This past year's Freshman
G Silas Demary Jr.
G Blue Cain
F Dylan James
G Mari Jordan
Now we get to what is the key group heading into this offseason. Demary Jr. and Cain were arguably Georgia's most promising players in their Freshmen seasons, while James flashed upside and played well in the NIT.
In the modern era of college basketball, coaches must essentially re-recruit each of their players each offseason (especially when it comes to promising Freshman).
I believe that Georgia really needs to retain at least two out of the three of Demary Jr., Cain, and James. Keeping all three would be huge, but being able to retain at least two seems like almost a necessity.
Demary Jr. averaged 9.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 1.4 SPG (while also finishing third on the team in blocks with 16) on 42.4% shooting during his Freshman season. He was also one of Georgia's best defenders. Demary Jr. improved as the season went on.
He averaged 10.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 2.1 APG on 43.1% shooting in SEC play. He started nearly the entire season (36 starts in 37 appearances), while playing 27.7 minutes per.
Demary arguably seems to have the highest ceiling of any player on Georgia's roster (as a talented two-way guard), and thus would be a big piece for Georgia to keep. However, that also means that he would be highly sought after in the transfer portal. Following Georgia's loss in the NIT semi's, Demary Jr. was non-committal on his plans for next season and that he would take some time before making a decision.
Cain meanwhile averaged 7.4 PPG and 2.5 RPG on 40.4% shooting from the field and 35% shooting from deep on the year. He played 20.9 minutes per game in 37 appearances (9 starts).
Keeping Cain would be big for White, as he looks to have the potential of a consistent 3-point shooting threat with a lot of athleticism who can continue to develop other parts of his game.
James averaged 4.0 PPG and 2.6 RPG on 47.3% shooting in 22 games (making 8 starts), showing promise as a big. He averaged 5.8 PPG and 3.3 RPG on 55% shooting (23 minutes per game) in Georgia's four games in the NIT.
Jordan red-shirted this season. He was a 3* in the 2023 class, and was the No. 166 overall player in the class.