Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
Reginald Wayne Theus is an American basketball coach and former professional player, known for his significant contributions both on the court and from the sidelines.
Personal Information:
- Full Name: Reginald Wayne Theus
- Nationality: American
- Date of Birth: October 13, 1957
- Hometown: Inglewood, California, USA
- Height: 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters)
- Weight: 190 pounds (86 kilograms)
- Wingspan: 6 feet 8 inches
- Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
- Jersey Numbers: 24, 23, 25
Education:
- High School: Inglewood High School, Inglewood, California
- College: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
College Career:
At UNLV, Theus played under coach Jerry Tarkanian from 1976 to 1978. He averaged 12.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game over three seasons. As a sophomore, he helped lead the Runnin’ Rebels to their first Final Four appearance. In his junior year, he earned Second Team All-American honors with averages of 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.
Professional Career:
- NBA Draft: Selected 9th overall in the first round of the 1978 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls.
- Teams Played For:
- Chicago Bulls (1978–1984)
- Kansas City/Sacramento Kings (1984–1988)
- Atlanta Hawks (1988–1989)
- Orlando Magic (1989–1990)
- New Jersey Nets (1990–1991)
- Career Highlights:
- Two-time NBA All-Star
- One of only nine players in NBA history to record at least 19,000 points and 6,000 assists.
Coaching Career:
- NBA Coaching:
- Head Coach of the Sacramento Kings (2007–2008)
- College Coaching:
- Head Coach at New Mexico State University
- Head Coach at California State University, Northridge
- Head Coach and Athletic Director at Bethune-Cookman University (appointed July 7, 2021)
Personal Life:
- Family: Theus is one of four children born to Felix and Willie Mae Theus. His parents divorced when he was four years old. His father, who owned a janitorial business, passed away before Reggie’s senior year in high school. Reggie briefly managed his father’s business after his passing.
Reggie Theus’s multifaceted career showcases his versatility and dedication to the sport of basketball, leaving a lasting impact as both a player and a coach.