Osborne Builds His Own Brand

Since graduating from Palisades High in 2011, Everett Osborne has been making headlines in the entertainment world. The 28-year-old has built a global empowerment brand called “Brand Evolving,” which consists of inspirational apparel and speaking engagements. He played two seasons for the Pali High varsity basketball team under Coach Jame Paleno. He averaged  7.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game as a senior, earning All-Western League First Team honors while helping the Dolphins reach the City semifinals and earn their first state playoff berth. He recently discussed his career with Palisadian-Post Sports Editor Steve Galluzzo in this exclusive interview.

PP: Can you provide details about Brand Evolving? When and how did you start it and what are some of the products? 

EO: Brand Evolving is a way of life that focuses on improving every day. Obstacles are inevitable and Brand Evolving recognizes that we are bigger than setbacks and we have the power to use all obstacles as stepping stones to rise and grow closer to our destiny. This power is discovered through faith, positive affirmations, resiliency and love. Brand Evolving was created once I graduated college at UTRGV in 2016. My basketball journey came with a lot of ups and downs so I created my own personal affirmations that helped me through it. I decided to share those affirmations with the world through means of products, apparel, speaking engagements and basketball camps. Every product is created to uplift, inspire and empower. Brand Evolving offers lifestyle and lounge wear that is stylish yet meaningful. Additional products include inspirational coffee mugs to get you going in the morning. The catalog is still evolving. We also host annual Balling and Evolving basketball camps internationally that I’m excited to introduce here in the U.S.

PP: What movies, commercials and TV shows have you appeared in? What role did you play in Tyler Perry’s show?

EO: I appeared in the movie Mortal Kombat and starred in the award-winning “Nike Want It All” film featuring LeBron James, Paul George and Kevin Durant, directed by F. Gary Gray. Commercial clients I’ve worked for have been JP Morgan Chase Bank, Red Bull, Adidas, Toyota, Powerade, and more. I’ve starred in at least one basketball commercial during March Madness since 2017. It’s truly been a blessing to see how far the game of basketball can take you.

Most recently I made my network television debut as Harlen on the premiere episode of Tyler Perry’s “Sistas” Season 3, the No. 1 ranked scripted series for BET. First, I credit God for aligning me with every project I’ve worked on because each one has resonated with me. Second, the process of landing roles at this stage of my career is through auditioning. Casting appreciated my approach to the character well enough to offer me the role and the rest is history.

PP: How did you get to know LeBron James and star in his films?

EO: Prior to filming, production told me it was the first time Nike had three superstars in a commercial who didn’t end up being the star, so technically LeBron starred in my film. But seriously, it was a complete honor to step on the same court with one of the best to ever play. We jokingly talked trash to Kevin Durant’s team. I recall slapping the floor in defense position telling KD he couldn’t score on me. LeBron chimed in and made it all a fun environment. LeBron had a lot of respect for me and my game and ultimately we were all able to create something special that inspired millions of people.

PP: Did you consider playing in the G-League, then making the jump to the NBA? How long did you play in Australia?

EO: Absolutely. The NBA has always been a goal, I’ve always been inspired to play at the highest level. That’s one reason I was adamant about playing Division I in college. I’ve had private workouts with the G League teams of the Lakers, Suns and Cavaliers. I had a great workout with them so they submitted me in the 2017 NBA G League draft. When I didn’t get picked, I began my career overseas. I’ve played two seasons professionally in Australia, for the Woodville Warriors and Bellarine Storm. My last year with the Storm I was noticed by the NBL and was invited to training camp by the South East Melbourne Phoenix where I played a preseason game.

PP: What do you remember about playing at Pali High? What did you learn from Coach Paleno?

EO: My memories of Pali are vivid. My junior year we went on a trip to Santa Barbara and I think the whole tournament I played two minutes. Working hard at something you love and feeling you’re never good enough was a challenge. Being bullied in high school was a challenge as well, I can recall being called “Mental Lapse” by coaches and teammates every day. That was tough, especially for a high school kid, but it ended up being beautiful because I truly learned who I was in my darkest moments when I felt defeated. I worked even harder that summer and found a deeper belief in my abilities and my faith in God. From challenging moments my junior year to making history my senior year I learned the true meaning of hard work and faith. Believing in a greater truth even if you can’t see the evidence. The life lessons learned while playing under Coach Paleno will always be with me. In high school, some are the cool kids, some go unnoticed, others are bullied, but what’s more important is how you use whatever position you’re in to propel you forward. There’s light in every situation and the journey gets better if you believe it does. I’ll forever be grateful for all of my memories from Pali.

PP: Where do you live? Why did you choose to play at UTRGV?

EO:  I’m currently living in Hollywood. In high school my mother moved us from El Segundo High to Palisades after my sophomore year so I could attend Pali and be eligible to play varsity the next season. We ended up living in the Palisades for seven years so that’s home. I’ll eventually move back. I was getting a few calls after playing in an All-American Junior College Camp but UTRGV was the only Division I university to offer me a scholarship at the time so I took it.

PP: Have you kept in touch with any high school teammates?

EO: Through social media it’s been easier to keep up with some of the few who are still playing like Garret Nevels. I attended my 10-year reunion in November so it was nice to see teammates like Adam Griffin, Rico Matheney, Nathan Nazarian and Malcolm Creer. Everyone looks the same, maybe the “gallon a day” waters the coaches had us drinking back then paid off after all.

PP: How did you become such a confident public speaker?

EO: While at UTRGV I was elected President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee so my public speaking journey started there. It’s crazy to think how when you follow your passion and endure all trials to the end there’s always a bigger blessing waiting. I worked hard to achieve my goal of playing D1 basketball and when I achieved it that path came with so much more. Love has no limits. After graduating I was led to speak for Boys and Girls Club Organizations, Toyota, many prisons across the country and a myriad of educational institutions. Texas was the first place to extend my platform from the court to a stage so a couple years ago I revisited McCallen, Texas and spoke to 12 schools in two days. That was fun.

PP: How did Pali High prepare you for life in college and beyond?

EO: Pali took me out of my shell and introduced me to the full scope of what it meant to live in LA. I saw it as a microcosm of the world. Our graduating class alone outnumbered some private schools. It was a huge melting pot of different races, religions and ethnicities and being a charter school we had students from all walks of life, so I appreciated the texture of culture. I was a great student and learned a lot by interacting with peers. The social life was fantastic and the sense of community at nutrition and lunch was so valuable. Pali definitely prepared me for college.

PP:  What are your future goals and career aspirations? Who do you admire most and why?

EO: The goal is to continue to expand my platform as an athlete and actor to shine light on the world and prayerfully ignite the true spark that lies on the inside of everyone. No matter the age. I don’t look up to anyone as much as I look up to my family. When I was riding the bench my junior year at Pali while my team was winning by 30 points my family showed what unconditional love, support and unwavering faith look like. My Aunty Jill and Uncle Eric, who’s now the coach for Price High’s girls basketball team, would literally show up to every game knowing I wasn’t going to play.  My mom Angelia Johnson, dad Jann Johnson and 12- year-old sister Jaeden Johnson showed me what it means to love hard, to take risks for what you believe in and to never be afraid to explore new avenues. My mother is an entrepreneur and author of children’s books, my father is an amazing business man who leads with love and my little sister literally can conquer the world. She’s an artist, an architect and has so much compassion and insight at such a young age. Those three inspire me the most.