One of the most intriguing mismatch problems in the 2020 class, Prior Lake (Minn.) forward Dawson Garcia is beginning to rack up high major interest. With Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East schools beginning to pour in, Garcia’s size and game also continue to grow. 

A standout in the NY2LA Sports GNBA Middle School Platform, Garcia is now a skilled, 6-foot-10 sophomore that can score inside and out, handle the ball in transition, rebound, and protect the paint, Garcia is going to be a highly coveted prospect.  Minnesota recently had Garcia on campus. Although the in-state forward grew up a Duke fan, he’s coming around to the Gophers.

“I went to their opening scrimmage,” Garcia said. “I really like the direction they’re heading in. The coaches are getting involved with me a lot. It’s fun to see how the coaches are turning my hometown team around.  I love going to The Barn. The raised floor makes you feel connected to the game. The coaches, Ben Johnson, I’ve been in closest contact with him. He’s really easy to talk to.”

Iowa, Xavier, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Stanford, and Nebraska are also showing interest at this time.  The Badgers had Garcia in for an unofficial visit for a football game in the fall.

“Camp Randall was a good experience,” said Garcia. “I like how the crowd gets into it. It’s a really live atmosphere. I like it there.”

Garcia also plans to visit Iowa later this year.

“They came to watch me workout in an open gym about a month ago,” said Garcia.  “They’ve sent a few letters too since then.”

Garcia said most schools are recruiting him to play small forward or power forward. However, doctors recently concluded that he may not be done growing.  In no rush to make a decision, Garcia is looking for a program that best sets him up for the future both on and off the floor. 

"I'm looking at the culture and the academics," he said. "I also look for how the program helps people achieve what they want to do further in their life. I want to play professional basketball someday and I want a school that will best prepare me for that."

Garcia plays for D1 Minnesota during the travel season.