Orr has no plans to leave BG after switch

Chauncey Orr played in just one game before suffering a season-ending knee injury this season.

BOWLING GREEN — Tuesday had to be a bittersweet day for Chauncey Orr.

The junior joined his teammates on the Bowling Green State University men’s basketball team at the Stroh Center for the introduction of Chris Jans as the Falcons’ new coach. While he shared his teammates excitement at the new coach’s hiring, he also realized that the man Jans was replacing is his father, Louis Orr.

“It’s time for a new relationship with another coach,” Chauncey Orr said. “I’m ready for it.”

“My biggest concern was how my dad felt. His transition to not being the coach [was important]; I knew I would be fine.”

Jans said he understood the unique situation Chauncey Orr faced.

“For he and his family, I understand that this can be a trying time,” Jans said. “But I think he loves this university, and he’s excited to continuing to play for this university.

“I look forward to getting to know him — and all of the players in our program.”

Chauncey Orr said he has no plans to leave the BG program.

“I’ve built relationships with the guys who are already here — they are my brothers, my family,” he said. “I came here to help my dad, obviously. But I also came here because I thought this was the best fit.

“As long as I think that, as long as coach Jans thinks that, and as long as my family thinks that, I’m fine with [playing at BG].”

Jans said he looks forward to having Chauncey Orr in his program.

“I don’t know him personally outside of shaking his hand at our first team meeting,” Jans said. “But from all accounts his plan is to continue with our program.

“And if he can help us win, I want him to be in this program.”

Orr is a 6-foot-4 guard/​forward who was one of two returning starters entering this past season. He scored 14 points in 12 minutes in the Falcons opener before suffering a knee injury that caused him to miss the rest of the season and resulted in surgery in early December.

“I’m not 100 percent, but I’m getting there,” he said. “My plan is to spend the summer working on my game, getting ready for next season.”

— John Wagner