The 2024-2025 Georgia basketball season will be remembered for its thrilling upsets, a long-awaited NCAA Tournament appearance, and a program that exceeded expectations. Mike White, in his third year with the Dawgs, finished with a 20-13 overall record and secured a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015.
The Dawgs started the season strong, racing to a 12-1 record, their best start in over 90 years. This dominant start secured Georgia an AP top 25 ranking for the first time since 2011. Once conference play began, they won 8 games while grabbing marquee wins over Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Florida. Over the course of 33 games, 20 of Georgia’s opponents were NCAA tournament teams, emphasizing the strength of schedule the Dawgs faced.
Earning an at large bid for the NCAA Tournament was just the start for the Dawgs upward trajectory. They had their sights on winning a tournament game for the first time since 2002. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen this year, as the committee had Georgia playing the No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs. As the Bulldogs of the West were ranked No. 9 in the KenPom regular season rankings, they were underrated and miss-seeded in the Tournament. Gonzaga has been in the NCAA Tournament consistently for the past few years, and Georgia’s lack of experience showed early in the game.
With the offseason coming into full swing, the Dawgs are set to lose two key seniors, Dakota Leffew and Tyrin Lawrence, creating some roster spots to fill; however, the Dawgs are coming in once again as a top 15 recruiting class. They are bringing in three high-level recruits: Jackson McVey, Kareem Stagg, and Jacob Wilkins. It could still lead to uncertainty with the transfer portal on who stays and goes. Mike White and the Dawgs are looking to retain key players while also bringing in some veteran talent who want to win and rock the Steg.
The NBA draft shows continued growth for the Dawgs and their program. With the potential selection of Asa Newell, Mike White and his staff are proving they can win but also develop young talent. Losing Newell was almost a given since he stepped foot on the campus of UGA. A potential first-round pick, with some drafts having him as high as No. 12, Newell’s 6’11 frame and versatile skill set make him an intriguing prospect. It isn’t official yet, but it is almost sure that Asa will declare for the NBA draft soon.
Meanwhile, Silas Demary Jr. hitting the transfer portal and putting his name in the NBA pool was a massive loss for the dawgs. He can remain a Dawg if no other option seems a better fit. Despite the inkling of hope, it is unlikely as he has been linked to North Carolina State in Raleigh, where he is from. As a key piece to this NCAA Tournament squad and the floor general, he averaged 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game.
So, what’s next for Mike White and the Hoop Dawgs? Well, their challenge is continuing the program’s upward trajectory. Their top priority is going after a true and established point guard from the transfer portal. Finally, the Dawgs’ goal is to make it to back-to-back tournaments for the first time since 2001 and 2002 and win a game in the process.