Dawson Garcia, Gophers Basketball transfer, given immediate eligibility by NCAA

Dawson Garcia, a transfer to the University of Minnesota Gopher’s men’s basketball team, was given immediate eligibility by the NCAA, the University announced today.

Garcia, a forward, is transferring from North Carolina. He averaged 9 points and 5.5 rebounds over 16 games. He started 12 of those games, with a 40.5% shot completion from the field.

“We’re obviously very excited to have Dawson on the court this season,” stated Gopher’s basketball head coach Ben Johnson in a press release. “I want to personally thank Director of Compliance Jeremiah Carter for all his hard work in this process. Dawson is an experienced competitor who will make an immediate impact on the court. We’re looking forward to building on what he accomplished this summer into the season.”

Before playing for UNC, Garcia spent the 2020-21 season at Marquette. He was also honored as the Big East Freshman of the Week on three occasions in that season and was also part of the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team.

Garcia is a graduate of Prior Lake High School. The Gophers open this season on Nov. 2 against St. Olaf, and the home opener at the barn is scheduled for Nov. 7 against Western Michigan.