What Happened to Andersson Mejia Garcia?
Andersson Garcia is a Dominican professional basketball player known for his tenacious rebounding and defensive prowess. After a successful college career at Mississippi State and Texas A&M, where he earned the nickname "Dominican Dennis Rodman," Garcia went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. He subsequently played professionally in the Dominican Republic and the NBA G League before signing a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz in March 2026.
Quick Answer
Andersson Garcia, an undrafted forward from the Dominican Republic, is currently playing for the Utah Jazz in the NBA, having signed a 10-day contract on March 11, 2026. Prior to this, he showcased his skills with the Mexico City Capitanes in the NBA G League during the 2025-26 season, where he averaged a double-double. Garcia's journey to the NBA follows a standout college career at Texas A&M, where he was recognized for his exceptional rebounding and defensive abilities, earning a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team in 2024.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Moca, Dominican Republic
Andersson Mejia Garcia was born in Moca, Dominican Republic.
Began playing basketball
Garcia started playing basketball at the age of 11 after a coach invited him to a tournament, having previously played baseball.
Signed with Mississippi State
Garcia signed his National Letter of Intent with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, beginning his college basketball career.
Played for Mississippi State Bulldogs
Garcia played two seasons for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, appearing in 11 games as a freshman and 33 games as a sophomore, improving his averages.
Transferred to Texas A&M Aggies
Following his sophomore season, Garcia transferred and signed with the Texas A&M Aggies.
Earned "Dominican Dennis Rodman" nickname
After a career-best 19 rebounds against Houston Christian, Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams dubbed Garcia the "Dominican Dennis Rodman" for his tenacious rebounding.
Named to SEC All-Defensive Team
Garcia's defensive prowess and rebounding led him to be named to the SEC All-Defensive Team during his senior season at Texas A&M.
Went undrafted in NBA Draft
Despite a strong collegiate career, Andersson Garcia was not selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Played for Marineros de Puerto Plata, named LNB Rookie of the Year
Garcia joined the Marineros de Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto and was recognized as the league's Rookie of the Year.
Signed with Mexico City Capitanes (NBA G League)
Following his success in the LNB, Garcia signed with the Mexico City Capitanes of the NBA G League for the 2025-26 season.
Signed 10-day contract with Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz signed Andersson Garcia to a 10-day contract, bringing him to the NBA.
Made NBA debut against New York Knicks
Garcia made his NBA debut for the Utah Jazz against the New York Knicks, recording his first NBA points and showcasing his rebounding ability.
Played against Portland Trail Blazers
Garcia continued his 10-day contract with the Jazz, playing in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, contributing points, rebounds, and steals.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Andersson Mejia Garcia, born on August 23, 2000, in Moca, Dominican Republic, initially gravitated towards baseball before discovering basketball at age 11. His talent led him to Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for his high school career.
Garcia began his collegiate journey at Mississippi State, playing two seasons from 2020 to 2022. He then transferred to Texas A&M in May 2022, where he truly made a name for himself. During his time with the Aggies, Garcia became renowned for his relentless rebounding and defensive intensity, earning him the moniker "Dominican Dennis Rodman" from his coach, Buzz Williams, after a 19-rebound performance in December 2022. In the 2023-24 season, he led the SEC in offensive and total rebounds and was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team, setting multiple Texas A&M school records for rebounds in a season.
Despite his impressive college statistics, Garcia went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. Undeterred, he began his professional career in 2025 with the Marineros de Puerto Plata in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto (LNB), the top professional league in the Dominican Republic, where he was named Rookie of the Year. His strong performance there led to a move to the NBA G League, where he joined the Mexico City Capitanes for the 2025-26 season.
Garcia's consistent double-double averages in the G League caught the attention of NBA teams. On March 11, 2026, his efforts culminated in signing a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz. He made his NBA debut on the same day against the New York Knicks, showcasing his signature hustle and rebounding, and even registering his first NBA points. Jazz coach Will Hardy praised Garcia's hard play, defense, and ability to dig out loose balls. As of March 16, 2026, Garcia continues to play out his 10-day contract with the Jazz, with his future in the NBA dependent on his continued performance and team needs.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Andersson Mejia Garcia made different choices?