AU senior forward Kirby to forgo last season of eligibility

By Justin Gray | Sports editor

Augusta University senior forward Ja’Queze Kirby, a key member of the Jaguar men’s basketball program, has decided to forgo his final season of eligibility, AU Coach Dip Metress announced on Monday, October. 21.

Kirby had been through a lot of hardship, including the damage Hurricane Helene did to his hometown, Hazlehurst (Ga.) and a death in his family. When practice began for the team, he had not participated a practice to this point. 

“It’s an odd situation,” said Metress, entering his 21st season at AU. “There were a lot of factors in his life, so it’s not ideal, but realistically we’ll just have to move on without him. It's sad, I wanted him to play this year, but it was his decision not to play.” 

Kirby has contributed so much to this University in the last three seasons and his absence will be greatly missed, he’s one of the most athletic players this program has ever seen.  

It is definitely not good to lose a player you planned a season around, and especially this close to the first game, but at least the Jaguars have practiced without him and now know they won't have him and now they know who their guys are.  

“When all of the stuff happened with the hurricane and the death in the family, we started practicing without him, and then we started to get ready to incorporate him into the mix, but yes we’ve kind of practiced without him the whole time.” 

Replacing a player like Kirby is never easy, but Metress believes they have brought in guys that can step up and fill the role the best they can.  

 “We brought in Evan Joyner, who is in his fifth year, Luis Nonfon, who is 20 years old and then Elías Pálsson, who is also 20, so the last two are not your typical freshmen,” said Metress. “Sometimes experience comes from the transfer portal, sometimes it comes from overseas.  

The Jaguars have less than 10 practices left before they take on Clemson in an exhibition on Oct. 30, which will be a huge task, but also help these young guys get ready physically.  

Kirby helped lead the Jaguars to the national championship game in 2022, when AU lost to Northwest Missouri State 67-58. Kirby made the all Elite Eight tournament team along with teammate Tyshaun Crawford.

Contact Justin Gray at jusgray@augusta.edu.

Ja’Queze Kirby (13) was known for his high-flying dunks, aggressive defensive play and outstanding rebounding skills. (photo by Paula Toole, AU Athletics)