22 Inside Hokie Sports Those Virginia Tech teams were very tight knit and some of the players are still in contact thanks to social media, but for others, it’s easier to maintain a relationship, especially when you see each other at work every day like Custis and strength and conditioning coach David Jackson. Years later, the two bring the same energy to Virginia Tech as they did when they were on the court. “It’s awesome being around Coach [Jackson] every day,” Custis said. “To see him in the weight room and his demeanor, [it’s] the same attitude he has in the weight room that he had 30 years ago.” Jackson recalls Custis’ fiery nature and intense competitiveness that has translated to the modern-day Hokies. The same fire that Custis brought with him when he took to the professional level. “As a youngster growing up, everyone dreams to be in the NBA. That’s the ultimate goal of anyone who plays basketball,” he pointed out. “I came up a little short.” After going undrafted, Custis signed with the Dallas Mavericks, where he suffered a knee injury in the preseason. He went on to play semi-pro for the Grand Rapids Hoops in the CBA before deciding to take his talents overseas. “It was a cultural shock at first. There was a language barrier. We had translators to translate the coach and players,” he said. “I really enjoyed my time overseas. It was a great experience.” LEGEND’S A Continued on page 24 Continued from page 20 Custis cuts a piece of the net following the Hokies’ 65-64 overtime win against Marquette in the 1995 NIT Championship at Madison Square Garden in New York. 1290 Roanoke Street , Christiansburg, VA 24073 • 540-382-7500 • www.gandhappliance.com Find us at G&H Appliance G&H bringing you the best sauce and rub vendors on the market! Get yours today!!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk2NjE5