Georgia Bulldogs Competing in the NCAA Tournament for the First Time Since 1996

The Georgia Bulldogs men’s basketball team has long been a respected presence in college sports. Over the years, the program has experienced its ups and downs, but one thing that has always been true is the team’s passionate fanbase and the school’s rich athletic history. For the Georgia basketball program, however, there has been one glaring absence—an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. That all changed in 2025 when the Bulldogs secured a spot in the prestigious tournament for the first time since 1996.

This historic moment marked the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and, ultimately, success in the face of adversity. The program had experienced numerous rebuilding phases, coaching changes, and heartbreaking near-misses. But under the guidance of head coach Mike White and with a roster full of talent, the Bulldogs overcame the odds and broke a 29-year tournament drought.

The History of Georgia Basketball and the NCAA Tournament Drought

Georgia’s basketball program, established in the 20th century, has had its fair share of successes. The school has produced NBA stars like Dominique Wilkins, and it has seen occasional success in the NCAA Tournament. In fact, Georgia has been to the tournament a total of 10 times in its history. However, the Bulldogs’ last appearance came in 1996, when the team made a deep run to the Sweet Sixteen before falling short of reaching the Elite Eight.

In the years following 1996, Georgia’s basketball program experienced some struggles. Though the school had talented players, they often couldn’t find the right formula to return to the NCAA Tournament. Numerous coaching changes followed, with the hope that a new leader could bring the team back to national prominence.

The program had a handful of near-misses, including several seasons where the Bulldogs finished near the bubble but failed to secure a coveted spot in the tournament. While Georgia consistently competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team couldn’t seem to break through the glass ceiling that had kept them from returning to the Big Dance.

As the years passed, a sense of frustration began to mount, and Georgia’s basketball program became somewhat of an afterthought in the national conversation. The program’s inability to make the NCAA Tournament despite several strong seasons left many wondering if it would ever return to the tournament stage.

The Arrival of Mike White

In 2021, the Georgia Bulldogs hired Mike White as the new head coach. White had previously found success at the University of Florida, where he led the Gators to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. His reputation as a skilled recruiter and a coach with a proven track record in the SEC made him an attractive hire for Georgia. For White, taking over a program with such a long tournament drought was both a challenge and an opportunity to make his mark in a new environment.

From the outset, White made it clear that he was determined to build a competitive and successful team that could compete at the highest level. His emphasis on building a strong defensive identity and playing a fast-paced, up-tempo style of basketball resonated with the players and the fanbase. White’s arrival sparked a sense of renewed optimism in Athens, and the program began to show signs of improvement right away.

Despite the initial challenges of implementing his system and adapting to the SEC, White’s leadership started to pay off. Over the course of his first few seasons, Georgia began to build a roster capable of competing with the best teams in the conference. White’s recruiting efforts brought in top-tier talent, and his coaching acumen helped mold that talent into a cohesive and competitive unit.

By the 2024-2025 season, the Bulldogs were ready to make their move. With a combination of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, the team was primed for a run at the NCAA Tournament. However, the road to the tournament was not going to be easy. The SEC was loaded with talent, and the Bulldogs would have to earn their spot by competing at the highest level.

The 2024-2025 Season: A Breakthrough Year

The 2024-2025 season was one of the most exciting in Georgia basketball history. Under the leadership of Mike White, the Bulldogs transformed into one of the most dynamic teams in the SEC. The team’s success was built on a solid defensive foundation, with White emphasizing tough, physical play and forcing turnovers. Offensively, the Bulldogs played an up-tempo style that allowed them to generate easy points in transition.

One of the standout players for Georgia was junior guard Jalen Stokes, who had developed into one of the premier players in the SEC. Stokes’ scoring ability, combined with his leadership on the court, helped elevate the Bulldogs’ offense. Alongside him, sophomore forward Tyrone Jackson provided a consistent presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Jackson’s ability to rebound and block shots made him a key defensive anchor for the team.

In addition to Stokes and Jackson, Georgia had a number of other talented players who stepped up throughout the season. Freshman guard Chris Middleton emerged as a dynamic scorer, while senior point guard Devonte Thomas provided stability and playmaking from the backcourt. The team’s depth, combined with White’s coaching, made Georgia a tough opponent for any team in the SEC.

The Bulldogs’ success wasn’t limited to their individual talents; it was also the result of a well-coached, cohesive unit. White’s emphasis on team basketball—on both ends of the floor—paid off as Georgia showed they could compete with the best. Throughout the season, they secured impressive victories over ranked opponents and showcased their ability to compete in close, high-pressure games.

One of the most thrilling moments of the season came during the SEC Tournament. With their NCAA Tournament hopes hanging in the balance, the Bulldogs faced off against the conference’s best teams. In an intense matchup against a top-10 opponent, Georgia pulled off an upset victory, sending shockwaves through the college basketball world. The win was a testament to the Bulldogs’ grit and determination, and it solidified their place in the tournament field.

By the end of the regular season, Georgia had compiled a strong resume. With a solid record in the SEC and key victories over ranked teams, the Bulldogs earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, ending the 29-year drought. It was a moment of celebration for the entire program, as fans, players, and coaches alike reveled in the achievement.

The Impact of the NCAA Tournament Berth

For Georgia basketball, returning to the NCAA Tournament was a monumental achievement. It was not just about the players on the court or the coaches on the sidelines; it was about restoring pride to the program and the university. The Bulldogs had faced years of frustration and disappointment, but their perseverance had paid off.

The impact of the tournament berth extended far beyond the basketball court. The announcement that Georgia had made the tournament was met with excitement and pride across the state. For a program that had been in the shadow of more successful SEC schools, the return to the NCAA Tournament signified a new era for Georgia basketball.

The success also brought new opportunities for the program. Recruiting efforts were strengthened as high school players and transfers took notice of the Bulldogs’ newfound relevance on the national stage. A return to the NCAA Tournament opened the door for future success and gave White the momentum he needed to continue building a championship-caliber program.

Perhaps most importantly, the Bulldogs’ NCAA Tournament appearance reignited the passion of the Georgia fanbase. Fans who had long awaited this moment were now eager to see how far their team could go. It was a season to remember, and it left a lasting impression on the basketball community.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Georgia Basketball

While the 2024-2025 season was a historic one for Georgia, it is only the beginning of what many believe could be a sustained period of success for the program. With Mike White at the helm, the Bulldogs are poised to continue competing at a high level in the SEC and beyond. The team’s success on the court, combined with the growing support from the fanbase, suggests that Georgia basketball is on the rise.

As the Bulldogs look toward the future, they will aim to build on their success in the NCAA Tournament. The program’s first tournament appearance in nearly three decades has sparked excitement and hope for what’s to come. With a talented roster, strong coaching, and a renewed sense of confidence, the Georgia Bulldogs are ready to make their mark on the national basketball landscape.

The Georgia Bulldogs’ return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996 is a story of perseverance, hard work, and triumph. After nearly three decades of near-misses and disappointments, the program has finally broken through to the tournament’s biggest stage. Led by head coach Mike White and a talented roster of players, the Bulldogs have reignited the excitement and pride of their fanbase. This momentous achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter for Georgia basketball, one filled with promise and the potential for continued success.