On the Bulldogs’ terrible start, Georgia coach Mike White said, “Didn’t see that coming.”
The Georgia Bulldogs men’s basketball team, under the leadership of head coach Mike White, has faced some unexpected struggles in the early part of the 2025 season. Coming off a somewhat promising recruitment class and preseason expectations of improvement, the team has stumbled out of the gates with a record that has left fans, analysts, and even the coach himself scratching their heads. In a candid interview after yet another disappointing loss, White admitted that the rough start caught him by surprise, saying, “Didn’t see that coming.”
Despite the early setbacks, Coach White’s commitment to making the most out of a challenging situation remains unwavering. Throughout the season’s tumult, his perspective has been consistent: focus on the process, grow as a team, and fix what’s broken. In this piece, we’ll explore the context surrounding Georgia’s struggles, the specific challenges that have contributed to their slow start, Coach White’s leadership philosophy, and what needs to change for the Bulldogs to get back on track.
The Weight of Expectations: A Promise of Improvement
When Mike White was hired as Georgia’s head coach in 2023, there was a wave of optimism surrounding the program. White, who had previously coached at Louisiana Tech and Florida, was seen as a steady and capable leader with a proven track record in the SEC. His arrival signified a potential shift in Georgia basketball from mediocrity to something more competitive within the conference.
With a program that had not made significant progress in the NCAA Tournament since 2008, many saw White as the right coach to bring stability and structure to the Bulldogs. White’s experience in recruiting, his knowledge of the SEC, and his ability to develop young talent were all viewed as key assets that could help Georgia break through the proverbial glass ceiling.
The 2025 season was meant to be a year of progress—improvement in their record, stronger play in the SEC, and most importantly, a team that was more competitive on a nightly basis. The Bulldogs had a promising set of recruits, including some highly regarded freshmen, and returning players with considerable upside. Expectations were high, and many believed Georgia was poised to at least challenge for an NCAA Tournament spot or make significant strides toward that goal.
But as the season progressed, it became clear that things weren’t going according to plan. Georgia’s early losses, particularly to teams that were considered “winnable” matchups, created a growing sense of frustration among the coaching staff, players, and fans. Coach Mike White, whose demeanor is typically calm and methodical, was also visibly disappointed. His recognition of the struggles became evident in his statement: “Didn’t see that coming.”
The Key Issues: What Went Wrong?
Several factors have contributed to Georgia’s disappointing start to the season. While the Bulldogs have had flashes of brilliance, they’ve been inconsistent in a number of critical areas. Let’s break down the key issues that have plagued the Bulldogs so far:
1. Offensive Inconsistency
One of the primary concerns for Georgia early on has been its offensive struggles. The Bulldogs have struggled to find rhythm and continuity on the offensive end, which has severely limited their ability to compete with SEC-caliber teams. This has been especially evident in games where Georgia has been unable to score in critical moments or close out games when they’ve been within striking distance.
Shot selection has been an issue for the Bulldogs. While the team boasts some talented players, they’ve struggled to move the ball effectively, resulting in contested or poorly timed shots. Georgia’s offensive sets often look disjointed, and their inability to generate consistent scoring opportunities has left them vulnerable against better teams.
Coach White has made efforts to adjust Georgia’s offense, but the team has been inconsistent in executing his plans. Whether it’s an over-reliance on individual playmaking or the inability to establish team-wide ball movement, the Bulldogs have yet to find a cohesive offensive identity.
2. Turnovers and Ball Control
Another critical issue that has plagued Georgia is its inability to take care of the basketball. In several games, the Bulldogs have committed unforced turnovers, which have proven costly. Turnovers are often the catalyst for fast breaks, and the Bulldogs have been unable to prevent opposing teams from capitalizing on these mistakes.
White, who has a background in defensive coaching, has emphasized ball control and limiting turnovers in practice, but the team’s execution has not lived up to expectations. In games where Georgia has turned the ball over frequently, they’ve been unable to establish any offensive rhythm and often fall behind early in contests.
3. Defensive Inconsistencies
While Coach White is known for his defensive philosophy, Georgia’s defense has been uneven at best. The Bulldogs have shown the ability to lock down opponents for stretches, but they’ve also had lapses in crucial moments, allowing opposing teams to score in bunches. The team’s struggles in defending the three-point line, particularly against teams with high-scoring guards, have been glaring.
Moreover, post defense has also been an issue. The Bulldogs have allowed opposing big men to have their way in the paint, giving up easy baskets and second-chance opportunities. While Georgia has solid individual defenders, the team has struggled with defensive rotations and communication, leading to breakdowns.
4. Injuries and Depth Issues
Another factor contributing to Georgia’s struggles is a lack of depth. Several key players have dealt with injuries, which has prevented Coach White from putting his ideal lineup on the floor. Injuries can be particularly difficult for teams with limited depth, and the Bulldogs have been forced to play with a shorter rotation. As a result, certain players have had to play extended minutes, leading to fatigue and decreased performance as the season has worn on.
Additionally, when key players are out of the lineup, it disrupts team chemistry, which is critical for developing continuity and consistency. White has tried to find answers off the bench, but the bench has struggled to provide the necessary contributions, whether it be scoring, defense, or overall hustle. This lack of depth has led to fatigue issues, particularly late in games when Georgia has been unable to close out opponents.
Coach Mike White’s Response: A Focus on Development and Process
Despite the team’s slow start, Coach Mike White has remained focused on the long-term development of his players and the team as a whole. His response to the early struggles has been one of calm resolve, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on the process rather than the immediate results.
In his post-game comments after several losses, White reiterated the importance of staying grounded and not getting discouraged by early-season setbacks. “It’s about development, it’s about getting better each day,” White said, making it clear that his long-term vision for Georgia basketball remains intact. He knows the Bulldogs have the talent to succeed, but they need time to refine their systems and improve their execution.
White also expressed a sense of responsibility as a coach. While the losses have been difficult, he remains adamant that it’s his job to adjust and find solutions. He’s been experimenting with different rotations and strategies to see what works best for his team. Whether it’s changing up defensive schemes or encouraging more ball movement on offense, White’s primary goal is to get the team to the level of play they need to reach.
The veteran coach also pointed out that accountability within the team has been a major focus. He’s encouraged his players to be self-aware and take ownership of their performance, especially when it comes to fundamentals like ball security, shot selection, and defense. White believes that fostering a strong team mentality and individual responsibility will eventually pay dividends as the season progresses.
What Needs to Change Moving Forward?
For Georgia to overcome its early-season struggles, several key adjustments need to be made:
- Better Ball Movement: The Bulldogs need to find a more cohesive offensive rhythm. While they have talent, they must move the ball more effectively and look for better scoring opportunities, particularly in high-pressure situations.
- Defensive Consistency: White needs to ensure that the team is consistently defending at a high level. Improving communication on defense, limiting open shots, and securing the paint will be critical for Georgia as they move forward.
- Minimize Turnovers: Taking care of the ball is crucial. Georgia must reduce their turnover rate and focus on making smarter decisions with the basketball to give themselves a chance in tight games.
- Depth and Rotation: While injuries have hurt their depth, White must find a way to develop a reliable bench. Players coming off the bench need to contribute in key areas, whether it’s scoring, defense, or hustle plays.
- Mental Toughness and Focus: Coach White has stressed the need for mental toughness and staying focused on the game. The Bulldogs need to improve their ability to close out games and not let adversity get the best of them.
A Long Road Ahead
The road ahead for Mike White and the Georgia Bulldogs may be challenging, but the season is far from over. As White himself has emphasized, growth and improvement are paramount. With the right adjustments, consistent effort, and a renewed focus on the fundamentals, the Bulldogs can still salvage their season and meet the expectations placed on them.
While the rough start may have caught White off guard, his steady hand and commitment to the team’s development will be key to navigating these struggles. Georgia basketball fans, while disappointed with the early results, should trust in White’s process and his ability to turn things around as the season unfolds.
In the end, the Bulldogs may just need time, patience, and the continued leadership of Mike White to turn the corner and return to the competitive basketball program that fans have come to expect.
