The Georgia Bulldogs have seen a significant amount of roster turnover this offseason. The question is: is Georgia basketball improving with all of this roster churn?
Overall, the answer seems to be yes. All five of Georgia’s incoming transfers rank higher than three of the Bulldogs’ four outgoing transfers. Georgia’s most painful loss via the transfer portal is Jabri Abdur-Rahim.
In addition to bringing in a talented transfer class, Georgia has two elite recruits expected to join the team for the 2024-2025 basketball season in five-star Asa Newell and four-star Somto Cyril (who also declared for the NBA draft).
Let’s take a look at where incoming and outgoing Georgia Bulldogs rank in the NCAA transfer portal according to 247Sports.
9
Outgoing transfer: Mari Jordan (Tulane)
Transfer ranking: No. 453
Position ranking: No. 92
What Georgia is losing: Jordan redshirted during his freshman season in Athens. Jordan, a former top-100 recruit, missed the 2023-2024 season with an undisclosed injury. Georgia is losing his experience in Mike White’s system along with his potential.
8
Outgoing transfer: RJ Melendez (Mississippi State)
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer ranking: No. 425
Position ranking: No. 87
What Georgia is losing: During the 2023-2024 season, Melendez averaged 9.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game for Georgia. Melendez has solid size and is capable of getting hot from outside.
7
Outgoing transfer: Frank Anselem-Ibe (uncommitted)
The Columbus Dispatch
Transfer ranking: No. 399
Position ranking: No. 59
What Georgia is (likely) losing: Frank Anselem-Ibe was projected to start at center for Georgia. Anselem-Ibe is a good rim protector and rebounder that is athletic and has solid size.
6
Incoming transfer: Clemson's RJ Godfrey
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer ranking: No. 344
Position ranking: No. 72
What he brings to Georgia: Forward RJ Godfrey brings NCAA Tournament experience to the Dawgs. Godfrey is a physical defender that is capable of playing power forward or center.
5
Incoming transfer: App State's Justin Abson
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer ranking: No. 287
Position ranking: No. 63
What he brings to Georgia: Justin Abson is not a good free throw shooter. However, Abson is an elite defender and was named as the 2023 Sun Belt defensive player of the year. Last season, Abson averaged 2.8 blocks per game, which was third nationally.
4
Incoming transfer: Mount St. Mary's De'Shayne Montgomery
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer ranking: No. 287
Position ranking: No. 63
What he brings to Georgia: Shooting guard De’Shayne Montgomery flashed immense potential as a true freshman. Montgomery is an explosive athlete that can score at the rim. Montgomery excels at scoring in transition.
3
Outgoing transfer: Jabri Abdur-Rahim (Providence)
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer ranking: No. 219
Position ranking: No. 42
What Georgia is losing: The Bulldogs got a taste of life without Jabri Abdur-Rahim in the National Invitational Tournament last season. Georgia will miss Abdur-Rahim’s perimeter shooting and size at shooting forward.
2
Incoming transfer: Mount St. Mary's Dakota Leffew
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer ranking: No. 136
Position ranking: No. 23
What he brings to Georgia: Dakota Leffew is another experienced scoring option for Georgia. Last season, Leffew totaled 17.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.
1
Incoming transfer: Vanderbilt's Tyrin Lawrence
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Transfer ranking: No. 82
Position ranking: No. 13
What he brings to Georgia: Tyrin Lawrence was Vanderbilt’s leading scored in SEC play last season. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound shooting guard has a ton of experience, but was not the most efficient shooter a year ago.
