Hey Family,

If you’re new here, welcome. I appreciate you being here.

Let me give you some quick context:
My name is Torin Dorn — I’m a player development coach and professional basketball player. I’ve spent my entire life chasing greatness. And along that journey, I’ve failed more times than I can count.

But every loss has taught me how to win.
And more importantly — how to reverse engineer the life I want to live.

I’ve been blessed to work with some of the greatest athletes in the world and share the floor with a few too. That journey has given me a very specific set of skills and perspectives — not just about the game, but about performance, systems, discipline, and what it truly looks like to live at a high level.

God gave me a gift: to communicate, to storytell, and to break down complex ideas in a way that hits. If I’m not using that gift, then I’m doing a disservice to Him… and to you.

So I’m writing this newsletter to walk with you — as a guide, as a brother, and as a learner too. My goal is to share what I know, learn what I don’t, and grow together.

Let’s get into it.

The Decision

Three months ago, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life:
I quit my job coaching in the NBA to return to playing basketball professionally.

It sounds wild, I know. But from a “will I regret this when I’m 60?” perspective, it was actually one of the easiest choices I’ve ever made.

But the real story behind that decision started two years ago — on April 18, when my mom passed away after a long battle with colon cancer.

That journey changed me forever.
It taught me what it truly means to fight. It showed me what matters. It reminded me that life is really just about love, time, and legacy.

The day my mom was diagnosed, I was supposed to sign a pro contract in Poland. I walked away from that deal without hesitation. Because no amount of money could replace an extra year with my mom. To some, that might look like putting my career on pause. But to me? That was life in its realest form.

If you can live like that — choosing people, purpose, and peace over the perception of success — you live with no regrets.

The Sign

Fast forward to this past December. I was at my younger brother Nick’s game — Elon vs. East Tennessee State — in a quiet gym on a rainy night. As we walked in, I whispered a prayer to God:

"Give me a sign. Should I go back to playing? Should I walk away from this new coaching life I’ve built and chase the dream again?"

The moment I sat down, I treated the game like it was mine. I visualized being out there. When the starters were announced, I imagined they were calling my name. When the national anthem played, I closed my eyes and prayed — just like I used to before every game.

Then… they played a song.

“I'm living in that 21st century, doing something mean to it...”
– Kanye West, Power

Sign #1.
That was the tipoff song at NC State.
It took me right back — to that zone, that war-ready mentality where I let go of everything and entered pure focus. I used to hum it before tip-off:

“Now this will be a beautiful death / Jumping out the window, Letting everything go…”

Before you think I’m a sociopath, that line was never about dying to me. It was about letting go of fear, doubt, and insecurity… so I could play free. So I could live free.

The Confirmation

Five minutes into the game, Nick’s teammate — a young PG I’d been watching — drove hard to the rim. A move I’ve seen a hundred times. But this time… his knee gave out.

He collapsed.
The arena went silent.
And I went numb.

I flashed back to my own injury three years earlier in the Czech Republic. Same situation. Same fall. Same uncertainty.

Fifteen minutes later, he came back out in street clothes and sat behind the bench — towel over his head, trying to process what just happened. I wanted to lean over the rail and tell him, “You’re gonna be okay. You’ll come back stronger.”

But I froze.
Because I realized… I never gave myself that chance.

I had never returned to the court after my own injury. And in that moment, trying to preach something I hadn’t lived yet felt fake. It felt like a fraud move. And I never want to be that guy.

So I sat in silence.
And that became Sign #2.

The Return

That night, I made peace with my decision.

Fast forward to today — April 15, 2025 — and I’ve been back in the Czech Republic since January 21. We just finished the regular season.

Returning to play has been the most challenging, healing, and fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. After game one, I felt whole. Like I’d completed the circle. But now? I’m hungry. Not just to play — but to use everything I learned as a coach to elevate my game… and help you do the same.

Whether you're a hooper chasing your dream, or someone who just wants to become the best version of themselves — I’m here to serve.
I’m here to share it all.

And I’m honored you’re here with me.

🧠 This Week’s Takeaway:

Don’t let fear disguise itself as wisdom.
If there’s something you need to do — do it now.
You’ll never regret choosing growth over comfort.

Until next week,
Keep working. Keep believing. Keep becoming.

With love,
Torin Dorn
@torindorn2