header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
April 26
1906 - Bobby Batugo, World Champion Mixologist in the 1970s, born in The Philippines [story]
Bobby Batugo


By Zachary Rome, CSUN Media Relations Intern

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—Reggie Theus Jr. knows what it takes to be a leader on and off the court. He even sports a “C” on his chest which stands for the team captain, and he models his game after his favorite player, LeBron James.

One of the brightest spots on the CSUN Men’s Basketball team, Theus Jr. hit a new career high in scoring (16 points) in the Matadors’ latest win over Morgan State on Dec. 30, and giving CSUN a 2-0 record since Theus Jr. returned to the starting lineup. This season, Theus Jr. is also averaging career highs in points per game, field goal percentage and rebounds per game. And he also happens to be the son of former NBA great and CSUN head coach Reggie Theus Sr.

Theus Jr. grew up locally and played all four years of his high school basketball career at Los Angeles powerhouse Fairfax High. He was named first team all-league as a senior by averaging nearly 18 points per game and impressed scouts from all over the country including University of South Carolina head coach Frank Martin, who watched in person when Theus Jr. played a couple nights during his senior season.

“The thing about [Reggie Jr.’s] career is that he earned his scholarship on his own.” said his father. “I wanted Reggie originally to get away from Los Angeles. The coaches at South Carolina saw his work ethic along with his mentality, and they loved him. I knew that [Coach Frank Martin] was going to give him lessons as a man that he wasn’t going to get here. It’s really tough love. You grow up quick under Coach Martin.”

Dad also felt it was important for his son to get out on his own because he wanted him to learn how to be independent.

So, Theus Jr. committed to play in South Carolina starting the 2013-14 season. As a freshman, he still managed to make the Southeastern Conference First-Year Academic Honor Roll in a year where he was really just trying to figure things out.

“Going out there was really hard. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t,” Theus Jr. said. “Adjusting, leaving my friends and family for the first time, and not just going around the corner, but across the country. It was tough. But being out there and experiencing what I experienced with Coach Martin and the rest of the staff, it was a beautiful thing. The coaching staff helped me grow, helped me change completely and gave me a completely different perspective on life.”

Theus Jr. played his sophomore year at South Carolina as well, but after the season, he ultimately decided that South Carolina wasn’t the best place for him and came back to L.A. to play for his father at CSUN in 2015. He called the move “perfect.” But he does not consider his time at South Carolina to be a waste.

“I gave my all and everything I had out there, and I still keep in touch with a lot of people from there,” Theus Jr. said.

“Reggie is a glue guy and he has earned the respect of his teammates over the years,” Theus Sr. said. “He was the same way at South Carolina. Coach Frank Martin didn’t want him to transfer, I wanted him to transfer because I knew he was going to play more here. He went through a lot of emotional changes, but he survived it, grew and became a better basketball player because of it.”

The return of Theus Jr. to L.A. had a big impact on his father. The move meant that Theus Sr. would get a chance to coach his son for the first time since instructing him in AAU ball when Theus Jr. was transitioning into ninth grade.

“It’s very emotional for me, because I missed a large part of his high school career because I was coaching professionally or collegiately.” Theus Sr. said. “It’s the best because our relationship over the years has evolved. The thing between Reggie and I is that I think we have good balance. I don’t make any bones about how I feel about my son. I tell him I love him in front of everybody, but when it’s not okay, everybody knows that I get on him just as hard as or harder than the rest of the guys.”

Theus Jr. will be quick to tell you that while some sons hate playing for their dads especially at the Division I level, he is not one of those guys.

“I love it, it’s a great experience; he and I have had a close relationship our entire lives,” Theus Jr. said. “Having the opportunity to play for him like this at such a high level is a blessing. A lot of people would say that they hate playing with their dad, but people are always shocked by my answer. We have an unbeatable relationship, and it’s great.”

Reggie Theus Jr and Sr.

Theus Jr. is in his second season playing for his father.

As a senior, he was named team captain.

“He couldn’t be the captain for my team unless he was truly the captain.” Theus Sr. said. “He earned that right by being a leader and by being someone I can count on to say the right things to the players. My understanding with Reggie is that his mentality has always been very solid. He has always been very good about speaking up in meetings with players. For me it’s a sense of pride, that somewhere along the line he’s learned the lessons of what it takes to pull people together in basketball and in life.”

“I came into my last year knowing that I was going to have to help young guys.” Theus Jr. said. “I’ve received a lot of great feedback from my teammates. Most of the time they mention how good of a senior I am and how helpful I am, and it feels good to hear that. It feels good to see teammates do well. I want to make sure that new guys get the things that they need and take it with them the rest of their careers.”

Theus Jr. will finish the rest of his collegiate career as the Matadors’ team captain, but the future after that is still unknown.

“There are a hundred different things that I am interested in,” said Theus Jr. “This is has been the hardest question that I keep getting asked. I could possibly be getting my master’s degree. There is a possibility where I could continue playing somewhere, but if not, I am sure I will end up in a field that I will enjoy doing and try to make a difference in the world.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


WATCH NOW
LOCAL SPORTS HEADLINES
Thursday, Apr 25, 2024
College of the Canyons dual-sport athlete Sam Regez will continue his career at University of Portland with plans to run on both the cross country and track and field programs.
Thursday, Apr 25, 2024
Lisa Zamroz has announced her intent to step down as the head coach of The Master's University's women's basketball team effective July 1, 2024.
Thursday, Apr 25, 2024
College of the Canyons student-athletes Gigi Garcia (softball) and Hannes Yngve (men's golf) have been named the COC Athletic Department's Women's and Men's Student-Athletes of the Week for the period running April 15-20.
Thursday, Apr 18, 2024
The Master's University men's golf team shot a 13-under 275 to finish second at the Golden State Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championships held at Briarwood Country Club in Sun City West, Ariz.
Thursday, Apr 18, 2024
College of the Canyons made quick work of visiting L.A. Valley College in a shortened 11-3 home victory that came on a day in which the program unveiled its newly named Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room during a pre-game dedication ceremony.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates invite residents of the Santa Clarita Valley to the annual Placerita Canyon Nature Center Open House event to be held Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 11: Placerita Canyon Nature Center Open House
1906 - Bobby Batugo, World Champion Mixologist in the 1970s, born in The Philippines [story]
Bobby Batugo
Starting Monday, April 29, construction on the South Fork Trail will begin to replace a portion of the lodgepole fencing, the city of Santa Clarita announced.
South Fork Trail Construction to Begin April 29
College of the Canyons dual-sport athlete Sam Regez will continue his career at University of Portland with plans to run on both the cross country and track and field programs.
COC Standout Sam Regez Signs with University of Portland
An entertainment industry initiative to support the voices of California State University, Northridge film and TV students was celebrated with a recent screening of stories they created. 
‘Changing Lenses’ Initiative Lends Voice to CSUN Film, TV Students
How important is Film and Tourism to the Santa Clarita Valley Economy? 
SCVEDC Delves into Santa Clarita Film, Tourism Impact
Earlier this month, a team of biology students at The Master’s University won a distinguished award at one of the oldest intercollegiate research conferences in the country.
TMU Biology Students Earn Recognition at Annual Research Conference
Lisa Zamroz has announced her intent to step down as the head coach of The Master's University's women's basketball team effective July 1, 2024.
TMU Women’s Basketball Coach to Resign
Spring heralds a time of renewal and rejuvenation, not just in the natural world, but within our homes and lives as well.
Cameron Smyth | Spring Cleaning Your Neighborhood
College of the Canyons student-athletes Gigi Garcia (softball) and Hannes Yngve (men's golf) have been named the COC Athletic Department's Women's and Men's Student-Athletes of the Week for the period running April 15-20.
COC Names Gigi Garcia, Hannes Yngve Athletes of the Week
California Institute of the Arts' Community Weekend kicks off on Friday, April 26 and runs through Sunday, April 28.
April 26-28: Community Weekend Returns to CalArts
May is National Foster Parent Appreciation Month! Celebrate by applying to become a resource parent and fostering or foster-adopting siblings.
May 16: Children’s Bureau Foster Care Orientation
Santa Clarita resident Edina Lemus has been appointed Administrator of the Veterans Home of California in Lancaster by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Newsom Appoints SCV Resident Veterans Home Administrator
The California Department of Transportation has scheduled Lane Closures on the northbound and southbound State Route 14 between Technology Drive in Palmdale and Avenue A in Lancaster, closing up to three lanes.
Caltrans Announces SR-14 Lane Closures
1906 - Bercaw General Store opens in Surrey (Saugus) [story]
Bercaw Store
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond testified today in the Senate Education Committee about the need for results-proven training for all teachers of reading and math.
State Superintendent Makes Historic Push for Results-Proven Training in Literacy, Math as Sponsor of SB 1115
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
Ocean Water Warning for April 24
Dust off the boots and get ready to holler, because Boots In The Park making its way to back to Santa Clarita, y’all. 
May 10: Boots In the Park Returns to Santa Clarita
State Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) and Supervisor Kathryn Barger honor the memory of those lost 109 years ago in Armenian Genocide. 
Barger, Wilk Recognize Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
The Salvation Army Santa Clarita Valley Corps is excited to announce the inaugural Donut Day event.
June 7: Salvation Army SCV Announces Inaugural Donut Day Event
The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation has approved $370,000 in funding to support the Vet@ThePark program operated by the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control.
LAC Animal Care Foundation Provides $370K Grant to Support Vet@ThePark
The California Department of Public Health is encouraging Californians to take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27.
CDPH Urges Californians to Support Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion, introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath, proclaiming May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Los Angeles County.
Supes Proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month
The Grammy-award winning rock ‘n’ roll group Blues Traveler will take the stage of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. May 9. 
May 9: Blues Traveler to Perform at PAC
SCVNews.com