Watch the Georgia Bulldogs’ Basketball Bubble: Will They Make March Madness?
Watch the Georgia Bulldogs’ Basketball Bubble: Will They Make March Madness?
As the calendar inches closer to March, college basketball fans across the country are gearing up for the annual spectacle known as March Madness—the NCAA tournament that captivates millions of viewers with its thrilling upsets, Cinderella stories, and unforgettable buzzer-beaters. For fans of the Georgia Bulldogs basketball team, the big question remains: will they make the cut and secure a spot in the coveted 68-team tournament, or will they fall short once again?
The Bulldogs, under head coach Mike White, have had a rollercoaster season, featuring highs and lows, standout performances, and unexpected challenges. As the team approaches the final stretch of the season, they find themselves in a precarious position: firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble. For Georgia, the path to March Madness is a narrow one, and their fate will depend on several factors, including key matchups, critical victories, and the team’s ability to perform when it matters most.
This article takes an in-depth look at the current state of the Georgia Bulldogs’ basketball program, their chances of making the NCAA tournament, and the key elements that will determine whether or not they can punch their ticket to March Madness.
A Rollercoaster Season for Georgia Basketball
Under the leadership of Mike White, who was hired in 2022 to replace Tom Crean, the Georgia Bulldogs basketball program is still in the process of rebuilding. White, who previously enjoyed success at the University of Florida, brought a fresh approach to Georgia’s basketball culture. Despite inheriting a program in need of improvement, White has steadily made strides in the right direction. However, the Bulldogs’ inconsistent play throughout the 2024-2025 season has left them on the bubble heading into March.
The team has shown flashes of brilliance, including impressive wins over ranked opponents and competitive showings in tough SEC matchups. Yet, they’ve also suffered disappointing losses against lower-ranked teams, which has caused their NCAA tournament chances to fluctuate. As a result, the Bulldogs’ tournament hopes are entirely dependent on their performance in the final weeks of the regular season, as well as the SEC Tournament.
In order to secure an NCAA tournament bid, Georgia will need to demonstrate consistency in their game, especially in big moments. The team’s ability to beat high-quality opponents and avoid bad losses will be critical. The Bulldogs have the talent to make a run, but whether or not they can put everything together will ultimately decide their fate.
Key Players Who Will Determine Georgia’s Fate
While Mike White’s system is important, the Bulldogs’ success will ultimately depend on the performance of their players. A few standout individuals will play crucial roles in determining whether Georgia can make a run at March Madness or fall short.
Kario Oquendo: The Offensive Spark
Kario Oquendo has been a standout player for Georgia this season and has become one of the team’s most reliable scoring options. The 6’4” guard is capable of taking over games with his dynamic scoring ability, whether it’s knocking down three-pointers, attacking the rim, or creating his own shot. Oquendo’s ability to score in a variety of ways makes him a threat against any defense, and his performance will be critical as the Bulldogs look to close out the season strong.
Oquendo has already had several games this season where he exploded offensively, providing the Bulldogs with a much-needed spark. However, consistency has been an issue. For Georgia to make it into the NCAA tournament, Oquendo will need to be at his best during the team’s most important games, particularly against SEC opponents who will challenge Georgia’s ability to compete at the highest level.
Terry Roberts: The Floor General
Terry Roberts, a transfer from the University of Akron, has been another key piece of Georgia’s puzzle this season. The 6’3” guard has been instrumental in running the offense, providing leadership, and serving as a defensive presence on the court. Roberts has shown his ability to facilitate and distribute the basketball, but his scoring ability also makes him a dual threat. He has developed strong chemistry with Oquendo, and the two guards have been essential in Georgia’s offensive sets.
However, Roberts’ biggest challenge has been consistency—particularly with his shooting. If Roberts can find more offensive rhythm and make better decisions in key moments, he could elevate Georgia to a new level of play, helping to guide them through crucial games and push the team closer to an NCAA tournament berth.
Jahvon Quinerly: The Veteran Presence
One of the most valuable assets for any team on the NCAA tournament bubble is experience. While Georgia is a relatively young team overall, the presence of Jahvon Quinerly, a veteran forward with leadership qualities, brings a steadying influence to the Bulldogs’ locker room. Quinerly’s ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level makes him a well-rounded contributor to the Bulldogs’ success. More importantly, his experience in high-pressure situations can prove vital during crunch time.
Quinerly has the ability to step up in big moments, which is exactly what Georgia needs as they aim for a March Madness spot. If he can stay healthy and continue to play at a high level, he will be a critical factor in the Bulldogs’ postseason hopes.
Braelen Bridges: The Post Presence
While Georgia’s backcourt has garnered most of the attention, Braelen Bridges, a 6’9” forward, has been the team’s main presence in the paint. Bridges is an athletic big man who can dominate in the post, finishing strong around the basket and contributing as a rebounder. His ability to protect the rim and impact the game defensively also adds a much-needed dimension to Georgia’s defense.
For Georgia to make the NCAA tournament, Bridges will need to be a consistent force in the paint, both offensively and defensively. His ability to score efficiently in the post, grab rebounds, and play tough defense will be pivotal, especially in SEC matchups against teams with strong frontcourts.
Georgia’s Path to March Madness
As the season progresses, the Bulldogs’ chances of making the NCAA tournament will largely depend on how they finish the regular season and perform in the SEC Tournament. The selection committee uses a variety of factors to evaluate teams for March Madness, and Georgia’s standing will be impacted by their strength of schedule, record against ranked opponents, conference record, and quality wins.
The SEC Tournament: A Crucial Opportunity
Georgia’s final chance to solidify their spot in the NCAA tournament may very well come in the SEC Tournament. The Bulldogs will need to not only compete in the tournament but make a deep run to secure a bid. The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, featuring powerhouse programs like Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Wins over these programs could dramatically improve Georgia’s resume and help them earn an at-large bid.
However, Georgia’s success in the SEC Tournament will depend on their ability to perform in high-pressure games against elite competition. If the Bulldogs can secure a few quality wins in the tournament, their chances of making the NCAA tournament will increase significantly. A deep run in the SEC Tournament could serve as the ultimate “resume builder” for the Bulldogs, giving them the momentum they need to get into March Madness.
The Remaining Regular-Season Games
In addition to the SEC Tournament, Georgia will need to make the most of their remaining regular-season games. While every game is crucial, the Bulldogs will need to win against mid-tier and lower-tier SEC teams to avoid any “bad losses” that could hurt their NCAA tournament chances. These wins will be important for their overall record, but they will also serve as confidence boosters heading into March.
Additionally, Georgia will need to continue to focus on their defensive consistency, as it has been one of their weaknesses throughout the season. If they can shore up their defense and limit opposing teams’ scoring, they will have a better shot at winning those must-win games.
The Bubble Watch: Will Georgia Get In?
As of late February, Georgia remains on the NCAA Tournament bubble—not a guaranteed entry, but still very much in the conversation. They will need to win games against tough competition, especially in the SEC Tournament, to make their case. With a strong finish to the regular season and a deep run in the SEC Tournament, the Bulldogs could very well punch their ticket to the big dance.
However, if they falter and fail to secure key wins, they may find themselves on the outside looking in. The road to March Madness is always a tough one, but the Bulldogs have the talent and the coaching to make it happen. The next few weeks will determine whether Georgia will join the ranks of the 68 teams vying for a national title or miss out on the tournament once again.
