ORLANDO, Fla. – Being back in Central Florida has allowed Bethune-Cookman University Athletic Director/Men's Head Basketball Coach
Reggie Theus a chance to remember some of the most enjoyable times of his NBA career with the Orlando Magic.
Sunday's Bethune-Cookman at UCF game marks an Orlando return for Theus, who was one of the Magic's original players during the 1989-90 expansion season.
"It's a wonderful thing," Theus said. "Having the opportunity to be at Bethune-Cookman and see all the people that I met and knew in those days and remembering that time of Magic basketball. Those were exciting times."
The second player selected by Orlando in the expansion draft, the two-time All Star gave Orlando veteran leadership. He was the team's second leading scorer, averaging 18.9 points while providing a strong outside shooting option. The expansion team had some early success – defeating the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls on a night Michael Jordan scored 52.
"We were a good team," Theus said. "I have a lot of great memories and have been able to connect with some of the guys still living in the area. I'm happy with that."
Theus' tenure with Orlando was short-lived, though. After the first season, he was traded to the New Jersey Nets to give inaugural draft pick Nick Anderson more playing time at shooting guard. By then, Theus had emerged as a crowd and area favorite, and his trade unleashed an anger among Magic fans.
"They [Magic] were looking at their future and felt like I was playing at a level that wouldn't allow them to work with their future guy," Theus said. "I was not happy about being traded because I was ready to make Orlando my permanent home. Things happen for the best, though, and we've come full circle."
B-CU is 1-6 in Theus' first season, coming off a hard-fought setback at No. 21 Seton Hall last Sunday in which the Wildcats led 34-33 at halftime. Sunday's 2 p.m. tipoff is also a homecoming for sophomore
Joe French, who prepped at The Master's Academy.
"I've known [UCF Coach and fellow NBA alum] Johnny Dawkins a long time and he's done a fantastic job," Theus said "He has an athletic team with future NBA talent. It'll be a great challenge for us."
