Carter Joins `Runner Alumni Coaching in Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The CSU Bakersfield men's basketball family enjoyed exciting news recently as former Roadrunner Stephon Carter made a shift in his basketball career. A Bakersfield native and the program's all-time leading scorer, Carter was announced as the new head coach of the Centennial High School varsity boys basketball team.

"Coming back out here was a no brainer," Carter said when asked about his decision to return to Bakersfield. "It was something I always wanted to do when I was done playing. The opportunity presented itself and basketball is slow right now with coronavirus, so I just jumped on board."

With uncertainty floating around the upcoming basketball season overseas, Carter decided to put his playing career on hold. The 29-year-old guard spent the past six years playing in various professional leagues in the United States, Spain, Mexico, and Canada.

"I think I can teach the team with my knowledge of the game," Carter said as he described what he brings to the CHS program. "I gained a lot of knowledge playing against some of the best players in the world. I think that I see things well on the court and I have learned the tricks of the trade."

When asked about the coaches Carter hopes to model his coaching style after, the 2013 CSUB graduate did not stray far from home: "Rod Barnes, my high school coach Gino LaCava, and Terrance Hubbard. Those are three guys I've loved and always looked up to. I will try to model things from coaches I've seen and put my own twist on it. I think I can bring enthusiasm and energy. I'm a younger guy, so I can identify with the players to get with them on a certain level, but also be their leader."

Carter is just one of many recent `Runner alumni who have found their place in coaching basketball. Issiah Grayson ('14) is a coach at Gameday Sports Academy Prep in Bakersfield while Matt Smith ('17) helped the Bakersfield Christian High School varsity team advance to the State Championship Game this past spring.

Right on the CSUB campus, a trio of `Runners are have joined Coach Barnes' staff. Brent Wrapp ('18) is entering his third season as the Director of Basketball Operations for CSUB men's basketball while Kevin Mays ('16) serves as the team's Director of Player Development. Brandon Barnes ('14) has also been a staple in the program since his playing days. After a season as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets' G-League affiliate, Barnes returned to serve the same position with the `Runners. He is entering his fourth season as part of the CSUB coaching staff.

~GoRunners.com~

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Players Mentioned

#0 Matt Smith: F; 6' 6"; Redshirt Senior

#1 Brent Wrapp: G; 6' 3"; Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

#0 Matt Smith
: 6' 6"; Redshirt Senior
: F

#1 Brent Wrapp
: 6' 3"; Redshirt Junior
: G

Players Mentioned

#0 Matt Smith

#1 Brent Wrapp

Players Mentioned

#0 Matt Smith

#1 Brent Wrapp