We were lucky to catch up with Vehans Ayvazi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vehans, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success, to me, is a combination of several key elements. First and foremost, it takes an unwavering work ethic. I was raised by immigrant parents who instilled in me the value of hard work and resilience. My father has always been my hero and the one who showed me that nothing worth achieving comes without dedication. That lesson drives me in everything I do.

In my journey, I’ve learned that success also comes from persistence. You can’t quit when things get tough—those are the moments that define you. I believe in seeing things through, no matter the challenges, because true success isn’t just about reaching a goal but about how you handle the adversity along the way.

Being a perfectionist has also played a significant role in my success. It’s not about being flawless but about constantly striving to improve, whether it’s in coaching, business, or life in general. I believe that attention to detail and a commitment to excellence can separate good from great.

Beyond personal traits, passion is critical. My love for basketball isn’t just about the sport itself but about teaching it, helping young athletes grow, and giving back to the community. This passion fuels my work with LA Select and Jr Hoops. I’ve found that when you truly love what you do, it becomes easier to push through obstacles and maintain focus, even in the toughest of times.

Lastly, I believe success involves helping others. In both programs I run, we emphasize community and personal growth as much as athletic development. Seeing players grow not just in their skills but as individuals is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Success, in my eyes, isn’t just about personal achievements but about the impact you make on others and the legacy you leave behind.

At the end of the day, success is a balance between hard work, persistence, passion, and the desire to help others succeed. If you can align those elements, you’ll not only achieve your goals but create something truly meaningful in the process.

Vehans, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Vehans Ayvazi, though many know me as Coach V. I’m the founder of LA Select, a premier AAU basketball program, and Jr Hoops, a youth developmental basketball league. Basketball has been a passion of mine since my childhood in Burbank, California. What started as a love for the game quickly became a lifelong commitment, shaping not only my career but also the way I approach life.

The path to coaching and building these programs started with a deep passion for basketball and a desire to help others. I’ve been coaching for over 13 years now, and during that time, I realized that my impact could go beyond just teaching the game—I could create opportunities for young athletes to grow as individuals and as players. That’s what led me to establish LA Select in 2011. Initially, it was just a small travel team, but it’s evolved into a full-scale grassroots AAU program that offers year-round club teams, camps, clinics, and training sessions for players of all skill levels.

LA Select is more than just a basketball club. We’re about holistic development, which means we focus not only on the physical and technical aspects of basketball but also on building character, discipline, and leadership. What sets us apart is our genuine commitment to every player’s growth, both on and off the court. Our approach is to create a family environment where athletes can thrive, whether they’re aiming for a college scholarship or just want to improve their skills.

In 2023, I founded Jr Hoops, which operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Jr Hoops was born out of the desire to provide a space for beginner and intermediate players to learn and enjoy basketball in a supportive and inclusive environment. Not every young athlete is ready for the highly competitive nature of AAU, and Jr Hoops fills that gap, focusing on foundational skills, teamwork, and the love of the game. It’s especially rewarding because we cater to kids who may have never picked up a basketball before, and we get to witness their development firsthand.

What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. Whether it’s through LA Select or Jr Hoops, we’ve created an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and empowered. I’m also proud of the fact that we don’t just focus on winning or producing star players. For me, it’s about instilling values—hard work, persistence, and passion—and making sure that those lessons translate into all areas of life for the young people we work with.

One thing that sets us apart is the personal investment we make in each player. Our staff genuinely cares about every athlete’s progress, and we’re here to guide them through both basketball and life’s challenges. We offer more than just basketball training; we offer mentorship, leadership development, and a community that feels like family.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my work and our programs, it’s that we’re committed to making a lasting impact. Whether you’re part of LA Select or Jr Hoops, you’re part of something bigger than basketball—you’re part of a community that’s dedicated to your growth as a person and as an athlete.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation has been built on honesty, trust, and always doing right by the players and families I work with. I believe in being transparent—whether it’s about expectations or challenges—and people know they can count on me to follow through. By treating everyone with respect and leading by example, I’ve earned the trust of my community. This approach has helped me build strong, lasting relationships and sets me apart in the industry.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As the director of LA Select, I had to unlearn the belief that I could please everyone. In the early days of leading LA Select, I thought that strong communication and dedication would allow me to meet everyone’s expectations. However, I quickly learned that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone, especially in a diverse environment with varying goals and priorities.

This realization hit home when I noticed that my efforts to accommodate individual needs often led to confusion and inconsistency within the program. I found myself trying to please every player and parent, which ultimately diluted our focus and direction. This experience taught me that effective leadership requires making tough decisions that prioritize the greater good of the team and the program.

Now, I embrace the understanding that my primary responsibility is to create an environment where players can thrive and grow. While I value feedback and strive for open communication, I also recognize that I must stay true to our core values and vision. This shift has allowed me to make decisions rooted in our core values, even when they may not please everyone. It’s a more sustainable approach that fosters long-term success for both the athletes and the organization.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laselect.com
• Instagram: @laselectbasketball
• Facebook: @laselectbasketball
• Twitter: @laselectbball
• Youtube: @laselectbasketball
• Other: https://jrhoops.org
  @jrhoopsleague

Image Credits

Nico Alba (@bigneeksmedia)