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The Orlando Magic have named John Kuester assistant coach, General Manager Otis Smith and Head Coach Brian Hill announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deals are not disclosed.

“John brings excellent experience, energy and dedication to our staff,” said Hill. “He is known for his attention to detail, the way he prepares for games, and for helping players reach their full potential. We are excited to have him as part of the Magic family.”

Kuester brings 16 years of NBA coaching experience to the Magic. During the 2005-06 campaign, he was an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers. For six seasons (1997-2003), he was a member of the Sixers’ coaching staff under then-coach Larry Brown, helping guide them to the NBA Finals in 2001. He would re-join Brown’s staff in Detroit as an assistant coach, helping the Pistons capture the 2004 NBA World Championship. Kuester was also an assistant coach with New Jersey in 2004-05 and spent seven seasons (1990-97) with the Boston Celtics, including two as an assistant coach from 1995-97.

Kuester began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at the University of Richmond in 1980-81. He then served as an assistant coach at Boston University for two seasons (1981-83). In 1983, Kuester became the youngest Division I head coach, succeeding Rick Pitino at Boston University. After two seasons with the Terriers (1983-85), Kuester was the head coach at George Washington University from 1985-90.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Kuester played four seasons with the Tar Heels under Dean Smith from 1973-77. He helped UNC capture two Atlantic Coast Conference championships and reach the NCAA Tournament four times, including the NCAA Finals in 1977. During his senior year, Kuester was voted the team’s best defensive player for the second straight season and the Most Valuable Player of both the ACC Tournament and the NCAA East Regionals.

Kuester was selected in the third round (53rd overall) by the Kansas City Kings in the 1977 NBA Draft. He played three seasons in the NBA, one each with Kansas City, Denver and Indiana.