Meet Edwin Clemons of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Edwin Clemons

Hi Edwin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Edwin Clemons II – Head Coach & Founder of Find Your Drive Basketball Academy (F.Y.D)

With over 30 years of basketball experience, Edwin Clemons II has played at various levels, from AAU and high school at Lawndale High to JUCO basketball. His passion for the game has taken him across more than 20 states as a player and over 4 states as a coach, working with AAU travel teams and high school programs at Sierra Vista High and Ánimo Venice High School.

Beyond coaching at the high school level, Edwin has also made an impact in adult semi-pro leagues, including Layups2Standup, CABA Basketball, Konetca, and Próish, winning two championships. Now, he is focused on running his own AAU basketball program, Find Your Drive Basketball Academy (F.Y.D), under the umbrella of his nonprofit, Find Your Drive.

F.Y.D serves players from 8U to 17U, preparing them for high school, college, and potentially the next level. Operating in the South Bay Area, the program is dedicated to providing young athletes with opportunities beyond their inner-city communities. Edwin and his team are actively seeking new players and sponsors to help expand the program and positively impact more young athletes.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey to becoming a coach has not been an easy one. Finding someone willing to take a chance on me was the hardest part. For a long time, it felt like doors were closed, and opportunities were just out of reach. That changed when I met Coach Jalen, who gave me a shot and helped me navigate the high school coaching world. With his support, things started to fall into place, and I gained the confidence and connections needed to grow as a coach.

Now, as I continue to build Find Your Drive Basketball Academy (F.Y.D), I’ve been fortunate to meet Coach Mae from Watts Skilled Academy, who has been instrumental in helping me understand the AAU circuit. Her guidance has made a huge difference as I work to develop and expand my program.

I’m truly grateful for both Coach Jalen and Coach Mae—their belief in me has helped me push forward, and I’m excited to keep building something special for the next generation of athletes.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Coaching is about more than just basketball for me—it’s about shaping young athletes into better individuals for life. I specialize in training and developing players, not only in their skills on the court but also in their mindset, confidence, and ability to think critically. Basketball is a tool I use to teach discipline, responsibility, and character, ensuring that my players carry these lessons beyond the game.

I take pride in teaching real basketball fundamentals and instilling strong morals in my athletes. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them apply the moves we work on in practice during real games, proving their growth and dedication. More importantly, I love watching their overall progress—not just as players, but as young men and women becoming confident, educated, and thoughtful individuals. This is what drives me every day.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Throughout my journey as a coach, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible people by my side who have helped me grow and build Find Your Drive Basketball Academy (F.Y.D).

Coach Jalen was one of the first to take a chance on me, helping me navigate the high school coaching world and giving me the confidence to push forward. As I expanded into AAU, Coach Mae from Watts Skilled Academy stepped in and has been instrumental in guiding me through the complexities of the circuit. Their support has made a huge impact on my coaching career.

More than anyone, my fiancée, Mariah Stinson, has been my rock. Without her, I wouldn’t be able to do what I need to for F.Y.D. She has helped set up practices, coordinate scrimmages, and run the front office, making sure everything stays on track. Her dedication and belief in our mission mean everything to me.

I’m also grateful for Coach Golden, who has brought an incredible staff with him and has played a key role in signing players up for our AAU program. His leadership and vision have strengthened our team, and I can’t wait to see how far we can take this program together.

With this amazing support system, I know we’re building something special at F.Y.D, giving kids the opportunity to grow, compete, and see a future beyond what they’re used to.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @fyd_basketball , @hoopwithcoach_ed
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Fydbasketball