Mar 20, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Silas Demary Jr. (5) dribbles against Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Emmanuel Innocenti (5) in the second half of a first round men’s NCAA Tournament game at Intrust Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images

Why UConn Huskies' Newest Addition Will Have Huge Impact in 2025

Originally posted on UConn Huskies on SI
By Dylan Feltovich | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 3:30 PM ET

After losing to the Florida Gators in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, head coach Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies will look to redeem themselves heading into the new season.

However, one major issue the program will face this upcoming year is replacing the production that was lost this offseason. But with a little help from the transfer portal, Hurley may have found a key addition in guard Silas Demary Jr.

Coming out of high school, Demary was rated as the No. 11 combo guard and the No. 2 player out of state of North Carolina in the 2023 class, according to 247Sports. While many believed the talented playmaker would commit to USC, Demary flipped the script and landed with the Georgia Bulldogs. In his two years under head coach Mike White, the 6-foot-5 talent averaged 11.6 points per game, while becoming the program's second-highest scorer in 2024 with 13.5 points per game.

Despite all his success in the Southeastern Conference, Demary was in pursuit of better, as he entered the transfer portal in March. Shortly after leaving the Bulldogs, he announced his commitment to the Huskies with the intention of being the next great point guard for the program.

Silas Demary Jr.: "I wanted to be the next great point guard. Obviously, guys that won back-to-back, great guards like Tristen Newton, Stephon Castle, you look back even farther, Shabazz Napier, Kemba Walker. I want to be a part of one of those names. I want to be part of a…
— David Borges (@DaveBorges) April 3, 2025

While the Huskie fanbase was thrilled with the commitment of Demary, UConn veteran guard Solo Ball expressed his excitement when talking to Zach Schumaker, stating that the duo "can be really special together."

"I think we can be really special together," Ball said. "We can both play on and off the ball, so I think that's what makes us deadly."

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, UConn will have to find a way to replace the production of the team's leading scorer last year, Liam McNeeley, after he was selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Luckily, the combination of both Ball and Demary gives Hurley an excellent backcourt duo. Demary does a terrific job of scoring from inside the arc, while also possessing the size to finish at the basket. Demary's ability to finish inside paired with Ball's 41.4 three-point percentage in 2024 creates multiple ways the Huskies can generate offense next season.

This article first appeared on UConn Huskies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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