By Alfonso Rivera
There is a familiar face on the Husky hardwood this season at East Los Angeles College. His name is John Mosley, and he is the new head basketball coach at ELAC.
Mosley serves as a career coach who coordinates and assists former athletes and replaces Rob Rivera, who stepped down after 23 years at ELAC. Rivera served 16 years as assistant head coach and seven as head coach.
Mosley is a 1991 Washington Prep grad and a former starting point guard for the Huskies from 91 to 93 seasons.
While at ELAC, Mosley had a stellar career. In his sophomore year, Mosley not only led his squad, but the state as well, in assists, averaging 11.1 per game.
That figure is an ELAC record. Mosley also has the record for most assists in a game at ELAC with 13 during the 91-92 season.
Mosley earned All-State Honorable Mention his sophomore year on a Husky team that is considered by many to be one of the best ever in ELAC Basketball history.
After his time at ELAC, Mosley went on to star at The Master’s College, an NAIA school from 1994 to 1996. There he had the opportunity to play alongside Mike Penberthy, a former NBA player and Los Angeles Laker.
Mosley led the team to an NAIA Elite Eight and a Sweet 16 berth while running the point and distributing basketballs to his teammates at Master’s.
Mosley gained his bachelor’s degree in Kineseology at The Master’s in 1996 and his masters degree in education from National University in 2000.
He was inducted into the schools Hall of Fame in 2004 because of his accomplishments on the court. After finishing his collegiate playing career at The Master’s, Mosley played professionally in Brazil and Australia.
He returned to the states to teach and coach at Inglewood Christian School in 1997-98 before returning to The Master’s as assistant basketball coach.
Mosely coached at The Master’s College for eight seasons then went on to Cal State Bakersfield, as an assistant coach and lead recruiter.
“My preparation and vast experience against that level of competition has prepared me not only to coach, teach and lead but to have a hands on effect on student’s lives,” stated Mosley.
Mosley coached at Bakersfield through the spring of 2011. He was hired by ELAC on July 1, and has already made a huge impact recruiting kids from the inner city.
“It is a pleasure to have John aboard leading our basketball program. He brings a very disciplined and no-nonsense approach that the kids will like. East Los Angeles College is very fortunate to have him coaching our kids,” said Al Cone, ELAC Athletic Director.
“I am excited about being back, this is a community that has enabled me to be where I am at today, and I am here to give back, “ said Mosley.
In addition to his coaching endeavors, Mosley has also found time to give back to the community.
He founded “Saved Through Hoops,” an organization that focuses on inner-city youth and provides counseling and basketball clinics for elementary and junior high students.
Mosley is also heavily involved in Athletes 2 Business (A2B), which focuses on college athlete’s career pursuits, after sports and also prepares them for what they will encounter in the working world.
“I appreciate the opportunity that Al Cone and the hiring committee have given me. My passion is to see my players graduate to the next level and matriculate to the four year level,” said Mosley.