SNAPSHOT
An energetic post player who can make things happen in the low block, power forward Asa Newell has an extremely high floor and should be able to translate his game to the top level when he joins the NBA at the 2025 intake in Chicago.
With plenty of bounce, Newell has the tendency to pop up for some team lifting plays and has shown no shortage of effort plays in his draft year, suggesting he will being the same high-energy gamestyle to the NBA in the coming years.
DRAFT PROFILE
Born and raised in Atlanta, Newell burst onto the scene when he moved to Florida and began playing for Choctawhatchee High School, being named Player of the Year for his area by averaging 14.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Like a lot of his fellow NBA Draft hopefuls, Newell transferred to Montverde Academy and continued his promising trajectory.
A consensus five-star recruit, Newell received offers from several schools and was considered one of the best players in his draft class ahead of the college intake. After receiving offers from Texas, Alabama and Gonzaga, the forward opted to join the Bulldogs for his sole college campaign.
Newell made an immediate impact for the Bulldogs, posting 26 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks to lead his side to a five-point win over Tennessee Tech. He put together a strong campaign overall, and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team for his efforts.
Throughout the 2024/25 NCAA season, Newell averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 54.3 per cent from the field, 29.2 per cent from behind the arc and 74.8 per cent from the free throw line.
STRENGTHS
+ Inside scoring
+ Interior defence
+ Defensive versatility
+ Overall effort and hustle
IMPROVEMENTS
- Shooting
- Limited playmaking
Newell plays to his strengths and generates most of his offence at the basket thanks to his springy step and excellent touch around the hoop. He makes poor passes look much better with strong hands and keeps the ball out of reach of the opposition at all times.
Down the other end of the floor, Newell can protect the paint at a high level, making opposition players second guess their drives inside when he is in front of the basket. Using his size and timing, Newell can swat away shot after shot, and knows when to rotate and help his teammates.
Despite being a big man, Newell can certainly hold his own when caught out on the perimeter, often locking down guards and wings that look to switch onto him in halfcourt sets. This will prove invaluable in the NBA where teams are constantly switching matchups.
One knack on his game is a lack of shooting, which limits him on the offensive end and makes him less dangerous to guard. If he can add a jumpshot to his game, it will make him less predictable with ball in hand and open up scoring options for him.
DRAFT PROJECTION: First round
An energetic power forward who makes big plays on both ends of the floor, Newell is more than likely to translate his game to the top level. Adding more range to his game will make him a much more balanced player and help him take the next step to stardom.
