The Orlando Magic have fired head coach Stan Van Gundy, the team just announced.

General Manager Otis Smith and the team have “mutually agreed to part ways” as well.

Here is the official statement from the Orlando Magic:

Orlando Magic Chief Executive Officer Alex Martins announced today that Stan Van Gundy has been relieved of his duties as head coach. In addition President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Otis Smith and the organization have mutually agreed to part ways.

“On behalf of the DeVos Family, we sincerely appreciate and thank Otis and Stan for all that they have done on and off the floor for the Orlando Magic,” said Martins. “These are the days you dread in this business, but we feel it’s time for new leadership and new voices.

“They both brought die-hard dedication and an unmatched work ethic on a daily basis,” added Martins. “Their success is well documented, as the Orlando Magic has had the fourth best record in the NBA over the last five years, and entering the playoffs this year the third most playoff wins over that period of time. The disappointment of getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs these past two seasons played a primary role in our decision, as we feel our momentum towards winning a championship has paused. We wish Otis and Stan all the best and we look forward to taking the next step towards winning that championship.”

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Summer food program (Photo courtesy: usda.gov)

Tipping off the launch will be Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Orlando Magic Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, STUFF the Magic Mascot, the Magic Dancers, Nap Ford Community School students and mascots from the Rays, Jaguars and Dolphins.

During the school year, more than 1.6 million Florida students rely on free or reduced price school meals through the National School Lunch Program. When school is not in session, approximately 3,000 Summer BreakSpots around the state will serve free healthy meals and offer fun learning and recreational activities.

As part of the launch, in addition to the STUFF the Magic Mascot, Commissioner Putnam will be joined by mascots from the Tampa Bay Rays, Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins to announce a partnership that aims to expand awareness of the program to communities across the state.

WHAT: 2012 Summer BreakSpot Launch

WHEN: Tuesday, May 22, 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Nap Ford Community School
648 West Livingston St., Orlando, 32801

**EVENT IS OPEN TO THE MEDIA, BUT CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Orlando Magic guard Chris Duhon (back, right) and Magic Community Ambassador Bo Outlaw (back, left) visit with families at a May 11 pep rally as part of the Sneakers-2-Succeed campaign to collect shoes for families in need. (Photo: Gary Bassing)

About 1,905 pairs of sneakers were collected by Orlando Magic guard Chris Duhon’s Stand Tall Foundation, for families identified by Seminole County Public School’s Families in Transition (FIT) Program.

The sneaker drive culminated on May 11 at Lake Howell High School’s Blue and Silver community event. The pep rally included visits by Chris Duhon and Magic forward Ryan Anderson as well as appearances by the Orlando Magic Dancers, STUFF the Magic Mascot and the Magic flight crew with the Magic RV on site.

Duhon and his foundation partnered with The Art of Stepping (AOS) to create the Sneakers-2-Succeed campaign. The year-long campaign was an effort to collect new or gently used sneakers to promote health awareness and help combat obesity.

For more information, visit www.chrisduhonstandtall.org.

Orlando Magic forward Ryan Anderson met with campers at his Orlando Magic Basketball Camp on Tuesday, June 21 2011 (Photo/Gary Bassing)

The Orlando Magic will host 20 sessions of youth basketball programs, designed for boys and girls of all skill levels ages 7-16, across Central Florida this summer. Registration is officially open and limited space is still available for all camps, including the inaugural Jason Richardson and Glen “Big Baby” Davis Basketball Camps.

In addition to the 19 sessions of full-day camps, the Magic are hosting an overnight camp from July 9-13 at Warner University, which includes all meals and housing, as well as special day camps featuring Magic players Jason Richardson and Glen “Big Baby” Davis.  Due to popular demand, an all-girls basketball camp will be offered August 6-10 at Orlando Christian Prep, and a one-day “mini camp” for youth ages 4-8 will be offered from 9 a.m.-Noon on July 21 at the RDV Sportsplex.

The Orlando Magic and UnitedHealthcare have also partnered to provide 150 kids with full scholarships to attend camps. For more information and to apply for a scholarship, visit OrlandoMagic.com/campscholarship. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis pending availability of preferred camp and proof of need-based eligibility.

To register for the Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camps, or for more information, call 216-378-0932 or go to OrlandoMagicCamps.com.

Orlando Magic GM Otis Smith

Smith who became Co-General Manager for the 2005-2006 NBA season was later named sole GM on May 3, 2006.

Orlando has had in many ways the most difficult season in franchise history.

Current head coach Stan Van Gundy and star center Dwight Howard haven’t seen eye to eye this season, leading the boisterous coach’s claim that the three time defensive player of the year called for his job.

The Magic have spent most of their season trying to explain the soap opera-like atmosphere.

Smith has been bashed and in many minds is to blame for the Magic’s collapse.

Orlando was (52-30) in 2007-2008, 2010-2011 and posted an impressive (59-23) record in both the 2009 and 2010 seasons. The team reached the NBA Finals but lost to the Lakers in five games.

With many head scratching moves from Smith it’s no wonder Orlando fans have become impatient. Signing Rashard Lewis to a $119 Million dollar contract, letting Hedu Turkoglu go along with Courtney Lee following the finals lost and taking on the massive contract to sign Gilbert Arenas.

The Magic posted a .561% winning percentage during this short season and after losing Howard to back surgery fell from the 3 seed to the 6th seed in a matter of two weeks.

After stumbling into the playoffs the Magic were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in five games.

Sources say Adonal Foyle, current Director of Player development and former Magic player will be taking Smith’s place as General Manager.

I’m not sure what direction the Magic will go in, but change is needed.

Orlando Magic Jason Richardson (Photo: Fernando Medina/OM)

Indiana held off a fourth quarter Magic rally winning Saturday afternoons showdown 101-99 in overtime.

Jason Richardson lead the Magic with 25 points followed by Glen Davis’ 24 points 11 rebounds.

West scored 12 points in the third quarter dominating Orlando’s Earl Clark.

Orlando shot 31% from three and 40% from the field compared to the Pacers 46% from the field and 28% from beyond the arc.

Facing elimination the Magic will have to win in Indiana to keep the series alive.

“They all know the score, it’s up to them to believe whether or not we can win the series,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said.

Pacers George Hill drove to the basket and Jameer Nelson was called for the foul, Hill would hit both free throws giving Indiana a 2-point lead with 2.2 seconds left in overtime.

“The ref saw what he saw calling me for the foul but guess he didn’t see the hook,” Nelson said post game.

The Magic got a shot with 2.2 seconds but a Glen Davis fadeaway hit the side of the rim as time expired

After winning game one Orlando has dropped three straight and is in danger of losing in consecutive first rounds of the NBA playoffs.

Game 5 is Tuesday in Indiana, tip off set for 7pm.

The annual award is presented to a player who has made a significant improvement from the previous season.

Anderson received 260 of a possible 605 points, including 33 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada.

Anderson established career highs in scoring (16.1 ppg), rebounds (7.7 rpg), field goal percentage (.439) and free throw percentage. He also paced the league and established personal bests in three-pointers made (166) and attempted (422).

He increased his scoring from the previous season by 5.5 ppg and his rebounds by 2.2 rpg. Orlando averaged 107.5 points per 100 possessions with Anderson on the court, compared to 94.1 points with the 6-10 forward on the bench.

Orlando Magic Glen "Big Baby" Davis

The Magic were up one game on the team that was predicted to sweep them out of the playoffs and now fans were thinking that the team could actually advance. After all, center Dwight Howard is thousands of miles away from the team nursing his hurt back and isn’t around to cause anymore drama.

Center-forward Glen Davis is stepping up and scoring points, morphing into the team’s emotional leader, and being the strong mouthpiece that Howard could never be. Maybe the Magic can really do it. Maybe this team, minus the stagecraft and theater of the regular season, can pull off a minor miracle.

Well, that hope crashed and burned on Wednesday night in Orlando as the Magic went down 97 to 74. The Pacers outpaced the Magic in the third quarter with 32 points to take a commanding lead into the fourth period. Orlando never recovered, or seemed to try hard enough to get back into the contest.

Their big guns, like Ryan Anderson and Jason Richardson, scored a total of 12 points on the night. Forward Hedo Turkoglu didn’t do much better as he banked just four field goal attempts and five points.

The Pacers shot a healthy 40 percent from beyond the arc and made 75 percent of their free throws. Each Indiana starter, except for David West, made double figures and gave Orlando fits around the rim.

Now comes a pivotal game four on Saturday in Orlando as the Magic look to knot the series at two games a piece. If they cannot, and there is grand doubt that they will, then fans and Magic players can wave goodbye to this season.

While this group of players may not be together come next season, the make-up of this team may remain. The playoff motto for the Magic is “We All We Got” and that is exactly how it may be headed into the 2013.

-JH

Kiwanis Golfers and UCP Students at Charity Golf Tournament

This year’s charitable competition, held on April 23rd, generated approximately $12,000 for UCP, who has been the financial recipient of this fundraiser for many years. More than 75 golfers teed off for the 18-hole friendly tournament held at Orange County National, one of Central Florida’s premier golf courses located in Winter Garden, Florida.

“Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. We’re pleased to support UCP’s mission and directly impact the more than 2,400 children and families served by UCP each year,” said James Lumbra, Jr., Tournament Coordinator for Kiwanis Club of East Orlando.

UCP’s support, education and therapy programs benefit children ages birth through 21 with disabilities including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, autism, vision and hearing impairments, speech and language delays, other developmental delays, as well as children without disabilities.

“We are grateful to have Kiwanis’ commitment to fund necessary equipment and supplies for school and therapy expansions,” said Dr. Ilene Wilkins, CEO & President, UCP of Central Florida.

· Blue & white will ignite the energy in Amway Center. Fans whose seats are on the EAST (orange) side of the building, are encouraged to wear WHITE to all home playoff games. Fans whose seats are on the WEST (green) side of the building, are encouraged to wear BLUE to all home playoff games. Fans can confirm their location and what color to wear, by visiting www.orlandomagic.com/truebluenation.

For Game 3 in the First Round (Weds., May 2), all fans will receive a blue or white 2012 playoff T-shirt on their seat and 5,000 Rally Rackets will be distributed at the door.

On Saturday, April 28, fans can visit the Orlando Magic Team Shop presented by adidas at the Amway Center to check out the 2012 Playoff retail specials during the Playoff Tip-Off Event. Specials include: spend $50 for a chance to receive a $250 Magic gift card in a FREE grab bag. Each bag contains a collection of unique Magic merchandise, with select lucky bags including either a $5, $10 or $250 gift card. Restrictions may apply.

Fan Fest on Church Street in front of Amway Center will open two hours prior to tip-off for all home playoff games. Fan Fest will feature the Party Plaza on the West side of Church Street (near Division Ave.) with $2 Budweiser and Bud Light beers. Season Ticket Holders will receive 2 tickets for free Budweiser, Bud Light or Pepsi products. No ticket is required to attend Fan Fest.
Staring on Monday, April 30 and throughout the playoffs, Magic fans can pick up a Blue and White Ignite window cling at local FAIRWINDS Credit Union locations.

On Thursday, May 3, Chick-fil-A restaurants around Central Florida will be distributing Magic logo car magnets to fans from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. No purchase necessary. Only available while supplies last.

Visit orlandomagic.com for full playoff details.

Single game tickets for the First Round of the 2012 Orlando Magic playoffs are on sale now to the general public.

Tickets are available for purchase:
Online at www.orlandomagic.com
At the Amway Center box office
(cash, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover)
At all Ticketmaster outlets (cash only)
By calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover)

Playoff tickets start at $10, while supplies last.

Full season tickets are available for next season. Ticket highlights for the 2012-13 season in the Amway Center include: 2,500 seats priced $20 or less, 8,000 seats priced $40 or less and 10,000 seats priced $50 or under. For ticket information log on to www.orlandomagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.