With only two wins and a 14-game losing streak in his debut season, is Sacramento State’s head basketball coach Brian Katz the man to turn the team around?

Katz, a Sac State alumnus, was named head coach in 2008. Before the Hornets, he had an impressive career at the community college level.

With 19 years of head coaching experience at Lassen Community College and San Joaquin Delta College, Katz had a combined 435-185 record and a number of playoff appearances and championship wins.

Katz admits that his first season as Hornet head coach was a bit tough to swallow and the transition from community college to Division I basketball is going to take a little time.

“We lost 32 games in my last six years at Delta,” Katz said. “Last year, we lost 27. It’s definitely an adjustment.”

Katz said it will take time for Sac State’s program to rebound.

The men’s basketball team has had two winning seasons in 32 years, and none at the Division I level.

“If it took 32 years for the program to get to this point, it’s not going to turn around in one year or two,” Katz said.

But Katz has experience turning troubled programs around.

Prior to Katz’s arrival at Delta in 1993, the Mustangs had a five-year stretch which included a 17-game league losing streak and one league win in two seasons.

When Katz left Delta for Sac State, he had returned the Mustangs to prominence. His 15-year run at Delta ended with a 348-138 record, 14 playoff appearances and a state community college Final Four appearance.

Mary Ann Paz, athletic director at San Joaquin Delta College, said Katz required a lot from his players.

“Anybody who demands discipline and responsibility and holds athletes accountable, they’ll get that,” Paz said. “Sometimes, coaches fail to do that, and they should be doing that. When you do it, I think that’s ultimately what young people want and need.”

Glen Yonan, multi-sport coach at Lassen Community College, said Katz helped put Lassen basketball on the map.

Katz coached at Lassen for four years, where he compiled an 87-47 record and a league championship.

Rich Ressa, Katz’s replacement at Delta and his assistant for 11 years, said Katz is “absolutely” the man who will make Sac State basketball relevant.

“The culture of the program has already been turned around, from what I can tell,” Ressa said. “Guys are going to class, doing the right thing, going to study hall, getting their grades and graduating. The recruiting process takes time, but I believe he’s the right guy.”

Yonan said Katz is determined and meticulous.

“He knew what he wanted to do,” Yonan said. “He ran this club like a point guard.”

Ressa also said Katz’ passion for coaching is a big reason why he thinks he will turn the Hornets into a good program.

Katz said he knew by the ninth grade he was destined to be a basketball coach.

“I always really enjoyed competing,” Katz said. “I always enjoyed it as a player. When you get done playing, if you have that ‘itch’ to compete, the next best thing is coaching.

Katz said he has a plan for helping to turn around the Hornet basketball program. It is the same plan that allowed him to be successful at Delta.

“There are three things everyday that matter – scheduling, teaching/coaching and recruiting – all three are very important,” Katz said. “Obviously, every coach is as good as his players. You’re not going to win games without really good players.”

As a graduate of Sac State, Katz knows the academic demands on students here.

“Four times a week, we have study and every time you mess up, you’re running,” Bjegovic said. “He’s very strict when it comes to academics. It doesn’t matter if you’re the best player or worst player.”

Katz said the relationships he builds with the players are one of the most rewarding parts about the job.

“The relationship really starts when you’re done playing for us,” Katz said. “Your players do a lot for you – they sacrifice, they (have) long, hard practices ? The kids really put themselves out there for you. When they’re done playing for you, it’s your time to serve them.”

Ressa believes this relationship with players is what makes Katz the right coach for the job.

“He’s extremely intense and extremely dedicated to his job,” Ressa said. “He’s in it for the right reasons. He puts his players first. I’ve never met someone who has more integrity than Brian Katz.”

Dustin Nosler can be reached at [email protected]