 After starting his career as a junior player with the Leicester Riders, Betts played college basketball at C.W.Post Campus of Long Island University from 1994 to 1997 and later at Long Beach State University from 1997 to 1998.He was selected in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round, with the 50th overall draft pick after averaging 18.7 points and 10.1 rebounds as a senior at Long Beach State.