The dream is bigger than basketball. So is the work it takes to get there.
Why Not I Workouts brings young athletes together to train with purpose and talk honestly about the realities of pursuing their ambitions. Through Kofi’s lived experience, basketball, mental health education and practical tools, athletes are encouraged to understand themselves, navigate pressure and keep growing as people as well as players.
Basketball created the shared starting point: an environment in which young players could work, listen and think together.
The physical side and the mental health side were connected, but distinct. Players took part in detailed basketball and strength-and-conditioning work. Alongside that training, Kofi shared lived experience, introduced mental health ideas, asked challenging questions and used the Why Not I booklet to support reflection.
What happened
Training, questions and time to reflect.
The original account records a basketball workout, strength-and-conditioning activity, close attention to skill detail, an opening talk, questions about identity and a booklet participants could use to explore their own thinking.
Physical work
Basketball drills and strength-and-conditioning challenged participants physically.
Mental health learning
The talk and booklet gave participants ideas to consider beyond the court.
Honest questions
Lived experience and challenging questions opened a wider conversation.
Shared reflection
Players and others in the room described thinking about identity, mindset and their platform.
Kofi introduces questions and reflection alongside the physical training.Close, detailed work on the ball during the physical training.
The 2024 film
See the first Workout unfold.
Why Not I Workout 2024 film, hosted by this website.
In participants’ words
What stayed with them.
“I enjoyed the basketball workout and what was being taught. I enjoyed how inspiring your talk was at the start and how you asked us challenging questions which made me think.”
“The Whynoti workout was one of the best workouts I've been to, not only to help my physical side of things but understanding the concepts around the pro game and how to develop myself mentally using the Whynoti booklet. Doing the circuit workout before the basketball workout also pushed my limits. Great experience for all sides to improve basketball at a professional level.”
The wider account
Athletes, coaches and people around the day.
Athlete reflections
“I found the sessions very helpful it made my mindset better and made me understand myself more as a person while also becoming a better basketball player in the basketball session.”
“The workout was really good. The reason I enjoyed it and found it so beneficial is that the attention to the smallest of details is important and the advice we receive is coming from a professional who has been where I want to go so the advice is essentially experience of the game.”
“WhyNotI Workouts is truly unmatched to other workouts you'd get elsewhere, why? Because it emphasises the importance of mental health, in basketball, and in life. With elite skills training in precise detail and S&C workouts, it really opened my eyes and kept me motivated. This special fusion is a unique advantage to hoopers in their pursuit of success. I enjoyed my time and look forward to the next one!”
“I really enjoyed the workout really put us through our paces. I was pushed when it started to get hard and I was corrected or improved during drills and I felt like I got better so glad to be a part of it.”
“I can say me as a young athlete found the workouts useful and widen my knowledge of basketball. Things I could be working on over the summer, learning new skills to take with me onto my next basketball journey for the next coming season.”
“The ‘Why Not I’ workouts really opened my eyes to the true meaning of ‘Bigger than Basketball’. The workouts are intense and fun, I feel like I got better at each one. Also, the conversation and interview with Kofi afterwards was interesting and really made you think about how you can impact others and spread awareness of global events through basketball and your platform.”
“Why Not I has improved my game, Kofi has been a mentor for me for the past 3 years , as a player, the skills and knowledge has helped me make it to the college level and i am forever grateful for Kofi.”
Coaches and wider perspectives
“I had an opportunity to witness the Why Not I work outs by my very good friend Kofi. I really enjoyed being in that space with the young players and how he challenged them with a very simple question which people really find hard to answer... WHO AM I? I don't think people really understand the severity of mental health and they will not until it is on their front door step and then they want to do something about it. WHY ARE WE WAITING? We want to prevent! This service is here now and great for our young up and coming talented athletes! Respect to you Kofi and I am glad to be apart of this and just watching you and Why Not I grow.”
“The WNI workout is unique in its delivery and effectiveness. WNI MH really did bridge the gap between mental health and sport in a way that helped the athletes channel their passion for sport while understanding the importance of taking care of their individual needs when it comes to maintaining good mental health. Kofi delivered an informative, inspiring and easy to relate to presentation that had the audience captivated no matter their age. Incorporating basketball skills and a workout on the day meant the attendees could relate all discussions that were had in the presentation a practical way. This meant the effects were instantly relatable for the attendees. An inspiring, enjoyable and insightful unique opportunity for anyone lucky enough to enough to take part.”
“As the Head Basketball Coach at the University of Bolton, I’ve seen the transformative impact of Kofi Josephs’ 'Why Not I' program has on young people. This initiative goes beyond just building physical strength; it empowers young people to develop the mental resilience, confidence, and leadership skills essential for success both on and off the court. Kofi’s unique approach connects with each individual, fostering a sense of purpose and direction that extends far beyond their time in the program. 'Why Not I' is more than a program, it’s a catalyst for personal and professional growth. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any institution serious about developing the next generation of players and leaders.”
“Kofi Josephs’ 'Why Not I' program is an exceptional opportunity for young aspiring and professional athletes to receive comprehensive support in their mental game, strength and conditioning, and understanding what it truly takes to become a professional athlete. The program goes far beyond a traditional training camp by placing a significant emphasis on the mental health and well-being of each participant. This focus is a testament to Kofi's professionalism, both as a coach and as a passionate advocate for mental health within the sports community. Athletes who attend this camp will walk away with not only an advanced understanding of their game but also with the assurance that they have access to a program dedicated to supporting their mental health as they pursue their careers as a professional basketball player. 'Why Not I' is more than just a training camp, it's a vital resource for developing the complete athlete, both mentally and physically.”
