STEELE SPORTS

University of Minnesota basketball fans have had much to cheer about as of this past week when home-grown NBA prospect Dawson Garcia made it official that he would play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers next winter.
The 20-year-old Prior Lake high school alumnus made it official on social media last week that after leaving the University of North Carolina (UNC) basketball team this past season, he would return to the place he calls home for his junior season.
“It feels great. I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity. I just can’t wait to get to work and start building something special. The culture that Ben Johnson has been able to establish in just one year – I can’t wait to be a part of it and continue to build on it,” said Garcia.
According to Garcia, the move from North Carolina back to Minnesota was a family-based decision that he knew was the right move to make after he and his family experienced hardships over the past year.
“I mean, it was simple. I made the decision that family was bigger than basketball. There was a lot going on at the time and I wasn’t 100% right mentally. I made the decision that coming home was right for me and my family, and they felt the same way.”
Minnesota who have followed Garcia’s career will surely be waiting in anticipation to see him put on the maroon and gold as the six-foot-11 power forward brings not only a large scoring presence to the Gophers’ frontcourt, but also knockdown shooting from beyond the arc as well.
Garcia said he is currently uncertain what role his coaches see him playing for the team next season, but that no matter where he is on the court, he is excited to just play the game he loves.
However, despite his talent and having accrued a lot of buzz with NBA coaches and scouts – especially after starting last season as a member of North Carolina’s starting five – what Gopher fans can expect from Garcia is much more than an elite-level athlete.
After talking with Garcia about his experience from being a top-flight high school recruit to playing under the bright lights for UNC, what struck me the most about him was his humility, faith and love for the game.
After laughingly describing himself as a “big bucket” Garcia said that all the credit for him being in the position he is in goes to both his family and God.
When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave with basketball what he said was plain and simple: “Build relationships, have as much fun as I can and play for a long time.”
Growing up a fan of the Gophers, Garcia said that he is waiting in anticipation of putting on the famed maroon and gold fans have come to love.
“I just can’t wait to put that jersey across my chest and give my 100% every night for the team.”