In a seismic shift for college basketball, Silas Demary Jr., the 6’5″ standout from Georgia, has officially committed to UConn. The No. 7 overall transfer in the portal brings an impressive stat line of 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game to a Huskies program looking to reclaim championship glory.
After back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, UConn’s second-round exit in the 2025 NCAA Tournament left fans hungry for more. Demary, whose late-season surge with the Bulldogs saw him average 18.3 points over his final 10 contests, suggests he’s ready to step into the spotlight as the primary ballhandler for Dan Hurley’s squad.
The Perfect Match: Why Demary Chose UConn
According to reports, Demary chose UConn over 20+ elite programs, including Kentucky, Duke, and BYU. CAA Basketball’s NIL division confirmed to ESPN that “Danny Hurley’s track record of consistent winning and player development played an essential role in Demary’s decision.”
UConn gets its primary ballhandler in Silas Demary. Should be a big upgrade for Dan Hurley’s team and make a formidable pairing with Solo Ball. https://t.co/graHtkyY5k
— Kevin Sweeney (@CBB_Central) April 3, 2025
The sophomore guard started 69 of 70 games during his tenure at Georgia proving himself in the SEC’s competitive environment. His 37.4% 3-point shooting and 80.4% free-throw percentage demonstrate efficiency that aligns perfectly with Hurley’s system, which emphasizes toughness, versatility, and offensive execution.
Demary’s defensive prowess, evidenced by his 1.7 steals per game, fits UConn’s identity, establishing him as a two-way threat. The program’s championship pedigree offers Demary a platform to elevate his game while potentially positioning him as a future NBA prospect with his two remaining years of eligibility.
UConn’s aggressive approach in the transfer portal shows Hurley’s intent to reload rather than rebuild. With significant roster turnover following the 2024-25 season, securing a proven talent like Demary addresses a critical need in the backcourt.
Formidable Pairing: Demary and Solo Ball Set to Electrify
College basketball analyst Kevin Sweeney highlighted the potential impact, noting Demary “should be a big upgrade for Dan Hurley’s team and make a formidable pairing with Solo Ball.” This dynamic backcourt combination promises to give UConn one of the most versatile guard tandems in the nation.
Ball, who averaged 14.4 points and 3.6 rebounds last season, brings complementary scoring ability to Demary’s playmaking. At 6’3″ and 190 pounds, Ball’s experience as a returning player makes him the perfect partner for Demary’s transition to Big East basketball.
The synergy between Demary’s facilitating skills and Ball’s scoring prowess could create a balanced attack,k allowing UConn to play at a faster pace while maintaining the defensive intensity that has become a hallmark of Hurley’s championship teams.
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This backcourt could also complement James Madison transfer Bryce Lindsay, who has been linked to the Huskies as another key addition.
This gives UConn versatility on both ends of the floor. Demary’s size enables him to guard multiple positions, while Ball’s quickness creates defensive pressure on opposing guards, a combination that could wreak havoc in the Big East.
While chemistry remains a legitimate concern with any transfer addition, Demary’s experience and basketball IQ suggest a smooth integration. The Huskies will need time to gel, but the ceiling for this backcourt appears remarkably high as UConn eyes a return to championship contention in 2026.
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