Georgia's Rodney Howard seeks transfer

Georgia basketball player Rayshaun Hammonds (20), Georgia basketball player Rodney Howard (24) during a game against South Carolina at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Ga., on Wed., Feb. 12, 2020. (Photo by Tony Walsh)

Credit: Anthony Walsh

Credit: Anthony Walsh

Georgia basketball player Rayshaun Hammonds (20), Georgia basketball player Rodney Howard (24) during a game against South Carolina at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Ga., on Wed., Feb. 12, 2020. (Photo by Tony Walsh)

With his minutes played decreased to almost nothing at the end of the season, Georgia's Rodney Howard has decided to seek more playing time elsewhere.

The 6-foot-11, 245-pound freshman from Alpharetta has entered the transfer portal, persons familiar with his situation have confirmed. He averaged 1.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in 24 games with the Bulldogs, including two starts.

It will represent the latest move in what has been a lot of them for this former 3-star prospect from Atlanta by way of Ypsilanti, Mich. Howard attended Chattahoochee High in Roswell for two years before transferring to Legacy Charter School in Greenville, S.C. for his senior season. Howard originally signed with Ole Miss in 2019 before seeking a release and then inking with Georgia. It is not immediately known what will be his next destination.

With the Bulldogs, it became clear that Howard could not keep up with the fast pace and constant movement of coach Tom Crean's offense. After playing nearly nine minutes in the Bulldogs' first 12 games of the season -- including a season-high 21 against Michigan State in the Maui Classic -- Howard played very little once conference play began. He did not play at all in eight SEC games and sat on the bench for four of Georgia's final six contests.

Howard's season highs include four points against three teams, six rebounds against South Carolina and four blocks against N.C. Central. He finished second on the team with 15 blocked shots.

Howard is the fifth player the Bulldogs will have to replace off last year's team, which finished 16-16. Georgia graduates three seniors in Tyree Crump, Donnell Gresham and Jordan Harris and is also expected to lose SEC freshman of the year Anthony “Ant Man” Edwards to the NBA Draft.

Georgia currently has four signees in the 2020 class, including K.D. Johnson of Decatur, Josh Taylor of Norcross and Jonathan Ned and Mikal Starks of Florida.