Former Otter guard Steve Becker (middle) is in his first season as director of basketball operations at Cal State Fullerton. He is seated next to Head Coach Bob Burton (left).
SEASIDE, Calif. — One of the most prolific players in Cal State Monterey Bay basketball history (his 98 games played still rank No. 2 in school history),
Steve Becker (Human Communications '08) is a name very familiar to Otter fans. Becker will be returning to the Otters for one more game this Friday (Jan. 27) when he joins Rob Ponce for the men's basketball broadcast from the Torodome at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Becker, who still ranks No. 7 on the Otter career assist list and No. 11 in three–point field goals made, has moved on to the NCAA Division I level in his basketball career since earning his degree from CSUMB. Monte Rey, the Otter himself, recently caught up with Becker for
OtterAthletics.com.
Monte Rey: Tell Us What You're Doing Now?
Steve Becker: Since graduating from CSUMB, I have worked in sales, coached high school basketball, and had a brief stint as a player/coach in Germany. Currently, I am serving as the Director of Basketball Operations at California State Fullerton. I'm very fortunate and thankful to Coach Bob Burton to have been given the opportunity to pursue a career in college basketball.
Monte: What Are Your Responsibilities as a Director of Basketball Ops at a Division I School?
Steve: In my current role at CSUF, I'm responsible for all travel arrangements, budgeting, daily scheduling of practice and shoot–around times for men's basketball as well as visiting opponents, organizing all team meals and meetings, as well as daily compliance interactions.
Monte: How Did You Make the Transition From Player To Coach?
Steve: I always knew I wanted to coach basketball, I just didn't know what level. I was fortunate enough to work for my former high school coach (Roger Holmes) at my alma mater, Marina High School in Huntington Beach, as well as at Fountain Valley High School. I knew my love for the game wasn't going anywhere and the longer I was away, the more I realized I needed to try and make this my career path.
Monte: Are There Things You Took From Your Time At CSUMB That You Use in Your New Role?
Steve: In my time at CSUMB I played for three coaches in my five years. I think each coach had certain intangibles that made them successful, and I've tried to draw from each of them the things I really appreciated. Coach Trumbo who recruited me, was a great mentor and had a wealth of knowledge for the game. He is a man of character, and as I progress in my career I hope to try and mimic his genuine care for players. Coach Kosta was Trumbo's successor and he had a way of motivating. Coach Bishop who I played for my final year, is really good with the X's and O's. He does a great job of putting players in positions to get open looks and as a player, you can't ask for much more.
Monte: Will Friday's Game at Dominguez Hills Be Your First Time Calling a Basketball Game Live on the Air?
Steve: Yes, this will be my first time calling a basketball game.
Monte: Are You Nervous About Getting Behind the Mic?
Steve: I am not as much nervous as I am excited for the opportunity to work along side Rob Ponce. It should be fun to be on the other side of the scorer's table, learning from Rob.
Monte: Do You Still Keep In Touch With Your Otter Teammates and Coaches?
Steve: Yes, I still keep in touch with quite a few of my former teammates. I regularly talk with Joe Mitchell, Augie Johnston, Jose Sanchez, Django Evans, Robert Ash, Devougn Lamont, Carlos Arroyo and Richard Jenkins to name a few. I plan on maintaining the friendships made at CSUMB.
Monte: Tell Us About Your Best Memory Playing With the Otters?
Steve: It's hard to draw one specific memory from my experience at CSUMB. There were many instances where people extended their homes to our team and made sure we all had places to go around the holidays, which was so generous and appreciated. I specifically remember witnessing Richard Jenkins erupt for a 56–point, 20–rebound performance in 2006. That may have been the most memorable and noteworthy experience.
Monte: How About Your Most Embarrassing Moment as an Otter?
Steve: I was granted a medical redshirt following my senior season, and was not notified until after season had ended. I ended up playing the following year and had two senior nights. It was pretty embarrassing doing it twice, and all my teammates let me hear about it.
Monte: Did You Get Your Degree From CSUMB?
Steve: I got my degree in human communications from CSUMB.
Monte: Are You Working On A Master's Degree?
Steve: Yes, I am currently working toward completing a master's degree from Concordia University Irvine, in coaching & athletic administration. I hope to complete the course this May.
Monte: Thanks For Taking Time Out of Your Busy Schedule To Chat. Anything Else You Want Your Former Otter Fans To Know?
Steve: I want to thank Rob Ponce, Coach Bishop and the Athletic Department for allowing me to take part in calling the game Friday. Go Otters!
