Coaching Staff

For over 20 years, Rhett Butler has dedicated his career to developing young athletes, helping them reach their full potential both on and off the court.

Rhett previously served as a coach at Lincoln High School in San Diego, where he was a key part of the coaching staff that captured a California State Championship. During his tenure at Lincoln, Rhett coached and mentored elite talent, including NBA Champion Norman Powell. Over the years, Rhett and Norman have maintained a lasting friendship and professional mentorship.

For the past decade, Rhett has owned and operated a premier basketball training business, serving athletes of all skill levels — from young beginners taking their first steps on the court, to high school and collegiate athletes preparing for the next level, to professional players fine-tuning their elite skills.

As the Founder and Director of NP Elite, Rhett drives the organization's vision: coaching players of all ages with an emphasis on skill development, basketball IQ, confidence, and character; mentoring coaches to ensure a high-standard, unified training approach; and fostering an inclusive culture where every child is given the opportunity to grow, succeed, and lead.

“Basketball is more than just a game — it is a powerful tool for building discipline, resilience, teamwork, and lifelong character.”

Coach Steve Fausto brings a deep passion for the game and an unwavering commitment to developing fundamentally sound, high-IQ basketball players.

As a former shooting guard, Steve has a keen understanding of what it takes to succeed on the perimeter and in transition. His targeted training and coaching style emphasizes offensive versatility, a consistent perimeter shooting threat, and smart decision-making.

As the Head Coach of the NP Elite 10U/Gold Team, Steve is dedicated to challenging young athletes to step outside of their comfort zones and grow — cultivating a positive yet highly competitive environment built on basketball IQ, work ethic and teamwork, and healthy competition.

“Discipline, effort, and a genuine love for the game are the true foundations for long-term success both on and off the court.”

A self-proclaimed “bucket getter,” Coach Andrew brings elite scoring experience, collegiate pedigree, and a deep passion for player development to his role as a Head Coach on the NP Elite staff.

Andrew's reputation as an elite scorer was cemented during his three years of varsity basketball at Ontario High School, highlighted by an incredible 60-point single-game performance. He went on to earn a Division I scholarship to Cal State Northridge (CSUN) in 2007, finishing his collegiate career as a standout combo guard for the CSUN Matadors, and continues to compete at a high level in premier leagues throughout the Los Angeles area.

In addition to leading his teams as a Head Coach, Andrew operates as an active personal basketball trainer, working one-on-one with athletes on skill mastery, basketball IQ, and confidence and love for the game.

A former McDonald's All-American and powerhouse standout at Mater Dei High School, Cedric Bozeman has competed at the absolute highest levels of basketball. Today, he pours his invaluable elite experience into mentoring and developing the next generation of youth athletes.

As a premier guard at UCLA, Cedric led the Pac-10 in assists, earned widespread recognition for his exceptional court vision, and established himself as a selfless, team-first leader. Following his standout collegiate career, he achieved his dream of playing in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks before enjoying a highly successful multi-year professional career overseas.

For the past five years, Cedric has owned and operated his own basketball training business, helping players of all ages and skill levels refine their fundamentals, elevate their basketball IQ, and build lasting confidence on the court.

As the Head Coach of the NP Elite 9U team, Cedric's coaching philosophy centers on four core pillars: fundamentals first, character & accountability, unshakeable confidence, and continuous growth.

A dedicated member of the NP Elite family, Coach Kyle Hawkins serves as Head Coach of our 8U team, specializing in helping young athletes build a strong fundamental foundation in basketball.

As the father of two boys who have trained and competed in basketball over the past five years, Kyle brings a deeply personal understanding to youth coaching — balancing encouragement, discipline, and inspiration.

Originally from England, Kyle brings a unique perspective to the basketball court as a former competitive soccer player, translating key principles from his soccer background to hoops: teamwork & communication, work ethic, and character development.

“Coach Kyle is passionate about developing confident, fundamentally sound players while ensuring every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow both as an athlete and as an individual.”