Georgia basketball head coach Mike White hasn’t had the smoothest start to this new era in Athens, but what he took on was in significant turmoil. Monday brought good news with the announcement from Braelen Bridges that he would return for one more season.
Kario Oquendo also announced his return and that he was pulling his name out of the transfer portal last week. After that slow start, it’s great to see White and his coaching staff pick up some much-needed momentum.
Seeing Bridges announce his return is a big moment for White, and it should be considered a win.
Georgia basketball picks up some much-needed momentum this offseason.
Bridges was one of the most significant contributors for the Dawgs last season. Between him and Oquendo, they were who the Dawgs depended on to get things going.
He was the second-leading scorer for the Dawgs as he averaged 12.9 points a game, 5.6 rebounds, made 73% from the free-throw line and 63.4% of his shots, which led the team.
https://twitter.com/braelenbridg23/status/1516131327250255877?s=20&t=xsh9ycTnIAJ3rhuU_DbH9Q
His message on Twitter was humble and appreciated. One last round in Athens after such a difficult year — Bridges should come back and finish his college career with a bang.
He brings a lot of experience to the group and leadership. White needed Bridges to return because with him, they have someone that has a lot of basketball experience, and it’s evident Bridges is coachable.
White needs someone he can depend on, and that will be Bridges. This news should come as an exciting moment for the Georgia basketball fans because he makes smart plays with the basketball. Imagine what he will be able to do with a coach that knows how to utilize that?
— Georgia Basketball (@UGABasketball) April 13, 2022
Oquendo can also get included in the dependable category now that he returned to the team. He led the team in scoring last season, averaging 15.2 points a game, 4.3 rebounds, and made 71.2% of his free throws, 45% from the floor, and 27% from beyond the arch.
Both Bridges and Oquendo stepped up to be the players Georgia needed during SEC play. Oquendo got stronger as the year continued, so it’s great to see him back with the Dawgs.
Terry Roberts of Bradley announces on Instagram he is committed Georgia. Roberts averaged 14.5 point and 4.9 rebounds last year. pic.twitter.com/zRK72hca1p
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) April 18, 2022
Keeping these two around is a massive win for White and the Georgia basketball team. He and his staff added a massive pickup out of the transfer portal in Terry Roberts from Bradley University.
These two can allow White to have some weapons that he can rebuild this program with because they are two extremely talented guys. Plus when you add in the newest commitment, the Dawgs just got a little better.
Roberts averaged 14.5 points and 4.9 rebounds last season, so another guy who can put up points for the Dawgs is heading to Athens. He will make a great addition to this roster, and it’s great to see Georgia add players.
This pickup is the first big one for White outside, keeping the two above starters. Roberts brings experience and will be competitive for the Dawgs. Fans should enjoy watching him play in Stegeman Coliseum.
Georgia basketball is finally getting some positive momentum going after a rocky few months. White and his staff are just heating things up this offseason as it’s finally exciting being a Hoops Dawgs fan.