Georgia opens the NCAA Tournament with Gonzaga, eager to create history and prove themselves in their first appearance since 2008.

The stage has been set, and for the first time in over a decade, the Georgia Bulldogs men’s basketball team has earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The 2025 tournament will mark their first appearance since 2008, when they last danced with the nation’s best. For the Bulldogs, this moment signifies more than just a return to March Madness — it represents the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth under head coach Mike White. And now, with their first opponent revealed, Georgia is set to face the Gonzaga Bulldogs, one of the most storied programs in college basketball.

Gonzaga has long been considered one of the elite teams in the country, consistently making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. For Georgia, the matchup against a powerhouse like Gonzaga presents both an incredible challenge and an opportunity to prove that they belong among the nation’s elite. Georgia’s performance in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament could not only mark the beginning of a new era for the program but also potentially set the stage for an unforgettable March Madness run.

In this article, we will explore Georgia’s journey back to the tournament, the key players who have made this return possible, and what fans can expect as the Bulldogs face Gonzaga in the opening round. For Georgia basketball, this moment is a chance to build on their newfound success and establish themselves as a program capable of achieving greatness on the national stage.

A Long-Awaited Return: Georgia’s Journey to the NCAA Tournament

For Georgia basketball, the road to the 2025 NCAA Tournament has been long and filled with obstacles. The last time Georgia made the tournament was in 2008, when they were led by the talented Sundiata Gaines and narrowly lost in the opening round to Xavier. Since then, the Bulldogs have struggled to maintain a consistent presence in March Madness, with numerous coaching changes and seasons marked by inconsistency and underperformance.

The return to the NCAA Tournament in 2025 is a testament to the hard work and vision of Mike White, who was hired as Georgia’s head coach in 2022. White, known for his success at Florida, quickly instilled a new culture in Athens — one focused on defensive discipline, balanced offense, and a team-first mentality. Under White’s leadership, Georgia began to show signs of improvement, steadily climbing the ranks of the SEC and consistently playing competitive basketball against some of the toughest teams in the country.

The Bulldogs’ 2025 season was filled with moments of triumph and adversity, but ultimately, Georgia emerged with a 19-12 overall record and a 10-8 mark in SEC play. The Bulldogs played well against the top teams in the league, including victories over Alabama, Kentucky, and Auburn, while also securing crucial wins against mid-tier opponents. Their performance throughout the season put them in strong contention for an NCAA bid, and as Selection Sunday arrived, the Bulldogs were rewarded with a #9 seed in the East Region.

For Georgia fans, the return to the NCAA Tournament was a moment of celebration. The program had endured many lean years, but now, the Bulldogs were back, with a roster capable of making noise on the national stage. This achievement was not just about one season but also about the foundation that had been laid for the future.

The Gonzaga Challenge: A David vs. Goliath Matchup

The first challenge for Georgia in the 2025 NCAA Tournament is an imposing one: Gonzaga. The Bulldogs, led by head coach Mark Few, are a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, and they have consistently been among the top teams in the country for over two decades. Gonzaga has made the NCAA Tournament every year since 1999, and they have established themselves as one of the most respected and successful programs in the sport.

In 2025, Gonzaga enters the tournament as a #8 seed in the East Region, which means they’ll be facing off against Georgia, the #9 seed, in the opening round. On paper, the matchup seems like a classic case of David vs. Goliath, with Gonzaga’s wealth of tournament experience and high-caliber players presenting a daunting challenge for Georgia. But the Bulldogs from Athens are determined to show that they are more than just a stepping stone for one of college basketball’s elite teams.

Gonzaga has been led this season by standout players like Drew Timme, one of the most accomplished big men in college basketball, and Julian Strawther, a versatile guard who can score in a variety of ways. Timme, in particular, has been a force in the paint, averaging 20 points and 8 rebounds per game, while Strawther has been a key contributor on both ends of the floor. Gonzaga’s offensive system is built around these stars, and they have the ability to run up the score quickly if they get into a rhythm.

Despite their daunting reputation, Georgia’s players aren’t intimidated. This is their moment, and they know that with the right game plan, they have the talent and determination to pull off an upset. The key for Georgia will be to limit Gonzaga’s offensive efficiency, control the tempo, and rely on their own strengths — particularly their defense and ability to execute in crunch-time situations.

Key Players for Georgia: The Ones to Watch

While Gonzaga has their own set of star players, Georgia has a talented and well-rounded roster that can match up with anyone in the country. Here are the key players to watch for Georgia as they face Gonzaga in the opening round:

Terry Roberts – The Leader of the Pack

As Georgia’s primary ball handler and leader, Terry Roberts will be the key player in this matchup. Roberts, a senior guard, has had a stellar season, averaging 16 points and 5 assists per game. His ability to control the tempo of the game, set up his teammates, and make clutch plays in key moments will be crucial for Georgia’s success.

Roberts has been consistent all year, and he has proven himself to be a go-to player in tight games. If he can navigate the pressure from Gonzaga’s defense, distribute the ball effectively, and create opportunities for his teammates, Georgia will be in a strong position to keep the game competitive.

Kario Oquendo – The Scoring Threat

Kario Oquendo, a versatile guard, will also be crucial in this matchup. Oquendo has shown the ability to score in a variety of ways, whether it’s driving to the basket, knocking down three-pointers, or pulling up for mid-range jumpers. He is capable of creating his own shot and can be a dynamic force on offense. With Gonzaga’s defense focused on limiting Roberts’ playmaking, Oquendo will need to step up and provide the scoring punch that Georgia will likely need to hang with Gonzaga.

Jailyn Ingram – The Defensive Anchor

While offense will be important, Jailyn Ingram’s role as a defensive stopper cannot be understated. Ingram has been one of Georgia’s most reliable defenders all season, and his ability to guard multiple positions will be critical in containing Gonzaga’s stars. Whether he is tasked with slowing down Timme in the post or defending Gonzaga’s perimeter shooters, Ingram will need to use his versatility and basketball IQ to neutralize their offensive threats.

Ingram’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, including his rebounding and occasional scoring, will be important for Georgia’s overall success. He has the potential to be a game-changer in this matchup.

The Game Plan: How Georgia Can Upset Gonzaga

To have a chance at upsetting Gonzaga, Georgia will need to execute a game plan that plays to their strengths while mitigating Gonzaga’s offensive firepower. Here are the key strategies for Georgia to employ:

1. Control the Tempo

Georgia’s best chance to compete with Gonzaga will be to slow the game down and control the tempo. The Bulldogs will need to limit fast-break opportunities and make Gonzaga work for every bucket. This means crashing the boards to prevent second-chance opportunities and running an offense that uses up the shot clock. A slow, deliberate pace will take Gonzaga out of their comfort zone and keep the game within striking distance.

2. Strong Defensive Play

Georgia’s defense has been a hallmark of their success this season, and they will need to bring their A-game against Gonzaga. The Bulldogs must stay disciplined and avoid getting caught up in Gonzaga’s up-tempo offense. Key to this will be limiting Drew Timme’s touches in the paint and forcing Julian Strawther and other perimeter players to take difficult shots. Georgia has shown they can lock down against talented offenses, and they must replicate that level of intensity against Gonzaga.

3. Key Contributions from Oquendo and Roberts

Both Terry Roberts and Kario Oquendo will need to step up on the offensive end. While Roberts will likely be the primary ball handler and playmaker, Oquendo’s ability to score in various ways will be essential in spreading Gonzaga’s defense thin. If Roberts and Oquendo can establish a rhythm and create offense in both transition and half-court sets, Georgia will have a fighting chance.

4. Get the Bench Involved

While Georgia’s starters are undoubtedly their key contributors, they will need solid performances from their bench players to keep fresh legs on the court and add scoring depth. Bench players who can come in and contribute defensively, or even knock down a few key shots, will be crucial in taking some of the pressure

off the starters and keeping the game competitive.

The Dawgs Are Back

For Georgia basketball, this moment is more than just a game against Gonzaga. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of a program that has struggled for years but is finally seeing the fruits of its labor. The 2025 NCAA Tournament offers a new chapter in Georgia’s basketball history, and this matchup with Gonzaga is an opportunity for the Bulldogs to prove they belong among the best in the country.

While the challenge is monumental, the Bulldogs have shown they are capable of competing at a high level. With their defense, strong leadership, and balanced offense, Georgia has the tools to make a deep run in the tournament — starting with their opening matchup against Gonzaga.

For Georgia fans, the return to the NCAA Tournament is a reason to celebrate, but for the Bulldogs themselves, it’s just the beginning of something bigger. The opportunity to make a statement, to prove their worth, and to continue building toward greatness is within reach.