Before the tip-off of the game against Armstrong Atlantic State, the school took the unprecedented step of retiring Madgen’s number 1 jersey.

The senior from Williamstown is the first active player to have his jersey retired by the school.

The decision was well planned, with Madgen expected to return to Australia after completing his degree in Business studies at the end of May.

To top the night off, Ben’s dad Gene was in the stadium.

Gene flew over to enjoy a rare opportunity to watch Ben live, rather than on the internet.

Dad also got to see his son achieve something reserved for only a very special few. Unfortunately the company hired to create the banner couldn’t get their heads around the correct spelling (take a close look at the picture - whoops, better try Madgen instead of Magden on the next version).

None of the festivities distracted Madgen from the task against Armstrong. He hit five of the Jag’s first seven points as his team went on to complete an 83-80 win. Unfortunately in the Jag’s next game, the Peach Belt Conference semi final against Montevallo, they came up short - despite Madgen hitting a career high 34 points on 12 of 17 shooting. The Jags now await the draw for the national tournament.

Madgen is not the only Australian to have done well at Augusta State.

Former NBL ‘rookie of the year’ Gary Boodnikoff won a Peach Belt champioship with the Jags in 1999.

Other NBL players with history at Augusta State include current Townsville Crocodile Cam Toovery and former import Kavossy Franklin.