AU’s Kirby shows maturity, provides spark for Jaguars in win over Emory
By Aaron Smith | Sports writer
As a freshman on the Augusta University men’s basketball team in 2021-22, Ja’Queze Kirby would struggle with his confidence, but in the start of his sophomore season for the Jaguars, he has grown to trust himself more and was a big part of AU’s win against Emory University in an exhibition game on Saturday night, Nov. 5.
AU men’s basketball coach Dip Metress discussed the growth that he has seen in the 6-foot-6 Kirby from last season to now.
“He’s been arguably the best player in practice, and it’s carried over to the game,” Metress said. “He’s more mature than he was last year because if he made a mistake, he’d want to come out, but now he’s not doing that; instead, he’s going to the next play.”
The change in attitude from Kirby was evident in how he performed against Emory at Christenberry Fieldhouse, pouring in 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting with three rebounds while also coming away with three blocks and three steals. He also made the play of the game, a follow shot slam dunk that did not count as an official whistled him for going over the back of an Eagle defender.
The Jaguars will need to get more scoring from Kirby after Troy Cracknell finished his AU career and has moved onto English professional basketball. Kirby, who is from Hazelhurst, averaged 10.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a freshman.
While Kirby showed a solid touch from outside against Emory, the sophomore forward said that the defensive end was a point of emphasis for him and the Jaguars, who got to the NCAA Division II championship game in March, in preparation for this game.
“We really locked in on everything, but defense is our game,” Kirby said. “If we play well on defense, then the offense will come around to us.”
Kirby provided a big energy boost for the second-ranked Jaguars, throwing down massive dunks that energized both his team and the home fans, but he’s not satisfied with just coming away with the win.
“I feel like I did all right,” he said. “I feel like there are other things that I can improve on and work on to better myself.”
After the game, Metress talked about the maturity that Kirby has shown in practice, and Kirby highlighted that following his impressive game.
“I really just wanted to help my team tonight,” Kirby said. “I approached this game with energy so that everyone could come together as a team and win.”
AU will begin the regular season this coming weekend with games in North Carolina against Mount Olive and Barton.
Contact Aaron Smith at madsmith@augusta.edu.
Ja’Queze Kirby (13) launches a three-pointer over Emory’s Mason Johnson (24) in the Jaguars 95-77 win over the Eagles. (staff photo) At the top of the page, Kirby nails an early trey to help AU jump out to a 7-0 lead to open the exhibition game. (photo by Madison Keel)
