Naithan George has positioned himself as one of the most sought-after players in college basketball’s transfer portal following two impressive seasons with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. After showcasing his talents in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), George is now drawing significant interest from top-tier programs across the country, all vying for the opportunity to add his skill set to their roster.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound guard hailing from Toronto has been in high demand since announcing his decision to transfer. According to reports from 247Sports’ Brandon Jenkins, several prominent Power Five conference programs, including Arizona State, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas, have reached out to express their interest in recruiting George. Additionally, the Gonzaga Bulldogs, a program known for developing elite backcourt talent, have also been in contact.
During his time at Georgia Tech, George quickly established himself as an integral part of the team under head coach Damon Stoudamire. He made an immediate impact as a freshman during the 2023-24 season, logging significant minutes and proving his value as a playmaker. Across 29 appearances, including 28 starts, he averaged 29.8 minutes per game while contributing 9.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per contest.
Building on a solid first year, George took his game to new heights as a sophomore. He became one of the premier facilitators in the ACC, leading the conference in assists per game with an impressive 6.5. His scoring output also increased, averaging 12.3 points while adding 4.2 rebounds per game. Despite a slight dip in his overall field goal percentage, he improved his outside shooting, elevating his three-point percentage from 31.4% in his freshman year to 33.9% as a sophomore. His efficiency at the free-throw line also saw a notable increase, jumping from 69.0% to 78.9%. Furthermore, George showcased his defensive abilities, increasing his steals per game from 0.3 as a freshman to 1.1 in his second season. Demonstrating durability and consistency, he started all 34 games in the 2024-25 campaign.
Throughout the past season, George delivered several standout performances, reinforcing his reputation as a dynamic and reliable contributor. He recorded six double-doubles, including an impressive showing in the ACC Tournament, where he tallied 13 points and 10 rebounds against Virginia. Additionally, he demonstrated his elite playmaking ability by dishing out 10 or more assists in five different games. His scoring prowess was also on full display, as he surpassed the 20-point mark on five occasions, with his most notable offensive explosion coming against Clemson in a thrilling triple-overtime battle on February 4, where he dropped 28 points. Another standout game came in a closely contested matchup against Notre Dame, where he filled the stat sheet with 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks.
As Gonzaga’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mark Few, evaluates potential additions to their roster, George emerges as an attractive option for bolstering their backcourt depth. The Bulldogs are preparing for significant departures, with key guards Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, and Khalif Battle set to graduate. To maintain their strong guard play, they are particularly interested in adding a versatile player who can complement incoming floor general Braeden Smith. Smith, a transfer from Colgate who spent last season as a redshirt with Gonzaga, previously earned Patriot League Player of the Year honors in 2023-24 and is expected to take on a key role for the Bulldogs moving forward.
Beyond simply filling a guard spot, Gonzaga is also looking to enhance its perimeter shooting. The departures of Nembhard, Hickman, and Battle leave a substantial void, as those three players accounted for 65.8% of the team’s three-pointers during the 2024-25 season. Adding to the roster challenges, the Bulldogs will also be without Ben Gregg and Dusty Stromer, both of whom were among their top five three-point shooters and are now moving on from the program. The loss of this outside shooting production underscores the importance of securing a player like George, who not only brings strong playmaking and scoring skills but has also demonstrated steady improvement in his perimeter shooting.
While Gonzaga is undoubtedly among the many programs eager to land George, they are not alone in their pursuit. His well-rounded skill set, combined with his proven ability to compete at a high level in the ACC, makes him an appealing target for numerous teams seeking backcourt reinforcements. The level of interest he has generated suggests that he will have several strong options to consider before making his final decision.
As the transfer portal frenzy continues, George’s next move will be highly anticipated. With his impressive resume and the demand for his services at an all-time high, he is well-positioned to make a significant impact wherever he chooses to continue his collegiate career. Whether he ultimately lands with Gonzaga or another powerhouse program, his new team will be gaining a dynamic playmaker capable of influencing games on both ends of the floor.
For now, the basketball world watches closely as one of the most intriguing transfers of the offseason weighs his options. His decision will not only shape the future of his own career but also have ripple effects across the college basketball landscape, as programs look to build competitive rosters for the upcoming season. Regardless of where he lands, George has already proven that he belongs among the elite guards in the nation, and his next chapter promises to be just as compelling as his first two seasonsat Georgia Tech.
