The retirement of JG3's #11 will take place 2/14 at Glens Falls High

Joe Girard III's #11 is getting retired.

The Glens Falls High School will be retiring the jersey number during a special ceremony to take place on Friday, February 14th at the Glens Falls High School Gymnasium, following the JV Boys game vs. South Glens Falls but before warm-ups for the Varsity game.

Approximate time for the ceremony will be 6:30pm, but may run later depending on the run length of the JV game, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30pm.

Athletic Director Shane Jones says the honor recognizes JG3's impact to the Glens Falls athletic program and the community as a whole.  "We are pleased to let it be known that #11 will never be worn again in GF Boys Basketball.  Joseph's jersey will be enshrined in our gym ensuring his legacy will live on forever."

Joe Girard III, currently playing basketball in Europe, will return to Glens Falls to celebrate along with his past players, classmates, coaches, family and friends on hand.  He is the second player to have his number retired, the first being Jimmer Fredette following his career that brought Glens Falls to the State Final Four and then to BYU afterwards, earning him a brief stint in the NBA.

As a player, Joe Girard III set records.  His 4,783 points is a New York State record at any level, and his 69 points against Schuylerville in 2019 is a Section 2 record, toppling a record that had sat for 54 years prior to that.

He led Glens Falls to its first NYSPHSAA Championship in Boys Basketball in 2019, winning the state title on a buzzer beater that capped his high school career.  In addition to his play on the court, he also was the quarterback for Glens Falls's football team, leading his team to the 2018 Class B State Championship when the team toppled Batavia at the then Carrier Dome in Syracuse, a venue where Girard would play the following fall in the sport of basketball.

Girard got playing time with the Orange, but struggled to make a name of himself in his days with the Orange behind Buddy Boeheim.   He then went on to spend his final season of collegiate eligibility playing for the Clemson Tigers.  

His work ethic earned the praise of his teammates and coaches alike.  "We are extremely proud of Joseph!  This is a more than well-deserved honor," says his former basketball coach, Rob Girard.  

On receiving the honor, Joe Girard III says "Having my jersey retired at my high school is a great honor.  This gym, this community, and these fans were the start of everything for me.  I hope my story inspires others to work hard and dream big!"

Some of those inspired by Joe Girard III's work will take the court following the celebration, where the 2024-25 Black Bears hope to stay unbeaten on the season when they face the South Glens Falls Bulldogs.

Athletic Director Shane Jones's press release contributed to this report.