NCAA Basketball: 8 teams that should target Marquette transfer Dawson Garcia
Villanova Wildcats
The Wildcats return just about everyone from last season’s Sweet 16 team, with the notable exception of Co-Big East Player of the Year forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. The leading scorer and rebounder’s departure hurts for sure, regardless of how good incoming four-star big man Nnanna Njoku may end up being.
With the other Conference Player of the Year Collin Gillespie coming back for a 5th year and plenty of talent also on the roster, Villanova is in a great position to win next season. And with the center position being the only potential weakness on the roster currently, why not go after a player you’re fairly familiar with in Garcia, who already lit them up last season. Adding him would make them possibly the preseason No. 1 team for 2021-22.
Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers lost their starting frontcourt in Sam Hauser and Jay Huff this offseason to graduation and although they landed East Carolina star forward Jayden Gardner, the lack of a proven defensive anchor may come back to haunt them next season. And with 13 ppg scorer Trey Murphy also now gone and staying in the NBA Draft, this team could use some more offensive production next season.
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Where Virginia may help Garcia’s stock is on the defensive end. He was solid while at Marquette but could certainly improve under head coach Tony Bennett. And unlike some of the other options late in the game, the Cavaliers are a strong bet to make the NCAA Tournament, where a run could propel Garcia up the draft boards even more. After losing Murphy, maybe this is the move for them if they have any concerns about the current roster.