By David Aliaga
Staff Writer
Former ’Runner Stephon Carter looks to take
his dynamic style of play overseas to Israel.
As a Roadrunner, Stephon Carter electrified CSUB fans with his exciting style of play on the court. Now CSUB’s all-time leading scorer is traveling overseas in order to fulfill his goal of playing professionally.
The future looks bright for former California State University, Bakersfield basketball star Stephon Carter, as he departed from the country in early October with high hopes of pursing a professional basketball career in Israel. Carter’s days in California came to a close in October as he began to pursue his goal of playing basketball. He has yet to commit to a professional team overseas. His plans on playing professional basketball in a different country will be determined during his visit to Israel where he will meet with different teams to discuss his future.
When asked if he knew any specifics on teams that were interested, Carter said that he had no idea what to expect but he will leave the country with high optimism. During his time as a ’Runner, the 6-foot-3-inch guard electrified the Bakersfield crowd with his vibrant style of play as he evolved into CSUB’s
most dynamic player to ever step on the hardwood.
With an average of almost 14 points and two steals per game for his career, Carter broke the all-time scoring and steals record in school history as he scored a total of 1,628 points and collected 238 steals throughout his four years of play. With great success under his belt, Carter should be more than optimistic as he heads to Israel with an impressive résumé.
“I believe Stephon will bring a prolific scoring presence to his new team,” said Brandon Barnes, Carter’s
former CSUB teammate and good friend. “He is a competitor and will make any team a winner.”
Proven to be an elite basketball player, Stephon’s chances of continuing to pursue a basketball career seem very likely.
Playing professional basketball in Israel is the first step towards Carter’s ultimate goal while he looks to further his career in hopes of one day taking it to the next level, the National Basketball
Association.
“He’s a big-time athlete and he has a high ceiling for getting better,” Barnes said. “With continuous
work, he can play and make big money.”
Carter has always dreamed of playing in the NBA, and his passion for the game is what drives him to never give up. At 22 years of age, the young athlete has a lot of time to reach his goal by working on improving
his game even more.
With self-determination and motivation, Carter said, “I’m gonna keep trying until they say I can’t
make it anymore.”
What if basketball does not work out for Carter? What other career plans does CSUB’s former star
have in mind?
When asked, the basketball lover said that he would like to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher and a basketball coach if his plan of playing professional basketball is unsuccessful.
