Reggie Theus

'Rush Street Reggie': two-time NBA All-Star guard drafted ninth overall by the Bulls in 1978.

Reginald Wayne Theus (born October 13, 1957) is an American basketball coach and former player. He played 13 seasons in the NBA, where he was a two-time NBA All-Star. He is currently the men's basketball head coach and athletic director at Bethune–Cookman.

Quick Facts

Position: Head coach; Athletic director
League: Southwestern Athletic Conference
Team: Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
Born: 13 October 1957
Birthplace: Inglewood, California, U.S.
High school: Inglewood (Inglewood, California)
College: UNLV (1975–1978)
Draft round: 1

Lore & Background

Theus was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 9th pick of the 1978 NBA draft. He averaged 16.3 points per game as a rookie and was runner-up for Rookie of the Year. He earned the nickname 'Rush Street Reggie' while playing in Chicago. In 1981, he appeared in his first All-Star Game. On February 14, 1984, Theus was traded to the Kansas City Kings for Steve Johnson and three second-round draft picks.

Reader's Guide

Theus averaged 19.8 points and 6.3 assists over six playoff games in 1981. He averaged 18.8 points and 5.6 assists in 441 games with the Bulls. He later played for the Kings, Hawks, Magic, and Nets, finishing his NBA career with 19,015 points and 6,453 assists in 1,026 games.

Did You Know?

Theus is one of only two players in NBA history listed at 6'6 or taller to tally more than 750 assists in a season (788 in 1985–86), the other being Magic Johnson.
He was inducted into the UNLV Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989 and had his number 23 retired by the school in 1997.
Theus played one season in Italy for Ranger Varese and also played for Aris in the Greek Cup Final in 1993.