South Georgia Technical College proudly holds the distinction of being the first institution in the Technical College System of Georgia to offer intercollegiate athletics. As a Division I member of both the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA), the college features men’s and women’s intercollegiate basketball programs. The athletic teams are known as the Jets and Lady Jets, and their mascot is ACE.

A Tradition of Excellence

The men’s basketball program at South Georgia Technical College was revitalized in 2001 under the leadership of President Jon Johnson, with Chris Wade stepping in as the inaugural head coach. This marked a significant return for the program, which had originally fielded teams from the late 1950s until the 1970s, when they were known as the Technics, coached by Herbert Norris. Since its restart, the Jets have achieved remarkable success, including their first appearance in the National Tournament in 2009 and a return in 2014 under Coach Steven Wright, where they reached the Elite Eight on both occasions. After an eight-year hiatus, Coach Chris Ballauer guided the Jets back to the national stage in 2022.

The program has also garnered recognition, with six Jets earning NJCAA All-American honors since 2001. These exceptional players include Marvin McGhee III (2021-2022), Jalen Reynolds (2020-2021), Anthony “Duke” Ethridge (2013-2014), Jae Crowder (2008-2009), “J.Q.” Jonqueveilin Turpin (2006-2007), and Wayne Williams (2004-2005). Their accomplishments reflect the talent and hard work that characterize South Georgia Tech basketball.