After an impressive playing career in a Sacramento State uniform, Zach Chappell returned to his alma mater as assistant coach prior to the 2024-25 season. He is back for a second season in 2025-26 as the Assistant General Manager.
Chappell completed a pro season of basketball in Germany in 2024 after three highly successful years as a player at Sacramento State (2020-23). Chappell was an all-Big Sky Conference performer as a senior in 2022-23.
A Sacramento native who prepped at Capital Christian High School, Chappell scored 860 points in a Hornet uniform despite playing just 74 games over two and a half seasons (missed first half of 2020-21 with injury). His career averages with the Hornets include 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game. A two-year starter, Chappell averaged better than 11 points each of his final two years.
That culminated in a senior season that saw him start 31 games while leading the team in scoring (13.5 ppg). A double figure scorer on 20 occasions as a senior, Chappell had a habit for hitting big shots, which included game-winning buckets in the closing moments against Long Beach State, Idaho and Denver. He was the College Insider National Player of the Week after hitting buzzer beaters against Denver and Long Beach State over a four-day span.
During his Sacramento State career, Chappell scored in double figures 42 times. Prior to the Hornets, he spent two seasons at San Jose State (2018-20), and finished his collegiate career with 1,203 points. Â
A Big Sky Conference all-academic selection and NABC Honors Roll recipient, Chappell graduated from Sacramento State with a philosophy degree in 2022. He is currently working on his master’s degree in recreation administration.
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