Georgia basketball is on the verge of making it into the Top 25 when they play No. 17 Oklahoma.

The University of Georgia men’s basketball team is on the cusp of a historic achievement as they approach a critical matchup against the No. 17-ranked Oklahoma Sooners. With a strong start to the 2024-2025 season and a rejuvenated program under head coach Mike White, the Bulldogs find themselves on the verge of cracking the prestigious Associated Press (AP) Top 25 rankings for the first time in several years. This game against Oklahoma presents a major opportunity for Georgia to prove that they belong among the nation’s elite programs and further solidify their standing as a force to be reckoned with in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

As Georgia prepares for this high-stakes contest, the basketball world is taking notice. After years of underachievement and a lack of consistent success, the Bulldogs have finally put together a team capable of competing with the best. With key players stepping up, a renewed sense of purpose, and a disciplined approach to both ends of the floor, Georgia’s basketball program is experiencing a resurgence under Mike White. The upcoming game against Oklahoma, one of the top teams in the Big 12, will serve as a litmus test for Georgia’s growth and an opportunity to gain national recognition.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the state of Georgia basketball, the impact of Mike White’s leadership, the players driving the team’s success, and what to expect from the highly anticipated game against Oklahoma. We will also discuss the significance of potentially breaking into the Top 25 and the implications for the program moving forward.

1. Georgia Basketball: A Resurgence Under Mike White

The turnaround of Georgia’s basketball program is a testament to the leadership of Mike White, who took over as head coach in 2022. White arrived in Athens with a reputation for building competitive teams at Florida, and his success in the SEC made him an ideal candidate to lead Georgia back to national relevance.

White’s first season at Georgia was a period of rebuilding, as he worked to instill his system and culture within the program. While the Bulldogs showed flashes of potential, they were inconsistent and struggled to put together complete performances. However, White’s emphasis on defense, player development, and creating a culture of accountability began to take root. By the end of the 2023-2024 season, the Bulldogs were showing signs of improvement, and expectations for the 2024-2025 season were higher than they had been in years.

The key to Georgia’s resurgence has been White’s ability to recruit talent, develop players, and establish a defensive-minded system that plays to the strengths of his roster. Georgia has become a more disciplined team, and White’s strategic approach has allowed the Bulldogs to compete at a higher level, particularly against tough SEC competition.

2. The Rise of Key Players: Leadership on the Court

A major factor in Georgia’s early-season success has been the standout play of several key players who have embraced their roles and stepped up when the team needed them most. These players have been instrumental in the Bulldogs’ rise toward the Top 25, and their contributions will be crucial as the team heads into the showdown with Oklahoma.

A. Terry Roberts – The Heart of the Team

Terry Roberts, a senior guard, has emerged as Georgia’s leader on both ends of the floor. A transfer from Bradley, Roberts has brought his scoring, leadership, and defensive prowess to Athens, and he has become the heartbeat of the team. His ability to control the tempo of the game, facilitate for teammates, and score in crucial moments has made him one of the best guards in the SEC.

Roberts has been especially effective in clutch situations, helping Georgia navigate tight games with his poise and basketball IQ. His scoring ability, combined with his defensive tenacity, has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. As the Bulldogs look to continue their upward trajectory, Roberts will play a pivotal role in their success, both in the game against Oklahoma and beyond.

B. Jalon “J.J.” Thompson – A Rising Star

Jalon “J.J.” Thompson, a sophomore forward, has quickly become one of the most exciting players in the SEC. Known for his athleticism, versatility, and scoring ability, Thompson has developed into a key piece of Georgia’s offense. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and finish at the rim has made him a tough cover for opposing defenders.

Thompson’s growth as a player has been a major reason for Georgia’s success this season. His ability to take over games offensively and his all-around skill set make him one of the brightest young stars in the SEC. As the Bulldogs continue their climb toward the Top 25, Thompson’s ability to be a consistent scoring threat will be essential in keeping defenses on their heels and allowing Georgia to open up their offense.

C. Braelen Bridges – Dominance in the Paint

Another key player who has played a major role in Georgia’s success is Braelen Bridges, a senior center. Bridges has been dominant in the paint, both offensively and defensively, and his presence in the low post has allowed the Bulldogs to establish a physical identity. His ability to score in the paint, grab rebounds, and block shots has made him one of the most effective big men in the SEC.

Bridges’ leadership on the court and his ability to anchor Georgia’s defense have been critical to the team’s success. His physicality and rim protection give Georgia a reliable presence down low, and his offensive contributions provide the Bulldogs with another weapon in their balanced attack. Against a team like Oklahoma, which is known for its offensive firepower, Bridges will play a pivotal role in protecting the rim and controlling the glass.

D. Freshman Impact – The New Generation of Bulldogs

While Georgia’s veteran players have been crucial to the team’s success, the impact of freshman players like Isaiah Collier has also been significant. Collier, a highly rated recruit, has quickly adapted to the college game and has provided the Bulldogs with a dynamic scoring option off the bench. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a key player for Georgia as they look to build depth and increase their chances of success in the SEC.

3. The Importance of the Game Against No. 17 Oklahoma

As Georgia prepares to face Oklahoma, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win against the No. 17 Sooners would not only provide the Bulldogs with their most significant win of the season but would also likely push them into the AP Top 25 rankings for the first time in years. The matchup against a ranked opponent is an opportunity for Georgia to showcase the progress they’ve made under Mike White and prove to the college basketball world that they belong in the conversation among the nation’s elite teams.

Oklahoma, under head coach Porter Moser, has been one of the top programs in the Big 12 in recent years, consistently competing for NCAA tournament bids and finishing near the top of the conference standings. The Sooners bring a balanced attack led by their star players, who will present a tough challenge for Georgia’s defense. However, the Bulldogs have shown that they can compete with any team, and their defensive mindset, combined with their offensive firepower, gives them a legitimate shot at pulling off an upset.

Georgia’s success in this game will depend on their ability to execute their game plan, stay disciplined on defense, and take advantage of key scoring opportunities. If they can disrupt Oklahoma’s rhythm and control the pace of the game, they will have a great chance to secure a signature victory that would further bolster their resume as a legitimate contender in the NCAA tournament.

4. The Potential Impact of a Top 25 Ranking

Should Georgia win and break into the Top 25, the impact on the program could be profound. For one, it would provide national recognition for the Bulldogs, who have long been overshadowed by other SEC programs. A Top 25 ranking would give Georgia a higher profile on the recruiting trail, attracting more attention from top-tier high school prospects and transfers looking for a program on the rise. The momentum generated by a ranking could also fuel the team’s confidence, leading to even better play as the season progresses.

In addition, breaking into the Top 25 would mark a significant achievement for Mike White, who would have successfully turned around a program that had been struggling for years. The ranking would be a testament to his coaching abilities, leadership, and vision for the future of Georgia basketball. It would also create a sense of excitement and optimism among fans, who are eager to see the Bulldogs return to national relevance.