The Georgia Bulldogs earn a No. 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will face Gonzaga in the opening round, aiming for a strong start.

The Georgia Bulldogs men’s basketball team has earned a coveted No. 9 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, setting the stage for a potentially exciting and historic run. After a solid season under the leadership of head coach Mike White, the Bulldogs have positioned themselves well to make an impact in March Madness, and they now face a tough but thrilling opening-round matchup against Gonzaga, one of college basketball’s most respected programs.

For Georgia, the road to this point has been marked by impressive victories, intense competition in the SEC, and a blend of seasoned leadership alongside fresh talent. This No. 9 seed signifies their hard work throughout the regular season and places them in a great position to make a deep tournament run.

Gonzaga, an annual powerhouse in the West Coast Conference, presents an exciting challenge for Georgia right out of the gate. With their explosive offense and established tournament pedigree, the Bulldogs of Gonzaga will undoubtedly push Georgia to the limit. However, the game presents an opportunity for Georgia to showcase their growth as a team and compete with one of the nation’s elite programs.

As both teams prepare for what will be a high-stakes battle, let’s take a closer look at Georgia’s season, how they earned this spot in the tournament, what to expect from their opening-round matchup against Gonzaga, and what their road ahead could look like.

Georgia’s Path to the No. 9 Seed

The 2024-2025 Georgia Bulldogs’ basketball season has been a journey of growth, learning, and overcoming challenges. Under coach Mike White, who took over the program with a vision of revitalizing Georgia basketball, the Bulldogs have shown significant progress. White, who previously coached at Florida, brought a wealth of experience and a defensive-minded philosophy that immediately impacted Georgia’s play.

While the Bulldogs weren’t expected to be one of the top teams in the SEC, they proved to be a formidable opponent for every team in the conference. Finishing the regular season with a 19-12 overall record and a 10-8 mark in SEC play, Georgia earned their spot in the NCAA Tournament. Their success was driven by a combination of solid defense, balanced scoring, and the growth of young stars, giving them the momentum needed to secure a solid seeding.

Georgia’s season included several signature wins that highlighted their potential. Notable victories came against teams like Auburn, Mississippi State, and LSU, showcasing the Bulldogs’ ability to compete against high-caliber SEC competition. These wins helped propel Georgia to the No. 9 seed and solidified their place in the tournament field.

The Bulldogs’ defense, a hallmark of White’s coaching philosophy, has been a defining feature of their game. Throughout the season, Georgia held opponents to under 70 points per game, forcing turnovers and limiting fast breaks. This defense will be crucial in their NCAA Tournament matchup against Gonzaga, as they will need to control the tempo and slow down the Bulldogs’ high-powered offense.

Gonzaga: The Opponent in Round One

Georgia’s first test in the NCAA Tournament will come against Gonzaga, a perennial powerhouse and No. 8 seed in the tournament. The Bulldogs of Gonzaga, coached by Mark Few, have been one of the most consistent programs in college basketball over the last two decades, with several NCAA Tournament appearances, Final Four berths, and championship game appearances to their name.

In 2025, Gonzaga enters the tournament with a strong 27-6 record and is widely considered one of the top teams in the country. Despite some challenges during the regular season in the competitive West Coast Conference, the Zags remain a dangerous opponent, boasting a deep and talented roster. Gonzaga is led by Drew Timme, a standout forward who has been a force for the program over the past few seasons. Timme’s ability to score inside, rebound, and defend makes him one of the most impactful players in the country.

However, while Gonzaga’s high-scoring offense is their trademark, their defense can be vulnerable at times, particularly when facing teams that are capable of slowing down the pace and dictating the tempo. This is where Georgia’s strength lies. The Bulldogs will look to keep the game at a pace that suits their style and force Gonzaga into situations where they cannot capitalize on their fast-break opportunities.

Key players for Gonzaga include Julian Strawther, a versatile forward who can stretch the floor, and Rasir Bolton, a guard capable of scoring from all areas of the court. Together, these players form a lethal offensive trio that will test Georgia’s defensive discipline. To win, Georgia must keep Gonzaga’s stars in check while making sure to execute their offense effectively.

The Battle of Styles: Defense vs. Offense

The matchup between Georgia and Gonzaga will be a classic contrast of styles. Georgia’s defense, which has been their strength all season, will be put to the test against one of the most dynamic offenses in the country. On the flip side, Gonzaga will need to find ways to break down Georgia’s defense and capitalize on their offensive opportunities.

Georgia’s defensive strategy will likely revolve around several key points:

• Limiting fast breaks: Gonzaga thrives on pushing the ball up the court quickly and scoring in transition. Georgia will need to keep the game in the half-court, preventing easy baskets.
• Interior defense: With Drew Timme in the paint, Georgia must be physical around the basket. This means strong help defense, preventing post touches, and making it difficult for Timme to get easy looks.
• Perimeter defense: Gonzaga’s outside shooting, led by players like Rasir Bolton and Julian Strawther, is potent. Georgia will need to contest every three-pointer and limit open looks from beyond the arc.

On the offensive side of the ball, Georgia’s success will largely depend on their ability to execute under pressure. Terry Roberts, a senior guard, will be crucial in leading the Bulldogs’ offense. He has been the primary playmaker for Georgia all season, capable of both scoring and distributing the ball. If Roberts can orchestrate the offense and find Kario Oquendo and Mardrez McBride for open shots, Georgia could find success in exploiting Gonzaga’s defensive weaknesses.

What Georgia Must Do to Win

To pull off the upset and advance to the next round, Georgia will need to execute on several fronts:

• Control the tempo: Keeping the game slow and methodical will work in Georgia’s favor. If they allow Gonzaga to get out in transition and push the pace, they risk getting overwhelmed by the Zags’ high-octane offense.
• Physicality inside: While Gonzaga is known for its offensive prowess, they can be vulnerable inside. Georgia must make Timme work for every point and establish Oscar Tshiebwe and other post players to dominate the boards.
• Three-point shooting: While not known for an elite three-point shooting game, Georgia has enough shooting threats to keep Gonzaga honest. If players like Kario Oquendo and Jailyn Ingram can hit timely three-pointers, it will stretch Gonzaga’s defense and create opportunities for easy baskets inside.
• Limit turnovers: Gonzaga thrives off creating turnovers and turning them into fast-break points. Georgia will need to maintain strong ball security and avoid costly mistakes.

The Bigger Picture: Georgia’s March Madness Potential

As the No. 9 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Georgia has a prime opportunity to make a deep run and challenge some of the nation’s top programs. The Bulldogs’ defense, combined with their ability to execute in the half-court, makes them a tricky team to face in March Madness. With the right mix of defensive intensity, smart ball movement, and clutch shooting, Georgia could emerge as one of the tournament’s surprise teams.

While the road to the Final Four won’t be easy, Georgia has the talent and the mentality to make a deep run. After this opening matchup with Gonzaga, the Bulldogs will likely face even more difficult challenges as they progress through the tournament. However, Georgia’s strong defense, competitive spirit, and the leadership of their seniors could take them farther than many expect.

 The Excitement of March Madness

For Georgia, the journey in the 2025 NCAA Tournament is just beginning. With their No. 9 seed and a tough opening-round opponent in Gonzaga, the Bulldogs have an opportunity to showcase what they’ve worked for all season long. The team has shown resilience and growth under coach Mike White, and now they’ll need to bring their best basketball to March Madness.

Facing a high-scoring team like Gonzaga will be a significant test, but if Georgia can keep the game close, execute their defensive game plan, and take advantage of every opportunity, they have a real chance to advance. The road ahead is filled with uncertainty, but Georgia’s talent, toughness, and defensive-minded approach give them a fighting chance to make a name for themselves in the tournament.

As the Bulldogs prepare to face Gonzaga, the excitement of March Madness is palpable. The stage is set for a thrilling game that could serve as a springboard for Georgia’s March run, and with a little luck and a lot of hard work, the Bulldogs could find themselves continuing to turn heads and make a deep tournament run.