North Carolina Tar Heels forward Dawson Garcia enters transfer portal

North Carolina Tar Heels forward Dawson Garcia has entered the transfer portal according to Matt Zenitz of On3. A second-year player out of Prior Lake, MN, this will be Garcia’s second time going through the transfer process after spending his first season with the Marquette Golden Eagles.

Garcia played in 16 games this season for North Carolina, starting in 12 of them. He was able to average 9.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in those appearances, getting in double figures five different times. In a non-conference game against Furman, Garcia was able to secure a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

After transferring into the program and playing a large role, Garcia stepped away in January, going back home to deal with family issues. He did not return as the Tar Heels made their late-season run, making it all the way to the national championship game.

Coming out of high school, Garcia was ranked a four-star prospect according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services. He was the No. 43 overall prospect in the 2020 class and the No. 2 player from his home state of Minnesota.

With Garcia now in the transfer portal, he ranks as the No. 8 player in the On3 transfer portal rankings, Only Samuell Williamson, who takes the top overall spot, is higher from within the conference, while Garcia comes in at the No. 4 power forward.

North Carolina Tar Heels forward Dawson Garcia steps away from program

Garcia left the North Carolina program earlier this season due to a family illness, per release via Jon Rothstein on Twitter.

Garcia released a statement via press release on his decision.

“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.”