The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team had a late entry into the NCAA transfer portal. Forward Justin Abson, who is out of eligibility, entered the portal and is hoping a court ruling or rule change could give him an extra year of eligibility for the 2026-27 college basketball season.
Abson helped Georgia make back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances during the final two years of his college career. The 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward provides an intimidating presence in the paint. He posted 2.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game during the 2025-26 season. Abson played an average of 11.4 minutes per game and appeared in 31 contests including one start. The talented big man posted an impressive amount of blocks for his limited playing time.
Abson joined the Georgia program after spending the first two seasons of his college basketball career with the Appalachian State Mountaineers. If Abson can’t get additional eligibility, then he will likely explore professional options with being selected in the 2026 NBA draft probably being out of reach for the forward.
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello reported that Abson entered the transfer portal. “With the portal closing tomorrow night, players without any eligibility remaining are flying into the portal — presumably with hopes of the five-for-five rule happening,” Borzello said via social media.
Abson was not the only player to enter the transfer portal with hopes of a rule change. Several others entered the portal. If Abson were able to return for next season, then he could also consider a return to Georgia. The Bulldogs and coach Mike White could use an experienced big man after Somto Cyril transferred to Miami.
Georgia basketball players in the transfer portal
- Forward Justin Abson (no eligibility left)
- Forward Dylan James
- Guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (Arkansas)
- Center Somto Cyril (Miami)
- Center Jackson McVey
- Guard Jordan Ross
- Forward Jake Wilkins (Cal)
- Forward Jaden Newell
Justin Abson enters the transfer portal
With the portal closing tomorrow night, players without any eligibility remaining are flying into the portal — presumably with hopes of the five-for-five rule happening. In just the last 24 hours, Justin Abson, Quadir Copeland, Jayden Pierre, Tyler Nickel, etc. have entered.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 20, 2026
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: UGA basketball player enters the portal despite not having eligibility