By ADAM ZAGORIA
Dawson Garcia, the 6-foot-11 sophomore from Prior Lake, Minn., is transferring back home to Minnesota from North Carolina, he told 247Sports.com.
Garcia averaged 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 16 games at North Carolina, but then left the program due to family issues before the Tar Heels made their run to the NCAA championship game against Kansas.
He initially committed to Marquette in November 2019 over Indiana, Memphis and Minnesota. He averaged 13.0 points and 6.6 rebounds for the Big East school, but opted to leave after the coaching change and committed to UNC in July 2021.
“I just chose Minnesota because I am close to my family and my friends and my support group,” he told 247Sports.com. “I am just excited to have a chance to play basketball around my loved ones.”
He told the site he plans to apply for a hardship waiver.
“Unfortunately, I have a compelling case with all that has gone on and luckily I have had good people in my circle to keep my head up during the tough time so I hope to be able to play next year with everything that’s gone on,” said Garcia. “I’m just excited to be around my family and get back to playing the game of basketball.”
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