Former College Basketball Player Tug Coker to Star in Magic/Bird

Former college basketball player turned actor Tug Coker will play NBA great Larry Bird in the Broadway-bound Magic/Bird, according to The New York Times. Written by Eric Simonson and directed by Tony nominee Thomas Kail (In the Heights), the new play focuses on Bird’s on-court rivalry and off-court friendship with Magic Johnson. There is no word yet on who will play Johnson, or which theater the production will claim.

Coker played basketball at the College of William and Mary before transferring to the University of Virginia. He left the UVA team to pursue acting. Magic/Bird will mark his Broadway debut. His previous acting credits include regional theater and guest spots on C.S.I. and Torchwood. Coker continues to play in Manhattan basketball leagues.

Magic/Bird is produced by the NBA, along with lead producers Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo, who oversaw Simonson and Kail's sports-themed Lombardi.