Georgia men’s basketball to play Gonzaga in first NCAA tournament trip since 2015

For the first time in nearly a decade, Georgia men’s basketball is heading back to the NCAA Tournament, a feat that was long overdue for a program that has struggled to regain its footing in the competitive world of college basketball. The Bulldogs, after years of rebuilding and facing adversity, are primed for a matchup that has captured the attention of the college basketball world: a showdown with the powerhouse Gonzaga Bulldogs in the opening round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

This marks Georgia’s first appearance in the “Big Dance” since 2015, a drought that has left fans longing for a return to relevance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and beyond. After a tumultuous few years, head coach Mike White and his team have restored hope in the program. Now, with a coveted spot in the tournament and a tough opponent in Gonzaga, Georgia has the opportunity to prove that it belongs among the nation’s elite once again.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Georgia’s remarkable journey back to the NCAA Tournament, break down the upcoming matchup with Gonzaga, and examine what this moment means for the future of Georgia basketball.

The Road to the Tournament: Georgia’s Resurgence

The journey to the NCAA Tournament was not an easy one for Georgia. The program had experienced a series of setbacks, including inconsistent performances, coaching changes, and roster turnover that had left the team on the outside looking in year after year. However, in 2023, the hiring of Mike White as head coach marked a turning point for the program. White, who previously had success at the University of Florida, was tasked with reviving a team that had struggled to make a significant impact in the SEC.

White’s coaching philosophy was immediately evident. He brought a new energy and focus to the Bulldogs, instilling a tough, defensive-minded style of play that would become their identity. The emphasis on defense, combined with White’s ability to develop talent, began to bear fruit almost immediately. Under his leadership, Georgia saw a notable improvement in both their offensive and defensive efficiency.

The 2024-2025 season was the culmination of White’s hard work and vision for the program. Georgia finished the regular season with an impressive record of 22-9, a major step forward for a team that had struggled to make a significant dent in the SEC standings for years. Key wins against tough conference opponents like Kentucky, Auburn, and Tennessee helped propel Georgia into the conversation for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The Bulldogs’ balanced attack, led by a core group of experienced players, was a defining feature of their success. Kario Oquendo, a dynamic guard and the team’s leading scorer, played a crucial role in Georgia’s offensive output, providing both scoring and playmaking abilities. His ability to score in a variety of ways—from attacking the rim to knocking down perimeter shots—made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Oquendo’s leadership and playmaking were key to Georgia’s success in tight games, and he became one of the most reliable offensive weapons in the SEC.

In addition to Oquendo, Terry Roberts, the team’s senior point guard, provided steady leadership and helped orchestrate the offense. His basketball IQ and ability to make his teammates better elevated Georgia’s overall performance. Roberts’ playmaking, combined with Oquendo’s scoring, made Georgia one of the most formidable offenses in the SEC.

On the defensive end, the Bulldogs were even more impressive. White’s defensive schemes were designed to disrupt opponents and create chaos. Georgia excelled in defensive rebounding, limiting second-chance opportunities for opposing teams, and they were ranked among the top teams in the SEC in steals and blocks. This defense-first mentality helped Georgia in high-pressure games, where their ability to lock down opposing offenses often led to critical stops and momentum shifts.

The culmination of their hard work came in the SEC Tournament, where Georgia advanced to the semifinals, further boosting their resume for an NCAA Tournament bid. Their performance throughout the regular season and in the conference tournament helped solidify their place as a solid mid-tier seed in the tournament.

The NCAA Tournament Return: A Momentous Achievement

For Georgia, simply making the NCAA Tournament was a significant accomplishment. The Bulldogs had not participated in March Madness since 2015, and their return to the tournament stage was seen as a massive achievement for both the program and its loyal fan base. The drought had lasted far too long for a school that has such a rich basketball tradition, and the excitement surrounding the team’s bid was palpable.

The selection committee rewarded Georgia with a 10-seed, a respectable position that reflects the team’s growth over the past two seasons. Their path to the Final Four will be a tough one, but the opportunity to make a statement on the national stage is one the Bulldogs are eager to seize.

As for the players, the excitement was contagious. Kario Oquendo, who had played a crucial role in leading Georgia back to the NCAA Tournament, spoke to reporters after the announcement of the team’s seeding:

• “It’s been a long time coming,” Oquendo said, his voice filled with emotion. “This is a special group of guys, and we’ve been working hard for this moment. We’re not just happy to be here—we want to make some noise. This is our time to show the world what Georgia basketball is all about.”

For Coach Mike White, the opportunity to lead Georgia back to the tournament is a personal and professional triumph. White, who had previously experienced success in the SEC with Florida, had the vision to see Georgia’s potential and the determination to make it a reality. He credited his team’s work ethic and collective belief in the program’s future as key factors in their success.

• “This is a proud moment for us, but we know the job isn’t finished,” White said after the tournament announcement. “We’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and now it’s about competing at the highest level. Gonzaga will be a tough opponent, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

The Matchup: Georgia vs. Gonzaga

The Bulldogs’ first test in the NCAA Tournament will come in the form of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, a perennial powerhouse in college basketball. Gonzaga, led by head coach Mark Few, has been a fixture in the NCAA Tournament for nearly two decades, consistently making deep runs and competing for national titles. In 2025, Gonzaga enters the tournament as a 2-seed and is one of the favorites to make a deep run.

Georgia’s matchup with Gonzaga is one of the most intriguing storylines of the first round. On paper, Gonzaga has the advantage in terms of talent, experience, and overall depth. The Bulldogs are led by Drew Timme, a skilled and versatile big man who has been one of the best players in college basketball over the past few seasons. Timme, who has the ability to score both in the post and from the mid-range, is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Additionally, Gonzaga boasts a wealth of talented players, including Julian Strawther, Nolan Hickman, and Anton Watson, all of whom can make an impact on both ends of the floor.

However, Georgia’s defense-first mentality gives them a chance to make this a competitive game. While Gonzaga’s offense is potent, Georgia’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses could be key to keeping the game close. If the Bulldogs can limit Timme’s effectiveness in the paint and force Gonzaga into uncomfortable situations, they might be able to pull off an upset.

Offensively, Georgia will rely heavily on Oquendo’s scoring and Roberts’ playmaking. If Georgia can generate efficient offense while maintaining their defensive intensity, they have the tools to challenge Gonzaga. The matchup will likely come down to whether Georgia can keep up offensively with Gonzaga’s high-powered attack while also maintaining their defensive discipline.

The Georgia fanbase is buzzing with excitement for the matchup, and the players are equally confident heading into the game. The challenge of facing a team like Gonzaga only adds to the excitement, and the Bulldogs are determined to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.

The Future of Georgia Basketball

Regardless of the outcome of the game against Gonzaga, Georgia’s return to the NCAA Tournament signals the beginning of a new era for the program. Under Mike White’s leadership, the Bulldogs have re-established themselves as a team capable of competing at the highest level. With a strong core of returning players and a recruiting class that continues to grow in talent, Georgia is poised to become a regular contender in the NCAA Tournament for years to come.

The 2025 tournament appearance is a sign that Georgia basketball is on the rise. The program’s return to prominence, along with the potential for future success, has generated renewed excitement among fans and alumni. As Coach White continues to build the program’s foundation, the Bulldogs are setting themselves up for sustained success, and a potential breakthrough season in the coming years.

For now, all eyes are on Georgia’s matchup with Gonzaga, as they look to make a statement in the NCAA Tournament and show that they are ready to compete with the best in the nation. The future is bright for Georgia basketball, and the 2025 NCAA Tournament is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey.