Augusta, GA
Augusta University basketball star lives out lifelong dream
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – For some athletes, having success can have a lot to do with their fit on the team they play for.
Making the trip across the Atlantic and landing in Augusta was the best thing for one Augusta University basketball star.
At 16 years old, Maximillian Amadasun moved from Dublin, Ireland to New York City with hopes of following his dreams on the basketball court.
“I’m thankful to have a lot of friends that care for me, and told me, you know, you’re tall so you should play basketball, and I said, ‘Okay let’s do it,’” said Amadasun.
The 6 foot 10 inch center spent time at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of St. Bonaventure before finding his home away from home at Augusta University.
Head Coach Dip Metress said: “He had a great line on his visit. I said something about working hard, he goes I continue to work hard because I must not have been good enough to play at the places I was before. Didn’t blame a coach, didn’t blame the meal plan, didn’t blame anything. So, I knew then he was made of something.”
Amadasun said: “With Dip, he’ll always give you some form of freedom in a way to be yourself and that’s one thing I love about this system, the environment.”
His work ethic and attention to detail make him a perfect fit for Metress and the Jags.
“He averaged the most rebounds of anybody I’ve coached in my 20 years, and I would say this, I’ve had a lot of bigger guys he’s the hardest working guy over 6 foot 8 inch that I’ve had,” said Metress.
Amadasun said: “Sticking to it just, you know, chopping wood, carrying water each and every day doing the same stuff and good results will come out of it.”
Being an international player living in Augusta is something Amadasun takes a lot of pride in.
“The number is slowly growing, but I’m one of few that play basketball in the States let alone live in America for sports or anything. It is you know, good to share different cultures and share different experiences with people because some people might never ever get to go to Ireland. So, it’s good to tell people about where I’m from,” he said.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan campaigned in Augusta ahead of Election Day, making stops at two churches and meeting with local faith leaders.
The former lieutenant governor visited Good Hope Baptist Church on Cedar Street, where he spoke with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition’s “Music to the Polls” group.
Duncan told us that, if elected governor, he wants to expand Medicaid, pass what he called “common-sense gun legislation,” and create more economic opportunities statewide. He also pointed to affordability concerns impacting families and businesses.
“I want to take $1.7 billion of our state’s fund and wrap it around the axle of poverty,” Duncan said, adding that he wants to lower child care costs and improve temporary assistance programs.
Duncan also stopped at Miles Memorial Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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