Johnny Tauer has led the St. Thomas men’s basketball team since 2011. Prior to that he served as an assistant coach for 11 years after playing for the Tommies in 1990s and has had more than his share of memorable experiences with the program.

Saturday night he joined a sold-out crowd of 5,325 in reveling in the team’s debut at the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena.

“What a magical night,” Tauer said. “It seems surreal in a way after all that has gone into it. I think this building is as beautiful as any in college basketball.

“There aren’t many things after 26 years in coaching that you haven’t seen. I flash back to being a 6-year-old kid with my dad, not going to the old gym, but the other old gym at O’Shaughnessy Hall.

“To look at where this university has come and where we’re headed is j

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