Georgia Star Transfer Commits to UConn

UConn may have fallen short of their three-peat hopes, but they received good news in the transfer portal. Only days after Liam McKneely announced his decision to enter the NBA draft, UConn received a commitment from Georgia guard Silas Demary Jr. Demary seems set to replace the star freshman and join a set of incredible recruits ranked third in the country. Georgia lost in the NCAA Tournament to Gonzaga, while UConn lost in the round of 32 heartbreakingly to Florida. So, what does Demary provide for UConn? Is this a commitment that moves the needle on UConn’s title hopes in 2026?

Georgia Star Transfer Silas Demary Jr. Commits to UConn

Who is Demary?

247Sports ranked Demary as the 72nd-ranked prospect in the class of 2023. He ranked as the 11th-best combo guard and the third-best player in the state of North Carolina. Demary committed to Georgia, where he played his freshman and sophomore seasons. He flashed potential in his freshman season, averaging 9.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Georgia missed the NCAA Tournament, but he was a key piece for the Bulldogs and looked ready to step into a larger role in his sophomore season.

Demary stepped up for the Bulldogs in his sophomore campaign, averaging 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He was one of the star players on a Georgia team that survived the incredible SEC and made it to the NCAA Tournament. While they lost in the first round, Demary brings experience to UConn moving forward and could help mentor the young stars coming in the Class of 2025. Demary also shot 37.4% from three.

There will be questions about his decision-making. Dan Hurley is a great coach who can help mold him into his system. However, he only shot 39.6% from the field and averaged 2.3 turnovers per game. Most people believe this is something that will improve with experience. Hurley must have seen the potential in him. Demary Jr. must have seen something he liked in UConn, too, as the Huskies hope to regain their championship-contender status.

Can Demary Jr. Bring UConn Back to Contention?

The hope when bringing in a top-10 transfer is to compete for a national championship. This is especially true for the Huskies. However, Auburn picked up a big recruit, and Duke looks primed to compete for a national championship again next year. The other teams are getting better. The big names aren’t going anywhere. Expect North Carolina to rebound and dark horses, like portal-loving Louisville, to be right up there. That doesn’t include Kentucky, Alabama, and others from the elite SEC. The Big 12 giants like Houston and Kansas always have elite teams. All of these teams will recover and improve for next season.

UConn has a national-championship-or-bust mentality. Hurley has already won two and won’t settle for anything less. Silas Demary Jr. is a great addition for UConn, but they will need more help. Demary is still a prodigy who needs to improve. One move doesn’t move the needle for UConn, so they must stay active in the upcoming weeks.