By: Audrey Pfitzner
ATHENS, Ga. –Georgia men’s basketball’s Jabri Abdur-Rahim started three of the Bulldogs’ 64 games over the last two seasons. Now, at the start of his third season, Abdur-Rahim is vying for significant minutes against power-conference matchups.
“This is his fourth year, third coach,” head coach Mike White said. “He’s had adversity that most guys don’t have to overcome.”
After averaging 7.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in 18.7 minutes of playing time per game last season, the 6-foot-8-inch guard has made significant on-court strides to secure a spot in the starting lineup.
In the season opener against Oregon, Abdur-Rahim scored a team-high 18 points and had five rebounds in 32 minutes. He followed up that performance with 17 points and four rebounds in a win against Wake Forest. Abdur-Rahim went 5-of-12 from the field and 3-of-6 from three.
“It feels good, whatever coach needs me to do to help the team, play a lot, play a little bit,” Abdur-Rahim said. “Shoot a lot, shoot a little bit, that’s what I’m going to do. Obviously, playing is fun. I’m enjoying it.”
His impact on the team goes beyond his on-court presence. As one of four seniors in the lineup, he strives to lead the team off the court as well.
“He’s just grown. He’s got leadership characteristics. He’s mature. He really cares. He cares about winning. He cares about being a good player,” White said.
The Bulldogs will look to Abdur-Rahim’s experience to lead the team this season as Georgia integrates nine newcomers to the lineup, including five transfers and four freshmen this offseason. Georgia is one of three teams in the nation to have both their transfer class and recruiting class ranked among the top-20 nationally.
These newcomers have also proved significant through the first two games. Noah Thomasson, a transfer from Niagara University, had 21 points in the team’s last outing against Wake Forest, while other transfers RJ Melendez and Russel Tchewa also hit double digits.
“I thought we played way more connected than we did earlier in the week,” White said. “You’re happy with wins, of course, but proud of the significant growth.”
Abdur-Rahim and the Bulldogs will return to action Sunday, Nov. 12, as they host the North Carolina Central Eagles in a non-conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.