Virginia Tech basketball: Hokies promote former star Ace Custis

Former Virginia Tech basketball star Ace Custis proved last year you could come home again.

After a standout career with the Hokies from 1993-97, Custis began a professional basketball career that spanned 15 years. After his playing career ended, Custis joined the coaching ranks.

Custis spent his first year as an assistant at Virginia State in 2013-14. From there, he went to the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, where he spent the next five seasons.

However, his biggest break came in 2019 when Mike Young was named head coach of Virginia Tech. Young reached out to Custis and hired him as the coordinator of basketball relations. In that role, Custis assisted with alumni events, relations between the school and former players and helping student-athletes with life and skills outside of basketball.

On Tuesday, Young promoted the former Hokie legend to the special assistant to the head coach.

This position became available when Antwon Jackson left Young’s staff to take a job at East Carolina. Last year’s special assistant to the head coach, Kevin Giltner, was promoted to Jackson’s spot.

Custis moved into Giltner’s old role after just one season back in Blacksburg.

Young offered the following statement on Custis, via Virginia Tech’s official website:

Ace is one of the greatest players in the history of Virginia Tech Basketball. He epitomizes what it means to be a Hokie. He has won a championship, he is an All-American and is a member of the Virginia Tech Hall of Fame. His relentless work ethic allowed him to play professionally overseas for 15 years. He is a great ambassador of Virginia Tech. We are very fortunate to have him serve as a member of our staff.

Custis is one of the greatest and most respected basketball players in the school’s history. He became only the third Hokie to score 1,000 points and pull down 1,000 rebounds. His No. 20 jersey is retired at Cassell Coliseum and Custis is a member of the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.

Congrats, Coach Custis. There will be more promotions in your future.