Georgetown University men’s basketball sophomore center Julius Halaifonua is entering the transfer portal 11 days after a Georgetown Hoops X post announced his return to the team, he told CBS Sports April 17. 

Halaifonua was the first player to confirm his return to the team during the current transfer portal cycle. After fracturing his left ankle 6 games into his first season, Halaifonua averaged 9.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore during the 2025-26 season. 

With Halaifonua’s departure, Georgetown’s only confirmed returning center will be sophomore Seal Diouf, who played just 38 minutes last season. 

Senior center Vince Iwuchukwu’s return is contingent on receiving a waiver from the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility, after which he would need to agree a deal with Georgetown. The Hoyas have been recruiting to fill the potential void left by Iwuchukwu, but will have to ramp up their pursuit of centers after losing Halaifonua. 

Halaifonua’s exit is one in a string of significant departures from the team, including guards Malik Mack and KJ Lewis. With entrances to the transfer portal closing April 21, Georgetown will look to avoid any other key players’ departures.