Georgia basketball forward plans transfer

Dylan James to enter NCAA transfer portal after 3 seasons with Bulldogs

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college basketball player in mid-motion, their body fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and gold.A talented Georgia forward seeks a fresh start through the NCAA transfer portal, hoping to emerge with an expanded role at a new program.Athens Today

Georgia Bulldogs junior forward Dylan James has announced his plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The 6-foot-9, 215-pound forward has been a solid bench contributor for the Bulldogs over the past three seasons, but is now seeking more playing time and a larger role for his senior year.

Why it matters

James' decision to transfer is a notable loss for the Georgia basketball program, as he was a key part of the team's rotation and helped the Bulldogs make back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. His departure opens up a scholarship spot that the coaching staff will need to fill through the transfer portal or recruiting.

The details

James averaged 4.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 15 minutes per game this past season. He had a standout performance against Florida, tallying 16 points and 6 rebounds. However, the junior forward was unable to earn a starting role, making just 18 career starts for Georgia. James was a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, ranked as the No. 18 power forward and No. 87 overall player in the class of 2023. He drew interest from schools like Miami, Alabama and Georgia Tech before committing to the Bulldogs.

  • James announced his plans to enter the transfer portal on March 29, 2026.
  • The NCAA transfer portal opens on April 7 and will remain open for 15 days, closing on April 21.

The players

Dylan James

A 6-foot-9, 215-pound junior forward who has been a key bench contributor for the Georgia Bulldogs over the past three seasons.

Georgia Bulldogs

The Division I men's basketball team that competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

James will now enter the NCAA transfer portal, where he will be able to explore opportunities at other programs that can offer him a larger role and more playing time for his senior season.

The takeaway

James' decision to transfer highlights the competitive nature of Division I basketball, where even talented players sometimes struggle to earn consistent playing time and are forced to seek new opportunities. Georgia will now need to find a replacement for James' production and experience off the bench.