Reggie Theus

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13 Mar 2024

Reggie Theus

Reggie Theus, born on October 13, 1957, is a prominent figure in basketball, having excelled as both a player and a coach.
As a player, Theus enjoyed a successful 13-season career in the NBA, where he earned two NBA All-Star selections.
Transitioning to coaching after his playing career, Theus has held various coaching positions at both the professional and collegiate levels. He served as the head coach for the NBA's Sacramento Kings and also led college teams such as the New Mexico State Aggies and the Cal State Northridge Matadors men's teams. Additionally, he gained valuable experience as an assistant coach for the Louisville Cardinals under the guidance of Rick Pitino.
Currently, Reggie Theus serves as the men's basketball head coach and athletic director at Bethune–Cookman University, where he continues to make significant contributions to the sport.

Reggie Theus, born to Felix and Willie Mae Theus, grew up in Inglewood, California, as one of four children. Unfortunately, his parents divorced when he was just four years old. His father, who ran a janitorial business, passed away before Reggie's senior year in high school. Following his father's death, Reggie briefly took over the management of his father's business.
He attended Inglewood High School, where he showcased his basketball talent, averaging an impressive 28.6 points and 15.5 rebounds per game during his senior year. Additionally, he spent part of his educational journey at Monroe Middle School in Inglewood.

Reggie Theus made a significant impact during his college basketball career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) under the guidance of head coach Jerry Tarkanian from 1976 to 1978. In his three seasons with the Runnin' Rebels, Theus showcased his versatility and skill, averaging 12.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game.
During his sophomore year, Theus played a pivotal role in UNLV's rise to national prominence. The team achieved a remarkable record of 29 wins and 3 losses, reaching the school's first-ever Final Four in Atlanta. Although they narrowly lost in the semifinals to the University of North Carolina, they secured victory in the third-place game against UNC-Charlotte.

Throughout the season, UNLV set NCAA single-season records for most points, most 100-point games, and most consecutive 100-point games. Theus contributed significantly, averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while maintaining impressive shooting percentages.
In his junior year, Theus further solidified his status as a standout player, earning second team All-American honors. He elevated his performance, averaging 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.
Reggie Theus's remarkable contributions to UNLV basketball were duly recognized. In 1989, he was inducted into the UNLV Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 1997, his jersey was retired by the Rebels, cementing his legacy as one of the school's all-time greats.

Reggie Theus began his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls after being selected with the 9th pick in the 1978 NBA draft. Standing at 6'7" tall, Theus made an immediate impact, averaging 16.3 points per game during his rookie season and finishing as the runner-up for the 1979 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He quickly became one of the team's key scorers, ranking second in scoring behind Artis Gilmore, a future Hall of Famer.
During his sophomore season, Theus elevated his game, averaging 20.2 points and 6.3 assists per game for the Bulls. He formed a dynamic backcourt duo with fellow UNLV alum Ricky Sobers. His performance earned him the nickname "Rush Street Reggie" due to his active social life in Chicago.

In 1981, Theus made his first All-Star Game appearance as the Bulls clinched a playoff berth. He played a crucial role in the playoffs, leading the Bulls to a first-round series victory over the New York Knicks. Despite a valiant effort, the Bulls were ultimately swept by the Boston Celtics in the next round.
Theus continued to excel with the Bulls, averaging a career-high 23.8 points per game during the 1982-1983 season. However, changes within the organization led to his benching by newly appointed coach Kevin Loughery during the 1983–1984 season. In February 1984, Theus was traded to the Kansas City Kings in exchange for Steve Johnson and draft picks.
Throughout his time in Chicago, Theus played under five different coaches, showcasing his adaptability and versatility on the court. He left a lasting impact on the Bulls franchise, averaging 18.8 points and 5.6 assists over 441 games.

Reggie Theus continued his impressive performance with the Kansas City Kings, now based in Sacramento, California. After joining the team, the Kings experienced success, winning 12 of their first 17 games with Theus on board. During his time with the Kings, Theus maintained solid averages of 16.4 points and 8.0 assists per game in 30 appearances, helping the team qualify for the playoffs under Coach Phil Johnson, who had previously coached Theus in Chicago.
In the following season, Theus further established himself as a premier playmaker, averaging a career-high 18.3 points and 9.6 assists per game. Despite his stellar performance, the Kings fell short in the playoffs, losing to the Houston Rockets led by Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson in the first round.
Throughout his four seasons with the Kings, Theus remained a key contributor on both ends of the court, averaging 18.8 points and 8.1 assists in 346 games. His scoring ability and playmaking skills solidified his status as one of the team's top performers during his tenure with the franchise.