Arizona State often brags about its Big-12 leading Academic All-Americans across all its sports.
The first Academic All-American in school history has passed away.
Sun Devil Hall of Famer Art Becker helped the Sun Devil men's basketball team to a 26-3 record in 1962-63, the most wins in school history.
The ACCAC and the NJCAA lost a legendary leader with the passing of former NJCAA President Art Becker at 84. Becker dedicated decades to athletics as a coach, AD and mentor, leaving a lasting impact on countless student-athletes.https://t.co/fsKRZL49cm pic.twitter.com/bCpQesfl30
— ACCAC Sports (@accac_sports) May 15, 2026
He scored 1,284 points and notched 724 rebounds in his Sun Devil career, and still ranks among ASU career leaders in rebounds per game (9.0), field goal percentage (.524), free throw percentage (.797), and total field goals (531).
MOST SUN DEVIL REBOUNDS
27, Mark Landsberger vs. San Diego State, Dec. 3, 1976
26, Tony Cerkvenik vs. Arizona, Mar. 4, 1963
26, Art Becker vs. BYU, Feb. 16, 1963
22, Zylan Cheatham vs. Arizona, Jan. 31, 2019
22 Art Becker vs. Arizona, Feb. 9, 1963
He was a three-time member of the Western Athletic Conference all-academic team.
Becker played professionally for the Houston Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Denver Rockets, and the New York Nets. He was a two-time ABA all-star and played for the 1969-70 ABA champion Indiana Pacers.
Former Arizona State basketball, ABA star Art Becker dies at 84 https://t.co/c3hKNa2W6g via @azcentral
— Richard Obert (@azc_obert) May 1, 2026
RIP Art Becker, ABA Basketball Power/Small Forward & Coach
— LegacyTributes (@InMemoriamX) May 2, 2026
Houston Mavericks
Indiana Pacers
ABA Champ
Denver Rockets
New York Nets
Dallas Chaparrals
2x All-Star
Arizona State Sun Devils
2x All-WAC
President of NJCAA
Coach for Scottsdale CC Fighting Artichokes #InMemoriam #RIP pic.twitter.com/ciqLeFVkns