De Anza College Names Berticevich Men’s Basketball Head Coach
As De Anza College restarts its men's basketball program, it will be under the leadership of a familiar name in the South Bay coaching ranks.
De Anza College announced that Joe Berticevich, the longtime basketball coach and athletic director at Pioneer High School in San Jose, will take the helm of Mountain Lions basketball as it prepares for the 2024-25 season.
Berticevich will continue teaching duties at Pioneer, but now fulfills a dream to lead a college program.
"Being named De Anza College men's basketball head coach is an incredible opportunity that fills me with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead," Berticevich said.
"The chance to coach at De Anza is an exciting new chapter in my coaching career. I look forward to bringing my passion, expertise, and energy to the program. It's a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of these talented student athletes."
"I want to express my sincere gratitude to dean Eric Mendoza, athletic director Ron Hannon and the hiring committee for entrusting me with men's basketball program."
Berticevich started his tenure at Pioneer in 1997 and became athletic director in 2010. He leaves behind a legacy that includes numerous accolades in coaching and athletic administration.
He coached Pioneer to more than 500 wins and captured nine league championship titles. "Coach B" guided the Mustangs to the Central Coast Section playoffs 25 out of 27 years – and reached the CCS semifinals five times.
His honors include being named Blossom Valley Athletic League Coach of the Year multiple times, 2016 National Federation of State High Schools Coach of the Year (West Coast Section), 2016 California Interscholastic Federation Model Coach, and 2009 Central Coast Section Honor Coach.
In 2020, Pioneer named its home floor "Coach Berticevich Court" in his honor.
"Given all these awards and achievements though, what means the most to me, it's my current and former players – as well as current and former coaches and the lasting friendships that I have developed," he said.
Over the years, Berticevich was heavily-involved on several regional boards including BVAL athletic directors president and Central Coast Section board of managers and basketball selection committee.
He began his coaching career at Los Gatos High School (1993-1997).
Berticevich was a standout basketball player at Prospect High School, where his senior season was highlighted by a district championship and a 24-0 regular season. He was voted team MVP and earned first-team all-league honors.
He went on to play at West Valley College for legendary coach Bob Burton, before transferring the San Jose State.
Berticevich earned his bachelor of science degree in business administration, management (minor in psychology) from San Jose State; a teaching credential from National University; and his associate's degree in liberal arts at West Valley College.
Berticevich and his wife, Penni, reside in Morgan Hill. Their two children, Jacob and Jami, both played sports at Pioneer.
"We're excited to welcome Joe Berticevich to the De Anza College family, as our new men's basketball coach," said Ron Hannon, De Anza College's Director of Athletics and Student-Athlete Success.
"Joe has been an established basketball coach in the Bay Area for a very long time, and built a winning tradition at Pioneer High School for almost 30 years. He has carried the same level of enthusiasm for teaching the game the entire time."
"He is committed to developing young men of character and accountability. I have no doubt that he will continue with that same tradition here at De Anza."
De Anza College opens the spring quarter on Monday, before Berticevich starts instructing the off-season basketball class on April 22. Berticevich will soon begin recruiting a new roster in preparation for summer conditioning.
Coach B's contact information will be available soon.
Interested student-athletes can complete the online questionnaire: Men's Basketball