My Story

Obi Emegano
Founder & Owner of WonbyOne | Professional Basketball Player | Entrepreneur | Mental Health Advocate

For most of my life, I’ve been defined by one thing: basketball. It was more than just a game for me; it was my identity, my passion, and my purpose. But life has a way of reminding us that we’re more than what we do. After going through five surgeries—two ACL and meniscus ruptures, two torn labrums in my shooting shoulder, a bilateral fasciotomy that put me in a wheelchair, and countless muscle tears and fractures—I had to face a tough question: Who am I when the ball stops bouncing?

This was a turning point for me. I realized that while basketball shaped me, it didn’t define me. It was a piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture. That realization wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

In recent years, I’ve felt a strong pull to support other athletes who might be walking a similar path. With my background in psychology and my experiences at the highest levels of professional basketball, I’ve seen how much the mental side of the game can affect everything else. We talk a lot about physical training, but mental well-being is just as important—if not more.

My mission now is to help athletes, and really anyone, bridge that gap between physical ability and mental strength. Success isn’t just about reaching your goals; it’s about how you get there and who you become along the way.

My Journey

2011-2012: Freshman Year at Western Illinois University
I began my college basketball career at Western Illinois University, leading the team in scoring. After that year, I made the decision to transfer to Oral Roberts University to be closer to the people who mattered most—my family, friends, and loved ones.

2012-2016: Oral Roberts University
My time at ORU was challenging—three surgeries in four years really tested my resolve:

• 2013: ACL Rupture
• 2014: Bilateral Fasciotomy
• 2015: Torn Labrum

These experiences pushed me to my limits, but they also propelled me to new heights. I became one of the top five scorers in the nation, averaging just under 24 points per game. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oral Roberts University and continued my studies in their Master’s program.

2016: First Professional Contract in Italy
Signing my first professional contract was a dream come true, even though the journey wasn’t always smooth. I faced setbacks, but each one taught me valuable lessons in resilience and perseverance.

2017-2020: Moving Up in France
In 2017, I joined France’s Pro B league, where I led the league in scoring with over 18 points per game. That opened the door to Pro A, where I spent the next two years pushing my limits.

2020-2023: Competing in the ACB
From 2020 to 2023, I played in the ACB, one of the most renowned basketball league outside the NBA. During the 2021-2022 season, I averaged just under 16 points per game, establishing myself as one of the top leading scorers in the league.

2021: WonbyOne, the MAPP, and the Mental Health Podcast
In 2021, I founded WonbyOne—a brand committed to embracing the journey. We offer comprehensive programs, courses, and a wealth of mental health resources designed to help individuals see success as embracing every step of their journey. Our mission is to make conversations about mental health and wellness something everyone can engage in openly and proudly.

We recently launched the Mindful Athletic Performance Program (MAPP), a comprehensive approach designed to help athletes enhance both their mental and physical performance through mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-empowerment techniques. The MAPP is about more than just improving on-court performance; it’s about developing resilience and thriving in all areas of life.

This is my story—a journey marked by growth, resilience, and the discovery of purpose. Whether you’re an athlete, a professional, or someone striving for personal excellence, I’m here to share what I’ve learned and help you navigate your own path with confidence and clarity.