Morgan County boys’ basketball honored former player B.J. Elder by retiring his number on Dec. 20.
Elder returned to Madison this past Friday with his wife, Khristina, and their four children to be honored between games. The former Bulldog and Georgia Tech standout saw his No. 20 jersey officially retired.
Elder was greeted with cheers from the crowd as he made his way onto the floor before the boys’ game against Oconee County. He and his family walked across a red carpet to reach center court.
Morgan County athletic director Greg Thompson gave a short speech congratulating Elder.
“It’s an honor to have everyone here tonight celebrating BJ,” Thompson said as he stood at midcourt with Elder and his family. “Retiring his jersey and remembering his legacy is long overdue.”
Thompson then called for a moment of silence for Elder’s coach, Donald Harris, who recently passed away. Tears were shed for Harris, a teacher and coach at Morgan County for over 20 years.
After Thompson’s speech, Morgan County boys’ head coach Cody Anderson shared a few kind words.
“When I got to Morgan County, I searched for every No. 20 jersey I could find because I didn’t want anyone to wear it,” he said. “I wanted to eventually retire it, so I’m glad we’re finally getting to do it.”
Finally, Elder addressed the crowd while the Morgan County boys’ team watched from a few feet away. He thanked everyone for supporting him at the ceremony and throughout his basketball career.
Elder told the current players to keep working, and they could one day be in his shoes. He also described the ceremony as “bittersweet” because Harris was absent. Elder knew he was watching, though.
“I was looking forward to him being here,” he said. “I just wanted to thank him for what he did for me.”
Elder was a highly-touted prospect at Morgan County.
Elder averaged 21 points and five rebounds a game during his junior campaign for the ‘Dogs. He was an All-State second-team selection and also won the Region Player of the Year 7-AA award.
In his senior season, Elder improved his averages to 26 points, six rebounds, and two steals per game.
One of the more memorable moments of Elder’s senior year was a dunk against Putnam County that shattered the backboard. He recalled that moment with the crowd at his jersey retirement on Friday.
“I can’t believe that happened,” Elder said with a laugh. “It was an unbelievable moment.”
Elder was among the top 100 players in the nation as a senior and signed with Georgia Tech.
Elder played for the Yellow Jackets for four seasons, helping them make the 2004 national championship game against Connecticut. Elder scored 14 points, but the Huskies came out on top.
Elder continued his professional basketball career but never made it to the NBA. The Madison native played internationally for several teams in Germany, Italy, and Greece before retiring in 2014.
Elder, 42, now resides in Atlanta, where he is an assistant coach at Georgia Tech.
“It’s an honor to be back here tonight with the people who’ve supported me over the years,” Elder said.