WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Featuring: Corban Johnson | Combo Guard | James Clemens High School

Some athletes fall into their sport. Others are shaped by it from the very beginning. For Corban Johnson, basketball has been part of his life for as long as he can remember and it all started with a mini hoop, Kobe Bryant highlights, and a belief planted early that hard work would always matter.

Raised between Eufaula, Alabama, and Columbus, Georgia, Corban grew up learning the value of family and effort. Those environments taught him to stay connected to the people closest to him and to grind for what he wants, regardless of circumstances.

“I was three years old,” he says. “My uncle had me watching Kobe highlights. I got a mini hoop and just started playing every day.”

That daily commitment never stopped.

Playing for Family, Fueled by Faith

Corban’s “why” is deeply rooted in his family especially his grandfather.

“My grandad always told me to chase what I wanted and give it my all,” Corban says. “So, I play not just for myself, but for my family.”

That motivation has never wavered. While many athletes see their purpose evolve over time, Corban’s remains steady. His belief system grounded in faith and reinforced by his family has carried him through setbacks, injuries, and moments of doubt from the outside world.

His goal isn’t to prove people wrong as much as it is to show what’s possible when belief meets consistency.

“I want to show people that even if you have setbacks and people don’t believe in you, as long as you have a strong support system and you keep grinding, your time will come.”

A Relentless Daily Routine

Corban’s daily schedule reflects a player who takes his craft seriously.

His days start early 5:15 a.m. wakeups, followed by 6:30 a.m. practice. Midday is spent either working out with his coach or getting treatment with the athletic staff. After school, there’s a second team practice at 3:40 p.m. because one session isn’t enough.

That level of volume demands discipline, and Corban has built habits to sustain it.

Before games, his routine is intentional: ankle treatment, fueling his body, studying highlights of Cam Newton, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum, team stretching, and locking into “showtime” mode.

Recovery matters just as much. He relies on cupping, ultrasound therapy, and scraping to keep his body ready.

Sharpening His Game

As a combo guard, Corban is constantly refining his skill set. Right now, his focus is on improving his three-point shot and ball handling, knowing that versatility and consistency are essential at the next level.

But what truly separates him isn’t a drill or a stat, it’s his faith.

“Faith,” he says, when asked about the hidden edge in his process.

That faith carried him through injuries, which he describes as the biggest obstacles he’s faced.

“I attacked my recovery every time,” he explains, “and kept faith in myself and God’s plan over my life.”

Notably, Corban says he never doubted himself. That confidence, quiet, grounded, and unshaken, is rare.

Leadership Through Action

Ask Corban how teammates would describe him, and the words come easily: Confident. Positive. Ambitious. Driven. Charismatic.

Leadership, to him, is simple and powerful: action.

When pressure hits, he doesn’t panic. “I just relax and stick to the fundamentals.”

That calm presence makes him dependable in big moments and respected in the locker room.

His family has been instrumental in opening doors and supporting his goals, and Coach Sullivan has played a key role as a community influence in his journey.

Beyond the Court

Away from basketball, Corban enjoys fishing, gaming, and spending time with friends. The game has taught him communication and teamwork, skills he’ll carry into every area of life.

If basketball hadn’t claimed him early, he believes he’d be playing football. Either way, competition was always going to find him.

One thing that consistently stands out about Corban is how he sees himself: “I’m smart, and I’m a problem solver.”

That mindset shows up in how he studies the game and approaches life.

Vision for the Future

Corban’s short-term goals are bold and team-oriented:

• Win a state championship

• Win the area tournament

• Earn 1st Team All-Area

• Be named State Championship MVP

Long term, the vision expands beyond basketball alone.

He aims to play Division I basketball, earn a degree in Sports Medicine, build a family, and create generational wealth.

Most importantly, he wants to be an example.

“I hope to show people from around my community what hard work really looks like.”

Final Word

Corban’s favorite song, “Computers” by Kezooo, fits his focused mentality.

His go-to pre-game meal? A Publix chicken wrap.

His favorite athletes—LeBron James, Jalen Hurts, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Cam Newton—reflect versatility, leadership, and competitive edge.

His favorite words say it best: Faith. Consistency. Hard work pays off.

And if you had to sum up Corban Johnson in one word?

Insightful.

That insight, into himself, his purpose, and his path, is exactly why his story is just getting started.