Last season, Asa Newell was one of the most productive freshmen in college basketball. He will bring high athletic, defensive versatility and choose his acuity for any team. How high is the NBA ceiling that Newell can reach? Can he turn his college work into a parent-level influence?
- Team: Georgia
- Height: 6’9
- Weight: 224
- Wingspan: 6’11.25
- Age: 19.7 (October 5, 2005)
Asa Newell – Big, Georgia (19.7 years old)
NBA comparison: Larry Nance Jr., Marvin Bagley III
Newell’s more favorable game, complementary big men like Larry Nance Jr., who add rebounding and terminator value, hoping to develop their own jump shots as they age. Newell brings more theoretical defensive versatility than a player like Bagley, but he has excellent vertical finishes and glass grinding capabilities.
Advantages
- Excellent rebounder on both ends of high motor and explosive vertical athletic ability
- A versatile perimeter defender can keep switches and defenses on the screen level
- Large area touch can end around the hoop and score on the hook shot/buoy
- As the season progressed, he improved his three-point shooting efficiency and volume
weakness
- Extreme passers rarely assist teammates and handle the floor slowly
- Work hard to create advantages and open appearances with the ball
- Lack of defense against the height and length of the tall center
Offensive role: Play Terminator/Rebounder
Defensive roles: Large switch
2025 NBA Draft Projection: Round 2, 30-40 selection
Newell’s game, rebounding and defensive versatility will help him add value as a big man in the NBA spin. Without a lot of offensive games, he might never develop into a great starter, but he will thrive in excellent passers and shooters and teams that often play defense.
