CHARLESTON, S.C. – Prior to the start of the 2023-2024 season, the NCAA introduced a new rule allowing men's and women's basketball players to wear any number from 0-99. The original rule, adopted prior to the 1957-1958 season, allowed players to wear only numbers containing 0-5 to allow easy communication from the referees to the scorers' table.

With the recent rule adaptation, College of Charleston graduate student Jlynn Counter will become the first Cougar player to wear #82 in official competition when the Cougars tip-off on November 3 vs Tusculum at TD Arena.

And for good reason. The jersey number was selected in honor of his cousin, Caleb Connor McBride, who tragically passed away in 2014.  

"My cousin passed away from a car crash on July 6, 2014, he was 14 years old. He played football and was a tight end, so he wore #82," said Counter.

The Oklahoma City native previously played at IU Indy and Middle Tennessee State before committing to the Cougars for his final year of college basketball. Counter repped #0 at IU Indy and #2 at Middle Tennessee State. A new opportunity to play for a storied program in Charleston presented an opportunity he couldn't pass up to claim a new identifier.

"I don't think I've seen anybody ever with #82, especially a point guard. I think it's different, and then I want to pay homage to him," said Counter. "Now my grandma can basically watch two of her grandsons play college basketball."

Counter initially thought of changing his number last season at MTSU. The moment of clarity to make the change came on a Blue Raiders game day.

"It was on a game day and I was looking at his picture a little bit, and I was said, 'Why not?' I always try like different things, so why not? I get to pay homage to him during my last year of college basketball," Counter added. "When I put my jersey on, I have something to play for."

While honoring his cousin on the back of his jersey, the point guard also recognizes the weight of wearing Charleston on the front.

"That's part of the reason why I came here, because of success. I wanted to win and be a part of the legacy."

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