Long Beach State University announced this week that Chris Acker has appointed Greg Howell as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball program, a move that underscores the program’s ambition to rebuild its competitive edge.
Howell arrives with more than ten years of coaching experience, having most recently served as the Director of Recruiting and Player Personnel at Arizona State University, where he played a pivotal role in securing commitments from top prospects Moe Odum and Massamba Diop for the 2025‑26 season.
A Coach with a Proven Track Record
Prior to his stint at Arizona State, Howell spent four seasons at Rice University, guiding the Owls to back‑to‑back postseason appearances and helping develop Max Fiedler into one of Conference USA’s most dominant big men.
His coaching journey also includes a four‑year tenure as director and head coach of the Team Harden AAU program, where he honed the skills of elite talent before transitioning to a marketing and scouting role with the Houston Rockets.
Howell’s playing background adds another layer of perspective; he starred at Artesia High School in Lakewood, capturing a CIF Section and State Title in 2006, before playing two seasons at Cerritos College and completing his collegiate career at Waldorf University, where he ranked sixth in school history with 81 steals.
A graduate of Waldorf with a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and Sports Management, Howell expressed enthusiasm about joining the Long Beach State community, emphasizing his commitment to developing student‑athletes both on and off the court.
A Coach with a Proven Track Record
Howell’s recruiting philosophy centers on identifying players who can contribute immediately while fostering growth in the classroom, a approach that aligns with the university’s broader mission of academic excellence and athletic competitiveness.
The addition of Howell is expected to strengthen the 49ers’ roster construction and player development pipelines, positioning the program for sustained success in the highly competitive Big West Conference.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the new coaching staff begins to shape the team’s identity, with early indications suggesting a focus on versatile, high‑energy play that reflects Howell’s diverse background across college, AAU, and professional basketball.