A “Slam Dunk”—55 Years in the Making
The Coach Herb Magee Arena
On November 22, 2022, a new era of men’s basketball at Thomas Jefferson University was born.
It was a night of firsts—55 Years in the Making.
Before their home opener hosting the Bloomsburg Huskies, the University held a ceremony honoring its favorite son, Herb Magee, and bestowing the Thomas Jefferson University gym with a new moniker. The Coach Herb Magee Arena was inaugurated.
Celebrating the beloved Magee, who retired earlier in 2022 following 55 seasons, was a “slam dunk.” His career not only boasted the second-highest victory total in NCAA basketball history, he also has the distinction of winning more NCAA basketball games at the same school than ANYONE.
Coach Herb Magee
Magee triumphed through three name changes (Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, Philadelphia University, and Thomas Jefferson University), and his 1,144 victories included 31 NCAA Tournament appearances topped by the 1970 College Division National Championship. Magee was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
After a renaming pregame reception and ceremony attended by former and current players and VIPs, Jefferson began its home schedule under new head coach Jimmy Reilly, who became the fifth head coach in program history after 15 years as Associate Head Coach under Magee. As Magee's top assistant and right-hand man, Reilly had a major hand in game and practice planning, strength and conditioning, recruiting, scouting, fundraising, alumni relations, community service, logistics, and academic support.
Since Reilly’s debut on the coaching staff in the 2007-08 season, Jefferson amassed a 311-123 record for a .717 winning percentage, and the Rams have recorded 20-plus wins 11 times during the span. Jefferson reached the CACC Championship Game eight times, winning five titles, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament nine times. The Rams were the NCAA East Region runner-up in 2010.
And the final score of this season’s home opener under Riley? Jefferson did it again, winning handily, with the score of 91-77.