CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Dawson Garcia‘s time at North Carolina has officially come to an end. The sophomore forward, who had not played for the Tar Heels since late January, entered the transfer portal early Wednesday morning, according to sources.
“Congratulations to all of Tar Heel Nation on a great finish to the season,” Garcia posted on Twitter later Wednesday morning. “With all that has happened with my family this past year, I have decided to stay in closer proximity to them. Thank you Tar Heel Nation for accepting me into your family … all the best!”
Garcia was considered a significant signing for Hubert Davis out of the transfer portal. He parted ways with Marquette after his freshman season in June and committed to UNC on July 8. The Prior Lake, Minn. native considered Arizona and Illinois after exploring the NBA Draft process before ultimately deciding on UNC.
The 6-foot-11, 235-pound sophomore averaged 9.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in 16 games for UNC in 2021-22. He shot 40.5% from the floor and 37.5% from the 3-point line. Garcia started at the four spot until suffering a concussion at Boston College on Jan. 2. He missed the next two games against Notre Dame and Virginia before coming off the bench to play 33 combined minutes in losses at Miami and Wake Forest.
UNC announced on Jan. 24 that Garcia was returning home to Minnesota to deal with an illness in his family. Six games and 17 days later, the school announced that the sophomore forward would not return to the basketball program in 2021-22 due to family medical concerns.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for the unbelievable support that has automatically been given to me while I flew home to support my family,” Garcia said in a school release. “Not everyone will understand, but those who know our family are very aware of the circumstances and challenges we are facing. As much as I love this University and basketball, being in the middle of a health crisis is where our family is right now and it’s where I need to be.
“After the loss of several very special family members this past year, I came close to losing my dad in December and my grandma is currently in the ICU. With my dad recovering and my grandma fighting for her life, it’s not even a question to me where I need to be right now. My family is my world and I will always be there for them. The past few months have quickly changed my perspective on life and I have put this into God’s hands and trust His guidance.
“Times like this bring out the beauty in God’s people and I thank all of Tar Heel Nation, my coaches and my teammates for all the love and support. I thank you for lifting us up with your powerful prayers. The University, this team and fans are special. Go Tar Heels.”
Garcia scored 20 or more points three times this past season, including a season-high 26 points against Purdue in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off on Nov. 20.
