Meet the team

FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

Head Coach: 9u White

Known to many as "Coach V", Vehans founded LA Select in 2011 and is the Program Director.

Coach V grew up in Burbank, California and attended Burbank High School where he played basketball. With over 20 years of experience in coaching, Coach V continues to make a positive impact in the community through basketball.

Coach V's leadership emphasizes not only the growth of players on the court but also fostering a sense of community and family within the program. His enduring impact and commitment to excellence makes Coach V an integral part of LA Select's legacy.

Coach V is a huge Lakers fan and holds an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona, and attended Georgia Tech for graduate school. When not in a basketball gym you can find the father to two boys spending time with family.

MANAGER / COACH

Head Coach: 13u White, 14u White
Assistant Coach: 12u White

Youhans Ayvazi has been an integral part of LA Select since 2013, bringing with him over a decade of coaching experience.

A Burbank native, Coach Youhans attended and played basketball at Burbank High School before pursuing an undergraduate degree from Cal State Northridge. Over his years with LA Select, he has become known for his calm demeanor, patience, and commitment to fundamental skill development.

Beyond the court, Coach Youhans is not just a coach; he is a mentor who values the importance of family and community. With a firm belief in the transformative power of basketball, Coach Youhans continues to shape the future of LA Select with his experience and passion for the game.

MANAGER / COACH

Head Coach: 12u Blue, 13u Blue, 14u Blue, 16u Blue, 17u White

Edvin Hematsiraki, also known as Coach Ed, has deep roots in the LA Select family as he was a part of the original team started in 2011. His basketball journey began at LA Select at age 7 and continued through his high school years at Crescenta Valley High School, where he not only played the sport but developed a profound passion for the strategic aspects of it.

Coach Ed is currently serving in his third season as the Varsity Assistant Coach at Crescenta Valley High School after coaching the Frosh team for two season.

Coach Ed is also a Player Development Coach for the Armenia National Team, bringing valuable experience to LA Select.

Since coming back to join the LA Select coaching staff in 2019, Coach Ed has been known for his fiery coaching style and a basketball IQ beyond his years. Coach Ed is not just a coach; he's a mentor and a friend to every player lucky enough to share the court with him.

COORDINATOR, YOUTH GIRLS

Head Coach: 10u Girls, 11u Girls, 13u Girls, 14u Girls

Richard Elmoyan, known to many as Coach Rich, joined LA Select in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of basketball expertise and a commitment to player development. Coach Rich, a former captain of the Armenia national basketball team (2015-2016), honed his skills at Burbank High School before playing at the NCAA Division II level and competing internationally.

Coach Rich holds an undergraduate degree from San Francisco State University and has coached at the high school level.

Coach Rich goes beyond the title of coach; he becomes a mentor and friend to each player fortunate enough to share the court with him. His fiery coaching style injects passion into every practice and game, creating an environment that encourages both individual growth and team cohesion.

COACH

Head Coach: 11u Blue, 12u White, 12u Girls
Assistant Coach: 11u Girls

Alex Shabazian, also known as Coach Shabaz, joined LA Select in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of basketball knowledge at the youth level and a genuine commitment to player development. Coach Shabaz isn’t just respected for his coaching abilities but also his incredible patience and his authentic connection with his players.

Coach Shabaz graduated from Crescenta Valley High School, and is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree at Cal State Northridge.

Recognized as a true players' coach, Coach Shabaz goes beyond the Xs and Os, forming genuine connections with his players. His dedication to player development and growth makes him a valuable asset to LA Select.

RECRUITING COORDINATOR, YOUTH / COACH

Head Coach: 10u Blue, 15u White, 16u Blue

Chris Arzoumanian joined the LA Select coaching staff in 2023, bringing a profound commitment to player development and a strategic basketball mind.

The Glendale native attended Crescenta Valley High School, where he played basketball, establishing a solid foundation for his coaching career. Graduating from Cal State Northridge in 2023, Coach Chris decided to go back to Crescenta Valley High School in his roles as the Frosh Head Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach.

Coach Chris is not just a coach; he is a mentor who genuinely cares for his players, forming meaningful connections on and off the court. With his experience and dedication, he plays a key role in LA Select’s success, embodying the program’s commitment to excellence.

RECRUITING COORDINATOR, HIGH SCHOOL / COACH

Head Coach: 16u White, 17u adidas Gold

Andrew Ayvazian, known as Coach Drew, has been an invaluable addition to LA Select since joining in 2024.

His coaching journey took root in 2018 when he began coaching at Chamlian Armenian School, where he was dedicated to coaching at the youth level. Additionally, Coach Drew extended his impact by volunteering at Homenetmen Azadamard, specializing in instilling the fundamentals.

With a strong emphasis on X's and O's, Coach Drew currently serves as the Freshmen Head Coach at St. Francis High School, one of the top high school basketball programs in the country.

Beyond the court, Andrew enjoys dedicating his free time to training and developing young athletes, immersing himself in studying basketball, and spending time with friends and family. With a foundation built on coaching experience and a passion for the game, Coach Drew continues to shape the future of LA Select, contributing to the program's commitment to excellence both on and off the court.

COORDINATOR, HS GIRLS

COACH

Head Coach: 8u Blue, 9u Blue, 11u White

Arten Yegikyan joined the LA Select family in 2024 and has quickly made a strong impact within the program. With a deep understanding of the game and a calm, professional presence, Arten brings a unique perspective to the court. In addition to coaching, he is a CIF-certified referee, giving him advanced insight into game rules, mechanics, and situational awareness that directly benefits his players.

Coach Arten emphasizes fundamentals, discipline, and basketball IQ. His ability to teach the game from both a coach’s and an official’s perspective allows players to better understand spacing, timing, defensive positioning, and decision-making. Committed to player growth and development, Coach Arten is focused on helping athletes improve their skills, compete with confidence, and represent LA Select with pride and integrity.

DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR

Marketing Team

Nico Alba, recognized for his remarkable photographic skills, has been an invaluable member of LA Select since joining in 2021 as the Digital Content Creator on the marketing team.

Nico attended Burbank High School, earned his undergraduate degree at University of California Berkeley, and his graduate degree at Cal State Long Beach.

Bringing a wealth of experience from his roles with the LA Clippers and Long Beach State, Nico has become the visual storyteller for LA Select. His ability to capture and immortalize the essence of LA Select's pivotal moments adds a unique dimension to the club's narrative. Through his lens, Nico contributes significantly to the program's image and continues to play a crucial role in showcasing the spirit and success of LA Select.

ADMINISTRATOR