Career Highlights:

• Nominated for the McDonald’s All-American team his senior year at Saint James.
• Played NCAA Division II basketball at Chaminade University in Hawaii
• As an assistant coach San Diego State University, he helped the team reach the NCAA championships game in 2023.

Chris Acker was named the head coach at Long Beach State University in 2024. Chris spent the prior five seasons at San Diego State, helping SDSU reach the national championship game in 2023 and the Sweet 16 in 2024. He was also an assistant coach at Boise State.

Chris was exceptional during his time at Saint James School, leading the Saints basketball team to 20-win season his senior year. Chris, along with Larry Scott ‘99 and John Hartman ‘99, became the first Saint James players nominated for the McDonald’s All-American team. Chris also played football and baseball for the Saints.

Though he was only here two years, he has many memories and feels he applies the lessons he learned at Saint James to his everyday life.

“I learned a lot about life and a lot about coexisting and sharing and being a part of something bigger than myself here,” he said.  “I learned how to be selfless. The ups and downs, trials and tribulations really molded me.”

After graduating, Chris played two years of community college basketball before finishing his playing career at Chaminade University in Hawaii. He went on to a four-year professional career in China, Greece, Portugal, and the United States.

Chris first started coaching at Citrus College in Glendora, CA, serving as an assistant coach. He also served as the Youth Programs Director for the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) and Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA).

Chris then coached at West Los Angeles College for two years before moving on to the University of Hawaii. In his two seasons at Hawaii, he helped the Rainbow Warriors to the 2016 Big West title and a win in the NCAA Tournament. 

Chris continues to show he is an excellent coach and dynamic recruiter.