WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest men's basketball has announced that graduate transfer Justin Abson will join the 2026-27 Demon Deacons roster. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, Abson is recognized as an elite rim protector and one of the top shot blockers in the nation.
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Hailing from Coconut Creek, Florida, Abson spent the past two seasons at the University of Georgia after transferring from Appalachian State. He has amassed 239 career blocks, which ranked fourth among active Division I players at the end of the 2025-26 season. During his final season with the Bulldogs, Abson ranked third in the SEC in blocked shots and was named the 2024 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year while at App State.
Head coach Steve Forbes expressed enthusiasm about Abson's return: "We recruited Justin two years ago when he entered the transfer portal from Appalachian State. During that process, we built a strong relationship with him and his mother. His interest in our program allows us the opportunity to coach a talented shot blocker and exceptional person. He is a perfect fit for Wake Forest."
Over two seasons at Georgia, Abson appeared in 59 games, contributing to the Bulldogs' consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. He recorded an impressive 63.5 percent shooting from the field and averaged 1.6 blocks per game in the 2025-26 season. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in sport management in May 2026.
Abson began his collegiate career at Appalachian State, where he played alongside former Demon Deacon Tre'Von Spillers. He helped lead the Mountaineers to a 27-7 record, a Sun Belt regular-season championship, and an NIT appearance in 2023-24. During his time at App State, he played in 66 games, started 56, and achieved averages of 7.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, earning him the title of 2024 Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
On the international stage, Abson has represented Jamaica, participating in qualifying games for the 2027 FIBA World Cup and playing in the FIBA Americas World Cup Pre-Qualifying tournament in 2025. He was also part of Jamaica's 3x3 team for the Caribbean Games in 2022.
A two-time All-State honoree from North Broward Prep School, Abson averaged a double-double with 13.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per game during his high school career and received three All-Broward County honors.
Currently, Abson is eligible for a fifth year of competition due to a temporary preliminary injunction recently issued in Indiana, although his permanent eligibility may be influenced by ongoing legal proceedings.