New WW-P North boys’ coach preaches work ethic, determination
By: Bob Nuse
Like all the coaches at West Windsor-Plainsboro North High, Eric Becker knows the first season of varsity competition will be challenging.
At the same time, Becker knows he and his players on the boys’ basketball team will be up for the challenge.
"Everyone is very excited about the opportunity to be our own separate entity," said Becker, who spent the past three years as an assistant on Jay Thompson’s staff at WW-P High. "I think there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the whole school, not just with basketball, but with all the sports.
"There is a quote I like to use that says, ‘some succeed because they are destined to. But others succeed because they are determined to.’ I think the second part of that quote is true both with myself and with the team. We’re determined to be successful and we’re working hard to do that."
Becker started tryouts for the boys’ basketball team Friday morning, welcoming more than 60 players to the double-session workouts.
"We have a good group of kids and they’ve already been working very hard," said Becker, a graduate of North Hunterdon High School, who went on to play basketball and baseball at the college level while attending Washington College in Maryland. "The enthusiasm is there, which is great. It’s especially nice with a new program.
"Our players are showing a drive and determination to succeed. They’re very focused and that’s important. Our kids are building the foundation of a solid house. They will be setting the tone for now and the future. It’s a challenge and we’re embracing it."
Like all of the programs at North, the boys’ basketball team will be without seniors this season. But even without the seniors, there is a solid group of players on hand that Becker is sure will provide the foundation for a solid program.
"I think we’ll grow together as a program," Becker said. "The coaches, the players, even the kids at the middle school level. I think everyone is excited to be involved with this and we all know we’re in it together. We’re all part of the Northern Knights program.
"You have to work hard to get anywhere in life and I think the kids realize that. The first step is to believe in yourself and the kids believe in themselves and in each other. There is a real positive feeling and it’s just growing."
For Becker, this will be his first shot at as a head coach. He spent a few years as an assistant at his alma mater, North Hunterdon, before coming to WW-P as Thompson’s varsity assistant for two years. He spent last year coaching the freshmen, where he got to know many of the players that will make up the North program this winter.
"Athletics have always been a part of my life," said Becker, who was a three-sport standout at North Hunterdon. "I think they teach you how to deal with adversity, mental toughness and how to deal with the things that come up in life. I have two great coaches with me in the program with Arty Allen and Michael Jackson. We’re trying to be positive and to lead by example. They’re terrific and really know the game of basketball."
The Knights will open the regular season Dec. 15 against WW-P South. It will be the first game in what figures to be a very challenging season.
"I think it will be great for us to compete in the (Colonial Valley Conference)," Becker said. "There is a lot of great talent and there are some great coaches. To be a part of that and to compete against them is great for our school."
And something worth getting excited about.