Luke Loucks and Charlie Ward were hired a few weeks apart this spring, first-year college head coaches guiding Tallahassee’s Division I men’s basketball programs.

While each had a plan and a list of goals, among them was making sure Florida State and Florida A&M played in basketball for the first time since Ward was wearing a Seminoles jersey in the early 1990s. FSU and FAMU will face off in an exhibition game on Sunday at 4 p.m., with Ward’s basketball jersey being retired pregame.

“I hope this game is something that we can continue and eventually maybe get on the regular season non-conference schedule,” Loucks said. “For us to celebrate both of our programs, celebrate the city of Tallahassee and then ultimately hang Charlie’s jersey in the rafters where it’s belonged for a long time is something that I’m excited and fortunate to be a part of.”

Both said Sunday would be an emotional moment for them, returning as coaches in the arena where they both played. Ward is still FSU’s all-time steals leader, while Loucks helped the Seminoles win the 2012 ACC Tournament title.

“I’m just grateful for this opportunity to be back in the Tucker Center in a different capacity with a lot of great emotions and memories that I was able to have while there,” Ward said.

Loucks and Ward have already coached their first exhibition games. FSU lost to Alabama 109-105 last Thursday at Birmingham, while FAMU defeated Edward Waters 100-54 on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the coaches gathered at FSU to promote Sunday’s exhibition. Tickets are available for $10, and students from both schools will be admitted for free.

Loucks met up with Ward outside before walking in to the press conference. Ward said it felt surreal to be on FSU’s campus and wearing FAMU’s green and orange. Loucks showed off a Ward T-shirt with images of him playing football and basketball in garnet and gold.

“I grew up a massive Charlie Ward fan,” Loucks said. “And then getting to know him over the past several years has been a true blessing. Charlie is one of the best human beings I know. Take all of his athletic endeavours away and he’s still a good man.”

(Photo at top of story by Ryals Lee / FSU athletics)

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