Morgan County basketball’s Jaturi Brown and TJ Thomspon recently decided where to attend college.
The two recently-graduated Bulldogs committed to Thomas University on Monday and signed their letters of intent to play basketball for the Nighthawks during a ceremony held two days later.
Brown and Thompson have been playing hoops with each other since rec ball, and each is excited to be attending college together. They also hope to room with each other on campus at Thomas University.
Each former Bulldog credits head coach Cody Anderson for helping them play ball at the next level.
“All of this wouldn’t have happened without him,” Brown said of Anderson. “He’s the reason why.”
According to Brown, Anderson reached out to schools from “all over” looking to help him and Thompson find a college home. Coincidentally, the two players didn’t know they’d end up together.
“I had some other offers, but this was close to home, and once I found out Jaturi [Brown] was coming, I knew it would be great because we grew up playing with each other.
“We go way, way back,” Thompson added. “I’m glad to continue playing with him. I just want to thank Coach Anderson, too.”
Thompson was kicked off the team toward the end of last season and didn’t walk on Senior Night; however, he is grateful that Anderson kept believing in him and helped him get to the next level.
“I realized that character is important. I learned that if you’re dealing with certain problems, you should let people know instead of holding back,” he said. “Coach Anderson was the one who was always there even in the bad times, so I appreciate him for everything he did from the start until now.”
Brown and Thompson have been a part of Morgan County’s varsity squad for the past several years. They played for former head coach Jamond Sims for three years before Anderson replaced him.
The pair started a majority of the games this past season for the Bulldogs, despite Thompson not finishing the season. Still, each played a vital role while on the court for Anderson’s squad in 2022-23.
Thompson was one of the team’s top contributors in every statistical category this past season for Morgan County. Brown was a huge factor in the paint as he was the team’s leading rebounder. Despite their senior seasons ending with a little bit of disappointment, Brown loved every minute of it. The 2022-23 All-Region 4-AAA Honorable Mention selection thinks the “future is bright” at MCHS.
“We saw a shift in the culture this past season,” Elder said. “I see the future being bright because knowing Coach Anderson, he’s going to move some pieces around and make the changes. It was his first year here last season, so we [as players] just had to adjust as well. Things are trending up.”
Thompson agrees with Brown’s sentiment.
“Our careers got better throughout the years. Like my senior season, coach Anderson, he helped me improve a lot,” Thompson said. “Then with [Qua] Brown coming in, it was even better. However, after he got hurt and everything started going downhill, and when I got kicked off, it was still a great year in the end.”
The duo will move down to Thomasville at the start of August. Thompson hasn’t declared a major yet while Brown hopes to study Physical Science, and has big dreams following college, too.
“Making it to the NBA is obviously a goal of mine,” Brown said. “If I don’t make it there, the [NBA] G-League or playing overseas is an option. Those are big goals but I look forward to the challenge.”
On the other hand, Thompson just wants to take it slow and get used to college basketball life first. He also wants to stay in contact with Morgan County’s program and players as much as he can.
“I’m just happy to be playing with Jaturi and continuing my career,” Thompson said. “I do want to be around for our younger players as well. They look up to me. I want to give back like others did to me.”
Brown and Thompson join three of their fellow Bulldog seniors that are signed to play college basketball. Marquavious ‘Qua’ Brown (North Carolina AT&T), Harrison Peaster (The Winchendon School) and Shawn Morgan (Montreat College) have already signed to play at the next level.