Helena Frye
The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team has been ranked for the first time since 2011, coming in at No. 23 in the weekly Associated Press top 25 poll. The ranking comes after a successful week for the Bulldogs, who beat consecutive top-20 opponents for the first time since 2007. The Georgia basketball team defeated No. 17 Oklahoma 72-62, and No. 6 Kentucky 82-69. The team's success has sparked discussions about their potential to be ranked and their chances in upcoming games against top-10 opponents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Georgia Bulldogs |
| Team Conference | SEC |
| Current Record | 14-2 |
| Current Ranking | 23 |
| Previous Ranking | 26 (NCAA NET), 28 (NET) |
| Notable Wins | Oklahoma Sooners, Kentucky |
| Notable Losses | Marquette, Ole Miss |
| Key Players | Asa Newell, Somto Cyril |
| Head Coach | Mike White |
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What You'll Learn
Georgia Bulldogs basketball team ranked for first time since 2011
The Georgia Bulldogs men's basketball team has been ranked for the first time since 2011, ending a 14-year drought. The Bulldogs earned the No. 23 spot in both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll, released on Monday, January 13, 2025. This came after a successful week in which the Bulldogs beat the No. 17 Oklahoma Sooners 72-62 and the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats 82-69. These back-to-back wins against ranked opponents were a first since 2006-2007.
The Georgia Bulldogs' overall record for the season is 14-2, and 2-1 in SEC action. Their two losses came to No. 7 Marquette and No. 21 Ole Miss. The team has a big week ahead, facing No. 6 Tennessee on January 15 and No. 1 Auburn on January 18. If they win both games, they could end the week ranked in the top 10. However, if they lose both, their NCAA Tournament hopes could be impacted.
The ranking is a sign that the team is on the right track, although some players have stated that they are more focused on their performance and preparation for upcoming games than on their ranking. Coach Mike White praised the team's "mental toughness" and their ability to "lock in" after the win against Kentucky.
The Georgia Bulldogs' return to the national college rankings has been highly anticipated, and their current success has them looking like contenders for the NCAA Tournament.
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UGA's wins against top-20 opponents
The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team has had several notable wins against top-20 opponents. In January 2025, the Bulldogs secured back-to-back wins against ranked opponents, defeating #6 Kentucky and #17 Oklahoma Sooners 72-62. This success has fuelled discussions around the team's potential ranking and qualification for the NCAA Tournament.
The Bulldogs' performance in the 2024-2025 season has been impressive, with a record of 14-2 as of January 10, 2025. This includes victories over highly-ranked opponents such as Oklahoma, who started the year with a 13-0 record before falling to the Bulldogs. The team's success has been attributed in part to freshman Asa Newell, who has had an outstanding start to the season.
The Georgia Bulldogs have a rich history in sports, with their teams competing in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The football program, in particular, has achieved significant success, claiming four national championships, including three from major wire services in 1980, 2021, and 2022.
The Bulldogs have a strong record in bowl games, with 38 wins, ranking them second all-time. They have appeared in a diverse range of bowls, including the Rose, Orange, Cotton, Peach, and Sugar Bowls, showcasing their consistent performance in college football. The Bulldogs have also produced numerous individual stars, with five former players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and two Heisman Trophy winners.
The Bulldogs' success extends beyond football, and their basketball team's recent victories against top-20 opponents further emphasize their athletic prowess. While the team's ranking remains to be determined, their wins against Kentucky and Oklahoma highlight their potential and strengthen their case for NCAA Tournament consideration.
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Georgia freshman Asa Newell's outstanding performance
The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team has had a successful season, securing back-to-back wins over ranked opponents, including defeating No. 17 Oklahoma Sooners 72-62. The team's success can be attributed in large part to the outstanding performance of Georgia freshman Asa Newell, who has had an impressive start to the season. Newell, a highly touted five-star recruit, chose to play for the Bulldogs over more established programs, and his decision has paid off. Standing at 6'10" and 220 lbs, Newell is a force to be reckoned with on the court. His defensive skills and ability to play within Georgia's system have made him a key player for the team. Newell's consistency, work ethic, and maturity have impressed coach Mike White, who praised his humility, mental toughness, and willingness to play within the team's strategy. Newell's impact on the team goes beyond just scoring, as he knows "when he needs to step up and make something happen," according to his father, Justin Newell. Newell's outstanding performance has helped propel the Georgia Bulldogs to success, and they are now looking like a strong contender for the NCAA Tournament.
Newell's decision to join the Bulldogs was influenced by his family's connection to the University of Georgia. Newell's late maternal grandmother, Jacqueline Mitchell, worked for 15 years as an administrative assistant in the University of Georgia president's office. Newell and his older brother, Jaden, who is also a forward on the team, moved to Athens as toddlers with their parents. The Newell brothers attended preschool on campus and had the opportunity to take advantage of the university's resources from a young age.
Newell's outstanding performance has not gone unnoticed by coaches and reporters alike. Gonzaga coach Mark Few praised Bulldogs coach Mike White and specifically mentioned Newell as a standout freshman. Newell's defensive abilities were highlighted as a key factor in Georgia's success, particularly in their matchup against Gonzaga. Newell's impact on the team extends beyond his individual performance, as he has helped elevate the play of those around him.
Newell's consistency and work ethic have been praised by coach White, who has never seen a freshman with such humility and mental toughness. Newell's willingness to play within the team's system and not force shots is a testament to his maturity and understanding of the game. Newell's impact on the court is evident in his statistics, with a 2-point percentage of 54.3% and an average of 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game.
In conclusion, Georgia freshman Asa Newell has had an outstanding performance that has helped propel the Georgia Bulldogs basketball team to success. His defensive skills, consistency, work ethic, and maturity have made him a key player and a driving force behind the team's winning streak. Newell's impact extends beyond just his individual performance, as he has elevated the play of his teammates and helped put Georgia basketball on the map. With Newell's continued outstanding play, the Bulldogs are poised to make a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament.
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UGA's ranking in the AP Poll
The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team has been performing well and has a record of 14-2. They have secured back-to-back wins against ranked opponents, beating No. 17 Oklahoma Sooners 72-62 and No. 6 Kentucky. The team has not achieved such a feat since the 2006-2007 season.
Despite these impressive wins, the UGA basketball team has not yet been ranked by the AP Poll. However, they have been recognised by ESPN's Bracketology, which placed them as a No. 9 seed. This indicates that the team is on the cusp of being considered for the NCAA Tournament, but their participation is not yet guaranteed.
In the past, the UGA basketball team has been ranked by the AP Poll. In the final rankings for the 2024-2025 season, the Georgia Bulldogs were ranked No. 6, earning this position after a Sugar Bowl loss to the No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This was the first time since the 2020 season that the team had ranked outside the top five.
The AP Poll, or Associated Press Top 25 Poll, is a significant ranking system in college basketball and other sports. While it is influential, it is not the sole determinant of a team's success or qualification for tournaments. Other factors and rankings, such as ESPN's Bracketology, are also considered.
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UGA's chances in the NCAA Tournament
As of 12 January 2025, the Georgia Bulldogs basketball team is not ranked, but there is talk that they deserve to be. The team has had a strong start to the season, with a record of 14-2 and back-to-back wins over ranked opponents—defeating No. 17 Oklahoma Sooners 72-62 and No. 6 Kentucky. This is the first time since 2006-2007 that the team has achieved such a feat.
Freshman Asa Newell has had an outstanding start to the season, contributing significantly to the team's success. Georgia's coach, Mike White, praised the team's "good detail" and "mental toughness" following their win over Oklahoma.
Entering the Oklahoma game, Georgia was predicted as a No. 9 seed in ESPN's Bracketology, indicating that their position in the NCAA Tournament is not guaranteed. To boost their chances of making it to March Madness, the team needs to win at least half of their games in SEC play.
While there are no explicit predictions of UGA's chances in the NCAA Tournament, their recent performance suggests they are a strong contender. With their current winning streak, they are building momentum as they head towards the tournament.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Georgia Bulldogs basketball team is ranked for the first time since 2011. They are ranked No. 23 in the AP Poll and No. 26 in the NCAA's NET rankings.
UGA was 14-2 with notable wins over No. 6 Kentucky and No. 17 Oklahoma.
Georgia freshman star Asa Newell is a projected NBA first-round draft pick and leads the team in scoring with 15.4 points per game. Another key player is Somto Cyril, a big man with a focus on the present and future games rather than rankings.
UGA has a tough road ahead with consecutive games against top-10 opponents. If they can pull off upsets, they could end the week ranked in the top 10. However, if they lose both games, their NCAA Tournament hopes would take a hit.
Head coach Mike White expressed happiness for the fans but emphasized that the team's focus is on reaching their potential and improving. Somto Cyril echoed a similar sentiment, stating that the team is more concerned with preparing for their next game than rankings.
