UNC Basketball: Dawson Garcia to miss the remainder of the 2021-2022 season

The UNC basketball program announced that Dawson Garcia will not return to the team for the remainder of the 2021-2022 season.

Over the last few weeks, the UNC basketball program has been without Dawson Garcia, who returned home to Minnesota to help with family medical issues.

After much speculation regarding Garcia’s situation, we finally received some clarity on the situation.

In a press release, the UNC basketball program announced that Garcia will not be returning to the team for the season. Given what we know about the current situation, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Garcia decided to focus his attention on his family.

The Prior Lake, Minnesota native transferred to North Carolina after one season at Marquette. Mostly in a starting role for the Tar Heels, Garcia had some struggles, as he averaged just 9 points and 5.5 rebounds over his 16 games played.

Of course, his family situation could have impacted his play, and rightly so, but it was not the type of year that Garcia expected when he arrived on campus. Now, we’ll wait and see what the future holds for Garcia, and how this situation will affect the UNC basketball program moving forward.

In the press release, Hubert Davis made a statement regarding Garcia:

"“I love coaching Dawson and understand his primary concern right now is his family’s health and welfare, and his focus continues to be with them as it should be. We miss him being part of our program and wish him and his family well and look forward to his return to the game at the appropriate time.”"

The release also included a bit of a lengthy statement from Garcia, who was gracious for the support since he’s left the program to return home:

"“I cannot thank everyone enough for the unbelievable support that has automatically been given to me while I flew home to support my family.Not everyone will understand, but those who know our family are very aware of the circumstances and challenges we are facing.As much as I love this University and basketball, being in the middle of a health crisis is where our family is right now and it’s where I need to be.After the loss of several very special family members this past year, I came close to losing my dad in December and my grandma is currently in the ICU. With my dad recovering and my grandma fighting for her life, it’s not even a question to me where I need to be right now. My family is my world and I will always be there for them. The past few months have quickly changed my perspective on life and I have put this into God’s hands and trust His guidance.Times like this bring out the beauty in God’s people and I thank all of Tar Heel Nation, my coaches and my teammates for all the love and support. I thank you for lifting us up with your powerful prayers.The University, this team and fans are special. Go Tar Heels.”"

There will be time to discuss how his absence will affect this Tar Heels team down the stretch, but the important thing right now is the health and well-being of his family. On behalf of the Keeping It Heel team, we send our best wishes to Dawson and the Garcia family during these tough times.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding Dawson Garcia and the rest of the UNC basketball program.