Daeqwon Plowden, a graduate of Pickett Campus’s class of 2017, had his high school jersey number retired during a ceremony at the school on Wednesday evening. 

Plowden, who went on to play at Bowling Green State University on a full scholarship, currently plays for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. He was the first player at Pickett to score over 1,000 points. Additionally, he was a two-time All-State player, earned the title of Player of the Year in two divisions, and led his team to back-to-back undefeated seasons during his high school career. In his NBA debut this January, Plowden scored 19 points, helping lead the Atlanta Hawks to a win over the Chicago Bulls.

During the ceremony, school leadership and coaches spoke highly of Plowden’s achievements. Coach Cook highlighted his perseverance, resilience, and loyalty, while Principal Munnelly commended Plowden for his benevolence, stating, “You not only have the talent, but the right mindset. You are kind and good, and you are receiving this honor today because you are irreplaceable.”

In his remarks, Plowden expressed gratitude to his school community for their support, saying, “I just want to thank Mastery for allowing me to blossom into the person that I am today—not only as a basketball player but also as an individual off the court.” He also encouraged current students to keep dreaming and working towards their goals, emphasizing that his success demonstrates what is possible.

Check out the event coverage by 6ABC and more below.