meet Coach Mo Finley
what do you do when you’re not coaching basketball: spend time with my son
what are you currently reading: dapper dan, made in harlem
favorite place you’ve lived: milan, Italy
Mo Finley is a native of LaFayette, Alabama. Like many southern towns, sports was an integral part of his town’s culture. Growing up he played every sport available, but basketball became his favorite. After his senior year of high school, he signed a scholarship to play Division I basketball at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB).
As a student at UAB, he took full advantage of his opportunity. He graduated with a B.S. in Psychology (2003, Cum Laude Honors) and a B.A. in Social Psychology (2004). As an athlete, he was able to leave his mark on the sport he loves. He became UAB’s 5th all-time leading scorer, a 2-time All-Conference USA Selection and the 2002-2003 Conference USA Scholar-Athlete of the Year for Men’s Basketball. On the court, he partook in many victories, but none as memorable as being a member of UAB's 2004 Sweet Sixteen Team. Throughout his tenure at UAB, he was also a member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll, the Dean’s List and the President’s List for academic excellence several times.
After graduation, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a professional basketball player. For a decade he played professional basketball throughout Europe. Each offseason he spent time sharing the knowledge he had obtained as a basketball camp counselor, speaker, and an individual skills trainer with players ranging from middle school to the professional ranks.
Throughout his athletic career, he’s been blessed to compete against some of the best players in the world. He’s also been very fortunate to learn from and work with some of the best minds in the game of basketball. He currently serves as a Birmingham Tip-Off Club board member and on the UAB Hall of Fame Committee. He also became a board member and partner of the Bartow Family Foundation and helped to initiate the Impact Basketball Life Skills Academy. IMPACT aims to assist youth basketball players in developing important skills - on and off the court.
During the 2021 basketball season, Coach Mo also debuted as the color analyst for the University of Alabama-Birmingham Men’s Basketball Team on ESPN+. He returned this season on ESPN+ alongside Kurt Bloom and on the radio, JOX 2:100.5 FM.
mission
My mission is to provide basketball players of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds an opportunity to participate, learn, and compete in a positive sports environment. While basketball fundamentals, team play, and competitive spirit are an integral part of OFW’s fabric, our purpose also includes fostering the social, mental and spiritual growth of our players. It is our belief that the life lessons learned through the game of basketball help develop strong character, a sense of accountability, integrity, and humility that will aid our participants and help them thrive in every arena of life.
OFW
way
Over the past 25+ years, I have been entrenched in the game of basketball. First as a player and now as a youth basketball coach. And while there is no substitute for experience, wisdom can be acquired if you’re willing to learn from the experiences of others. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that there are many parts to a whole. It is my desire to share and teach the intricacies of basketball through different exercises, drills and techniques while simultaneously teaching each participant the value of a great work ethic, accountability and self discipline. This holistic approach to basketball skills training is what separates us from the others. I am committed to helping each person reach their full potential on and off the basketball court.
i followed a basketball
all around the world
Serbia & Montenegro - KK Mornar Bar Basket (2004 - 2005)
Larissa, Greece - Olimpia Larissa Basket (2005)
Liege, Belgium - BC Liege Basketball (2005 - 2007)
Rieti, Italy - Solsonica Rieti Basketball (2007 - 2008)
NBA Summer League Portland Trailblazers - Portland, Oregon (2008)
Siena, Italy - Montepaschi Siena Basket (2008 - 2009)
Milan, Italy - Armani Jeans Olimpia Milano (2009 - 2011)
Istanbul, Turkey - Fenerbahçe Ulker Basket (2012)
San Sebastian-Donostia, Spain - Lagun Aro GBC (2013)
Pau, France - Élan Béarnais Pau-Orthez (2014 - 2015)
mo-tivation
Motivation is defined as the force or influence that causes someone to do something. Successful people and organizations understand the role of motivation in the workplace. Highly motivated employees yield increased productivity and a higher quality of work. The same principle applies to highly motivated athletes and students.
At One Finley Way™, Mo is that force. He’s a man of integrity, a husband, dad, and a genuine people person who has a natural ability to listen to an individual or organization's needs and generate a highly effective solution. He knows how to relate and ignite people with a sincere approach and a winning smile. He uses his extensive knowledge and expertise in the areas of basketball and psychology to inspire others. Over the last decade, he's had the opportunity to work with and form relationships with people all over the world. It is from these experiences that he draws insight and perspective to help equip people and organizations with relationship building skills to "build better".
Do you feel that your team or organization needs a fresh dose of energy to recharge?
If so, click the button and fill out the interest form to have Mo come and inspire your team or organization to build better!
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
— Arthur Ashe