Orlando, Fla. (February 4, 2014) -- In continuation of the Orlando Magic's 25th anniversary season-long celebration the team will honor former Magic General Manager John Gabriel, former Magic forward and current television color analyst Jeff Turner and former Magic guard Sam Vincent at the Magic's February 7 matchup vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder, tip-off set for 7 p.m. The night will feature a center court presentation with all three at the end of the first quarter. Vincent will join FOX Sports Florida's broadcasts including Magic Live pregame show with hosts Paul Kennedy and Nick Anderson and Gabriel will join broadcasters David Steele and Jeff Turner for a portion of the game broadcast. They will also be featured on Magic Drive Time radio show with host Dante Marchitelli on AM 740 'The Game,' schedule as follows: Jeff Turner on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m.; John Gabriel, Friday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m.; and Sam Vincent on Friday, Feb. 7 at halftime on AM 580. In addition, all three will be available to the media at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 in the Amway Center interview room.
"Legends Nights" is an on-going program which will honor former players/legends throughout the Magic's Silver Season. Past honorees include Tracy McGrady, Nick Anderson, Pat Williams, Jimmy Hewitt, Dennis Scott, Pat Garrity, Horace Grant and Bo Outlaw. In addition to the Magic's "Legends Nights," the 2013-14 season will feature the Silver Ticket Sweepstakes and Scratch Off Promotion, special appearances, game entertainment and other events throughout the season.
A 12-year NBA veteran, Turner played in 612 NBA regular season games during his career with New Jersey and Orlando. As a member of the Magic's inaugural team, he spent seven seasons (411 games-176 starts) with the Magic from 1989-1996. He ranks on the Magic's all-time career list in games played (tied for eighth). While with the Magic, he averaged 6.5 ppg. and 3.6 rpg., helping them reach the 1995 NBA Finals. Turner currently serves as the Magic's television color analyst.
Vincent was a member of the Magic's inaugural squad. A seven plus year NBA veteran, he played in 396 NBA regular season games during his career with Boston, Seattle, Chicago and Orlando. Vincent spent three seasons (151 games - 80 starts) with the Magic from 1989-1992, finishing his NBA career with Orlando in 1992. While with the Magic, he averaged 10.1 ppg., 4.6 apg., and 2.7 rpg. in 23.3 mpg.
Gabriel joined the Magic in 1989 during its inaugural season. While with the Magic, he served in various capacities including director of player personnel, director of scouting, assistant coach, vice president of basketball operations/player personnel and general manager. Gabriel was responsible for building the Magic roster that went to the 1995 NBA Finals, when the organization had only been in existence in the NBA for six years. Also under his tenure, Orlando posted 11 consecutive seasons with a .500-plus record from 1991-2002, while making eight postseason appearances. Gabriel was named the NBA Executive of the Year in 1999-2000.
The 25 years of Magic basketball have seen great success for a relatively young franchise including five division championships (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010), seven 50-plus win seasons and Eastern Conference titles in 1995 and 2009. In addition to its on-the-court success, the team gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, scholarships and grants. Including more than $18 million distributed to local nonprofit community organizations through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation and the Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF-MFF), a McCormick Foundation Fund since 1994. Orlando Magic community relations programs annually impact an estimated 100,000 kids each year, while the OMYF-MFF has positively impacted more than 1 million children. The Magic Volunteer Program (MVP), an organizational staff-wide initiative, provides more than 6,000 community volunteer hours per year.
Ticket highlights for the Magic's 2013-14 Silver Season in the Amway Center, honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards' 2013 Customer Experience Award and named SportsBusiness Journal's 2012 Sports Facility of the Year, include: 2,500 seats priced $20 or less, 8,000 seats priced $40 or less and 9,000 seats priced $50 or under. For ticket information log on to www.orlandomagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.
