Aug. 27 – When the NBA season tips off, Steve Francis will be playing for a different organization, in a new city and in an unfamiliar conference. Despite the change in address following an offseason trade from the Rockets to the Magic, Francis remains loyal to the city of Houston. It was there that Francis earned the nickname “Franchise” and became one of the top guards in the league. He spoke to NBA.com about his involvement with the Steve Francis Foundation and about the challenges that lie ahead for the Magic.

Steve Francis Summer Fiesta, Houston
Schedule of Events (All times Central)
Aug. 27
Youth Job Forum at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Corporate Bowling Challenge at Emerald Bowl, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
The Jump Off at Westside Tennis Club, 9 p.m.– 2 a.m.
Aug. 28
Youth Basketball Clinic at Westside Tennis Club, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Brenda Wilson Scholarship Luncheon and Silent Auction at Westside Tennis Club, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Boat Ride at The Colonel, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Aug. 29
Summer Fiesta Slamfest All-Star Basketball Game at the Toyota Center, 5 p.m.
The Reebok Remix at The M Bar, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

The Steve Francis Summer Fiesta is this weekend. How did it come about?
Steve Francis: “I’ve thought about it for years, but this is the first time we’re actually doing it. I now feel like I’m in a situation where I’m the most knowledgeable. The city of Houston is where I began my career and the people here have always supported me.”

Talk a little bit about the Steve Francis Foundation.
Francis: “I created that about five years ago in Washington, D.C., and now it’s spreading to Houston. The main goal is to help inner-city youth and to raise money for the Brenda Wilson College Scholarship Fund.”

Being that Brenda Wilson is your mother, who passed away from cancer, how much does the scholarship luncheon in her honor mean to you?
Francis: “Obviously, that means a lot to me. We’ll be giving away five college scholarships for $10,000 to kids from the Houston area. This is something that is real special.”

What is the main goal of this event? Is there a specific amount you would like to raise?
Francis: “This is the first year, so we’re probably not going to raise a lot of money. Each year we’re hoping to raise more and more.”


Francis will be the leader of the up-and-coming Magic.
Jennifer Pottheiser
NBAE/Getty Images
After being traded, did you think about having the event some place else?
Francis: “I thought about moving the event, but I like Houston too much. I love it down here. The weather is great and this is where I bought my first home.”

What is the most enjoyable part about being involved with this event?
Francis: “I like being around all of the players, the kids, my family and friends.”

Here is a list of players confirmed to participate: Steve Francis, Dwight Howard, Damon Stoudamire, Antoine Walker, Damon Jones, James Posey, Jameer Nelson, Sam Cassell, Kevin Garnett, Lonny Baxter, Chris Wilcox, Ricky Davis, Darius Miles, Paul Pierce, Zach Randolph, Cuttino Mobley, Nick van Exel, Antonio McDyess, Corey Maggette, Darius Miles, Michael Redd, Ndudi Ebi, Elton Brand, Baron Davis, Rashard Lewis and Jim Jackson.

Have you been involved with any other charities?
Francis: “I’ve done a lot of different things with Alonzo Mourning and the charities that he is involved with.”

Let’s talk a little bit about hoops. What is your reaction to the U.S. basketball team losing to Argentina in the Olympic semifinals?
Francis: “Nobody asked me to go. I would’ve loved to have gone. I can’t believe they lost. They have a lot of inexperienced players, but I still thought they were going to win.”

You were the face of the Rockets the last five seasons. What went through your mind when you found out you were traded?
Francis: “Initially I was upset because I had to leave the city of Houston. My attitude has changed and I’m happy to be going to a team that wants me.”

Including Orlando, can you believe all of the offseason moves around the league?
Francis: “A lot of teams made a lot of moves, so this season is going to be real interesting. Coach (Johnny) Davis is nice and I’ve been talking to a lot of the players. I believe Orlando is making the right changes.”

Even though you are only 27, are you ready for a leadership role with the young Magic?
Francis: “I didn’t really have a leader in Houston because Charles Barkley and Hakeem Olajuwon retired when I first got there. I’m looking forward to meeting Jameer and Dwight and I’m definitely going to enjoy helping them out.”

Since you are going to a new team, do you feel like you have something to prove?
Francis: “No, individually I don’t have anything to prove at all. As a team, we all have something to prove.”

How difficult is it going to be for you to go from a playoff team to a rebuilding team?
Francis: “We don’t feel like we’re rebuilding. We have some young guys and some veterans and we feel like we can be in the mix.”

You, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato all played together in Houston. How pleased are you to have your running mates with you in Orlando?
Francis: I’ve played with Cuttino and Kelvin my entire career. I’m real comfortable with those two and I’m looking forward to getting started.”