Five-star Asa Newell continues to shine

The 2025 NBA Draft class offered a bevy of talented five-star college basketball freshmen this year: Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe and many more.

One surprise was Georgia’s Asa Newell, who looked much better than expected during the team’s handful of games. At 6-foot-4, he has long been on the NBA radars with solid strength and athleticism, as well as a touch of modernity with ball-handling and 3-point shooting in moderation.

In the 93-45 loss to Alabama A&M on Tuesday night, Newell once again shined from the starting lineup, posting a patented 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting, with six rebounds, two steals and two assists. He cashed in his second three-pointer of the season on his lone attempt of the night and made just one mistake in the 23 minutes.

Performances like Tuesday’s are quickly becoming normal for Newell, who has scored in double figures in all five of his games so far. He has shot 50% or better in every game, more a testament to his traditional-esque style as a rim roller than anything, but still an impressive mark for a freshman.

On the season, Newell has now scored 16.8 points per game on a solid 54% shooting percentage, with 7.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists and an impressive 2.5 blocks per game. While the Bulldog will certainly have to show up against better competition than he has to date, that statistic would undoubtedly put him among the better freshmen in the country.

For now, Flagg leads the crop of rookies, while players like Newell follow closely behind.

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