Two Monroe basketball standouts sign

ALBANY — Monroe’s backcourt combination isn’t done playing together — not yet, at least.

The Tornadoes’ starting guards — Emeshuan Offord and Trentavious Jackson — each signed a letter-of-intent to continue playing basketball at Atlanta Metropolitan State College on Thursday afternoon.

“This is a blessing,” Offord said. “It is an honor to just be here. My coaches know that it’s been a long journey. I started out on a bumpy road, so I’m just thankful.”

The Tornadoes made it to the state quarterfinals before falling to the eventual Class AAAA region champ, Liberty County at Fort Valley State.

Offord led Monroe in scoring at 16 points per game and was deadly from long distance, while Jackson scored 11 points per game, most of which came in the paint.

“We’ve been playing together all our lives,” Offord said. “I’m going to have my brother with me so that is good. Hopefully, we can make a big impact on another school liked we did at Monroe.”

The day was emotional for the pair as they both broke down in tears.

“It’s a great feeling,” Jackson said. “It’s amazing to have my friends and family here to see me sign. Really just a great day.”

The duo didn’t always plan to play college basketball together, but Atlanta Metro wanted both players and it wasn’t hard for either of them to say no.

“It wasn’t the plan, but it ended up being a good deal,” Offord said.

Jackson said being able to play with Offord weighed heavily on his decision to go to Atlanta Metro.

“I know we’ve got great chemistry together,” he said. “It is going to be a great feeling to just be playing with him again.”