Key players for Georgia basketball are in the lead from the beginning to the end.

Key Players for Georgia Basketball: Leading from Beginning to End

As the 2025 basketball season unfolds, the Georgia Bulldogs men’s basketball team has shown remarkable resilience, skill, and determination. While the team’s success hinges on many factors, it’s the key players who have set the tone from the beginning to the end of the season. From their leadership on the court to their ability to execute in high-pressure moments, these players have established themselves as the driving force behind Georgia’s rise in the SEC standings and their eventual push toward a potential postseason bid.

Georgia’s basketball program has been on a steady upward trajectory, and under head coach Mike White, the Bulldogs have built a balanced and dynamic team. However, the key players have played an essential role in getting the team to where it is today. In this article, we’ll break down the key players for Georgia basketball in 2025, their individual contributions, and how they’ve helped lead the team to success from the opening tip to the final buzzer.

The Rise of Georgia Basketball: Setting the Stage

Before diving into the contributions of the team’s key players, it’s important to understand the context of Georgia’s basketball program. Under Mike White’s leadership, the Bulldogs have cultivated a tough, defensive-minded identity while simultaneously refining their offensive execution. White’s arrival in 2022 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Georgia basketball, and his ability to recruit and develop talent has become evident as the team continues to build on its success.

With a blend of experienced upperclassmen and promising underclassmen, Georgia’s 2025 roster has been one of the most talented and well-rounded in recent years. The team has demonstrated an ability to play up-tempo basketball, lock down defensively, and hit critical shots when needed. Whether it’s a close game against an SEC rival or a marquee non-conference opponent, these key players have been at the heart of Georgia’s journey.

Key Player #1: Terry Roberts – The Playmaker

When discussing the key players for Georgia basketball, it’s impossible not to start with Terry Roberts. The senior guard has been one of the most influential players on the team and has consistently played a pivotal role in leading the Bulldogs from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Roberts, who transferred to Georgia from Bradley University, immediately made an impact as a leader on and off the court.

Roberts’ Skill Set:

• Playmaking Ability: As the team’s primary point guard, Roberts has served as the catalyst for Georgia’s offense. His ability to run the offense, find open teammates, and control the tempo of the game has been critical in many of Georgia’s wins. Roberts is excellent at navigating pick-and-roll situations, making him a dual-threat as both a scorer and facilitator.
• Scoring Ability: While his primary role is to distribute the ball, Roberts has also shown the ability to score efficiently. Averaging double digits in points per game, his ability to create his own shot or take advantage of mismatches has made him a key contributor in clutch moments.
• Leadership and Poise: Roberts’ leadership has been invaluable throughout the season. He’s been calm under pressure, especially in late-game situations, and his court awareness allows him to make smart decisions when the game is on the line.

Roberts’ steady hand as the team’s point guard has helped Georgia maintain an effective offensive rhythm. Whether orchestrating fast breaks or executing half-court sets, his leadership and basketball IQ have been essential to the team’s success. As Georgia continues to make a push for postseason play, Roberts’ ability to elevate his game in crucial moments will be a major factor in the Bulldogs’ trajectory.

Key Player #2: Kario Oquendo – The Scorer

One of the most dynamic and explosive players on the Georgia roster is Kario Oquendo. A key contributor on both ends of the floor, Oquendo has been one of Georgia’s most consistent scorers throughout the 2025 season. His ability to score in multiple ways has made him one of the most dangerous players in the SEC.

Oquendo’s Skill Set:

• Scoring Versatility: Oquendo’s offensive game is incredibly diverse. He can attack the rim with force, knock down the mid-range jumper, and stretch defenses with his three-point shooting. This scoring versatility has allowed Georgia to rely on Oquendo in a variety of situations, whether it’s driving to the basket or spotting up from deep.
• Athleticism and Energy: Standing at 6-foot-4, Oquendo possesses elite athleticism, which allows him to excel in transition and finish with authority around the rim. His energy and explosiveness have helped him become a consistent threat for Georgia in both fast-break situations and in half-court sets.
• Defensive Presence: In addition to his offensive contributions, Oquendo has been a key player defensively. His ability to guard multiple positions and create turnovers has added another layer to his game, making him an all-around asset for Georgia.

As one of the team’s top scorers, Oquendo has often been the focal point of Georgia’s offense. His ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates, combined with his explosive athleticism, has been critical to the Bulldogs’ success this season. As Georgia looks to make a run in the postseason, Oquendo’s ability to perform consistently and deliver in high-pressure situations will be crucial.

Key Player #3: Jabri Abdur-Rahim – The Versatile Forward

Another player who has had a significant impact for Georgia is Jabri Abdur-Rahim, the 6-foot-7 forward who has brought versatility and a scoring punch to the team. Abdur-Rahim, a former transfer from Virginia, has proven to be a key cog in Georgia’s offensive and defensive schemes. His ability to stretch the floor, score in a variety of ways, and contribute on the defensive end has made him one of the team’s most valuable assets.

Abdur-Rahim’s Skill Set:

• Scoring Inside and Out: Abdur-Rahim’s versatility as a forward allows him to score both inside and outside. He can stretch the defense with his three-point shooting while also being a threat in the post, using his size and footwork to score efficiently. His ability to contribute as a perimeter shooter and inside presence makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
• Rebounding and Defensive Impact: Abdur-Rahim has also been a solid contributor on the boards, helping Georgia control possession and limit second-chance opportunities. His length and defensive awareness allow him to contest shots and defend multiple positions effectively.
• Basketball IQ: Abdur-Rahim has a high basketball IQ, which allows him to make smart decisions on both ends of the floor. His ability to read the game and make adjustments has been key for Georgia, particularly in tight games.

As a forward who can impact the game in multiple ways, Abdur-Rahim has been a consistent performer for Georgia throughout the season. His scoring ability, combined with his rebounding and defensive contributions, has made him one of the Bulldogs’ most well-rounded players. Moving forward, Abdur-Rahim’s versatility will be critical as Georgia looks to compete with the top teams in the SEC and beyond.

Key Player #4: Braelen Bridges – The Paint Protector

On the defensive side of the ball, Braelen Bridges has been the anchor in the paint for Georgia. The 6-foot-9 center has been a key factor in the Bulldogs’ ability to defend the rim and protect the basket, while also contributing offensively as a reliable post presence. Bridges has been instrumental in Georgia’s overall defensive strategy, and his leadership on that side of the ball has allowed the team to stifle opposing offenses.

Bridges’ Skill Set:

• Shot Blocking and Rim Protection: Bridges has been a dominant shot blocker for Georgia, altering and rejecting numerous shots throughout the season. His ability to protect the rim has been invaluable, particularly against high-scoring teams that rely on driving to the basket.
• Post Scoring and Rebounding: On the offensive end, Bridges has been a steady contributor in the post. His size and strength allow him to finish around the basket and create second-chance opportunities. Additionally, his rebounding ability has been critical in helping Georgia secure defensive stops and extend possessions.
• Defensive Communication: Bridges has become the vocal leader on Georgia’s defense, organizing rotations and helping his teammates stay disciplined in their defensive assignments. His leadership in this area has helped solidify Georgia’s overall defensive structure.

As one of the team’s defensive stalwarts, Bridges’ presence in the paint has been essential to Georgia’s defensive identity. Whether it’s blocking shots, securing rebounds, or providing leadership, Bridges has been a key player for the Bulldogs on both ends of the floor.

Key Player #5: Jaxon Etter – The Role Player with a Big Impact

While the aforementioned players have taken center stage, Jaxon Etter has been a key contributor in his own right, providing valuable minutes and making an impact in his role. Etter, a versatile guard, has shown the ability to step up when needed, providing scoring, playmaking, and defense in key moments.

Etter’s Skill Set:

• Three-Point Shooting: One of Etter’s most valuable skills is his ability to shoot from beyond the arc. His three-point shooting has helped Georgia space the floor and open up driving lanes for teammates. When Etter gets hot from deep, he can change the course of a game in an instant.
• Defense and Energy: Etter brings a tenacious defensive presence, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player. His energy and hustle have been contagious, helping to set the tone for Georgia’s defensive efforts.

Etter’s contributions may not always show up in the box score, but his ability to make timely plays and provide leadership off the bench has made him an important asset for Georgia throughout the season.