Aurora University former school legends reunite

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By Al Benson

Aurora University alumni and school basketball legends, Wallace “Mickey” Johnson, of Chicago, and James Lancaster, Aurora, former player/coach, reunited at a school’s basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 9.

Johnson left his seat in Thornton Gymnasium to chat with Lancaster during halftime of the AU-Rockford University men’s basketball game.

A 1974 Aurora College alum, Johnson collected 2,453 points and 1,966 rebounds as a Spartan 1970 through 1974. In 1974, he was named an NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) first-team All America.

Aurora University basketball legends Wallace “Mickey” Johnson of Chicago, left, a former player for the Chicago Bulls, and James Lancaster, Aurora, former player/coach, reunite at Aurora University Wednesday, Feb. 9. Rockford won the game, 101-64. Al Benson/The Voice

Following college graduation, Johnson began a 12-year, 904-game NBA career. After five years with the Chicago Bulls, he played for the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets. Aurora University retired his No. 43 jersey.

Lancaster, a 1986 AU alum, retired from couching Aurora University in 2016 after 30 seasons as a men’s and women’s basketball coach. After serving as men’s assistant coach from 1986 to 1990, he led the women’s program from 1990 to 1994, and compiled a 58-42 won-loss record.

Taking over as men’s head coach in 1974, Lancaster compiled an AU record 404 wins to 188 losses. In 22 seasons, he led the AU men to nine NCAA Division III tournament appearances and 10 Northern Illinois Intercollegiate Conference championships.

Nov. 11, 2016, Aurora University named the playing surface in Thornton Gymnasium “Lancaster Court.” He serves as vice president for enrollment at Aurora University.

Lancaster began his student career at Aurora after a standout basketball record at Taylorville (Ill.) High School.

Lancaster was named a major gifts officer in the AU Development Office in November 2021.

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