE. From browsing premium gear to signing up for camps and clinics, it’s all right there. No extra clicks, no redirection—just a seamless, one-stop shop designed to immerse you in the OBE experience.
While the convenience is unmatched, we’ve noticed that some visitors might overlook the easy navigation. For example, if you’re looking to join a camp or clinic, simply hit the “More” tab—no need to search elsewhere. Everything is thoughtfully designed to be intuitive, ensuring you can support your passion for basketball with just a few clicks.
Visit www.onlybasketballelite.com today to gear up, stay informed, and take your game to the next level with OBE. Your journey starts here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onlybasketballelite.com/
- Instagram: only_basketballelite
- Facebook: Only Basketball Elite
- Twitter: onlybasketballo
- Youtube: Only Basketball Elite
