Coach Richard Elmoyan
Meet Coach Richard Elmoyan, a dynamic leader in the LA Select program, a player development specialist, and a passionate advocate of girls basketball. As the head coach for multiple teams, including several girls’ squads, Coach Rich brings a wealth of experience to the court. A former NCAA Division II athlete and captain of the Armenia National Basketball Team, his third season with LA Select continues to showcase his dedication to nurturing talent both on and off the court.
We sat down with Coach Rich to dive into his coaching philosophy, uncover his insights, and explore what drives his passion for developing young athletes at LA Select.
What’s one mental skill players can develop to stay focused under pressure?
"Embrace the mental aspect of the game as a defender—play mind games. Enjoy the challenge of disrupting your opponent. Study what agitates and unsettles the other team, and use that knowledge strategically to break them down."
Coach Rich emphasizes the importance of thinking beyond physical abilities and leveraging mental tactics to gain an edge. For him, success on the court often begins with discipline and focus.
Who inspired you to become a coach, and why?
"My AAU coach, Pooh Richardson, was a huge influence. A 4-year UCLA standout with professional experience in the NBA and Europe, he taught me critical lessons in mental toughness, analyzing data, and managing emotions during games. He showed me how to separate emotions from film study—a game-changer in understanding the sport."
The lessons Coach Rich learned from his mentor shaped his approach to coaching. Pooh Richardson’s blend of high-level playing experience and strategic thinking left a lasting impression, and Coach Rich strives to pass those lessons on to his players.
How do you build a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie among players?
"By educating players on the value of teamwork, incentivizing unselfish play, and quantifying success through stats. Highlight and reward actions like assists, steals, traps, charges, and rebounds over flashy moves."
For Coach Rich, creating a team-first culture is essential. He believes in celebrating the small but impactful moments that often go unnoticed. By prioritizing teamwork, he builds an environment where players understand that their collective success outweighs individual accolades.
How do you see basketball evolving in the next five years?
"I envision the integration of advanced international methods into U.S. player development. European basketball has been pushing the boundaries of innovation in training and strategy. My advice? Start adopting these practices now to stay ahead of the curve."
Looking to the future, Coach Rich sees an exciting evolution in the sport. He encourages young players and coaches to embrace new methods and ideas to remain competitive in a constantly advancing game.
Coach Rich’s Philosophy
"Discipline through repetition silences doubt."
Coach Rich’s mantra is a reminder of the importance of hard work and consistency. Whether it’s on the court or in life, his approach inspires players to trust the process and build confidence through preparation.
As Coach Rich continues to lead at LA Select, his passion and expertise are helping shape a new generation of athletes who are prepared to excel at the highest levels.
