Dawson Garcia Announces Return to Minnesota Gophers for 2024-25 Season

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Ron Johnson-USA TODAY SportsCredit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Gophers have taken some hits early on in the offseason transfer portal season, losing the likes of Pharrel Payne, Braeden Carrington and Josh Ola-Joseph. But on Thursday, arguably their best player Dawson Garcia announced on social media that he will be returning for the 2024-25 season.

Dawson Garcia returning to Minnesota Gophers

Garcia battled some injuries throughout last season, but there’s no question he was one of their best players. Dawson averaged 17.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in 32 minutes per game. Not only did he lead the Gophers in both statistical categories, but nobody else contributed close to what he did, especially in terms of putting the ball in the basket.

Cam Christie finished 2nd on the team with 11.3 PPG. Pharrel Payne, who’s now in the portal being showered with offers from blue blood basketball schools, averaged 6.1 rebounds per game, 2nd to Garcia, who is from Prior Lake, MN. The lefty assassin.

After graduating from Prior Lake high school, Garcia committed and attended Marquette for his true freshman season in 2020-21, before transferring to North Carolina for his 2nd year of college ball. He had huge roles at both stops, but left UNC during his sophomore season for reasons that aren’t totally known to the public.

Related: Ben Johnson Optimistic that Worst of Gophers’ Transfer Portal Season is Behind Them

One thing is for sure though, he wanted to be closer to home. So, after some minor paperwork with the NCAA, he transferred to his home state Gophers, where he has played the last two seasons. Garcia thought shortly about testing the NBA Draft waters but decided very quickly that wasn’t the path he wanted to travel. So, Dawson returns to Dinkytown for his super-senior season, a commitment head coach Ben Johnson desperately needed.

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