30 Facts About Georgia Basketball

Georgia Basketball History

Georgia basketball has a rich history filled with memorable moments and legendary players. Here are some fascinating facts about the team’s past.

1. The University of Georgia's basketball program began in 1905, making it one of the oldest in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

2. Georgia's first basketball coach was Dr. Charles Herty, who also coached the football team.

3. The Bulldogs' first official game was against Georgia Tech, which they won 50-27.

4. Georgia's first SEC Championship came in 1983 under coach Hugh Durham.

5. Dominique Wilkins, one of the greatest players in NBA history, played for Georgia from 1979 to 1982.

Memorable Moments

Georgia basketball has had its share of unforgettable games and achievements. Here are some highlights.

6. In 1983, Georgia made its first NCAA Tournament appearance and reached the Final Four.

7. The Bulldogs defeated Michael Jordan's North Carolina team in the 1983 NCAA Tournament.

8. Georgia won the 1996 SEC Tournament, their first and only SEC Tournament title to date.

9. In 2008, Georgia won the SEC Tournament again, despite being the lowest seed and having to win four games in four days.

10. The Bulldogs have made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Legendary Players

Georgia has produced several players who have left a lasting impact on the sport. Here are some of the most notable.

11. Dominique Wilkins, known as "The Human Highlight Film," was a two-time All-American at Georgia.

12. Vern Fleming, who played from 1980 to 1984, went on to have a successful NBA career.

13. Willie Anderson, a standout from 1984 to 1988, played 10 seasons in the NBA.

14. Jumaine Jones, who played from 1997 to 1999, was a first-round NBA draft pick.

15. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who played from 2011 to 2013, won an NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.

Coaching Legends

The Bulldogs have been guided by some remarkable coaches over the years. Here are a few who made a significant impact.

16. Hugh Durham, who coached from 1978 to 1995, is the winningest coach in Georgia history.

17. Tubby Smith, who coached from 1995 to 1997, led the Bulldogs to two NCAA Tournament appearances.

18. Jim Harrick, who coached from 1999 to 2003, led Georgia to the 2002 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.

19. Mark Fox, who coached from 2009 to 2018, led Georgia to two NCAA Tournament appearances.

20. Tom Crean, who took over in 2018, is known for developing NBA talent.

Home Court Advantage

Stegeman Coliseum is where the Bulldogs play their home games. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic venue.

21. Stegeman Coliseum opened in 1964 and has a seating capacity of 10,523.

22. The arena is named after Herman J. Stegeman, a former Georgia coach and athletic director.

23. Stegeman Coliseum has hosted NCAA Tournament games, including the 1971 Mideast Regional.

24. The arena underwent a major renovation in 2010, adding new seating and a state-of-the-art scoreboard.

25. The Bulldogs have a strong home-court advantage, with a winning percentage of over .600 at Stegeman Coliseum.

Rivalries

Georgia basketball has several intense rivalries that add excitement to the season. Here are some of the most notable.

26. The rivalry with Georgia Tech, known as "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate," is one of the oldest in college basketball.

27. The Bulldogs have a heated rivalry with the Florida Gators, often battling for SEC supremacy.

28. Georgia's rivalry with Kentucky is always a highlight, given Kentucky's storied basketball history.

29. The Bulldogs also have a competitive rivalry with the Tennessee Volunteers.

30. Every game against Auburn is a fierce contest, adding to the excitement of SEC play.

Georgia Basketball: A Legacy of Excellence

Georgia Basketball has a rich history filled with memorable moments and remarkable players. From Dominique Wilkins dazzling fans with his high-flying dunks to the team’s NCAA Tournament appearances, the Bulldogs have left an indelible mark on college basketball. The program’s commitment to developing talent and fostering a competitive spirit has made it a cornerstone of the University of Georgia’s athletic department.

The Bulldogs’ dedicated fan base and storied rivalries add to the excitement and tradition of Georgia Basketball. Whether it’s a thrilling game at Stegeman Coliseum or a heated matchup against a conference foe, the passion for the sport is palpable.

Georgia Basketball isn’t just about the past; it’s about building a future filled with promise and potential. As the program continues to grow, fans can look forward to more exciting seasons and unforgettable moments.