It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Art Becker, a true legend of Arizona State basketball and a pioneer of the ABA. Becker, who starred for the Sun Devils in the early 1960s and later became a two-time ABA All-Star, passed away on April 30 at his home in Tempe. He was 84.

Surrounded by family and under hospice care, Becker left behind a legacy that spanned decades—not just as a player, but as a coach and mentor. His wife, Lynn, shared that Art had bravely battled prostate cancer for 25 years and was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Becker’s influence on the court was undeniable. After his standout college career at Arizona State, he took his talents to the American Basketball Association, where his skill and tenacity earned him two All-Star selections. But his impact didn't stop when his playing days ended. He went on to serve two stints as head men’s basketball coach at Scottsdale Community College (1974-81 and 1993-96), also taking on the role of athletic director. There, he shaped countless young athletes, including his own son, Mark, who was the star center on Tempe McClintock’s 1986 state championship team.

For fans of the game, Becker represents an era of basketball that was raw, exciting, and full of heart. His journey from Sun Devil standout to ABA star to community college coach is a reminder that true legends don't just play the game—they build the next generation.

Becker’s family, friends, and the entire Arizona basketball community will feel his absence deeply. But his legacy, etched on the courts of Tempe and beyond, will endure.