Five-Star Plus+ PF Asa Newell commits to Georgia

Asa Newell, the nation’s No. 1 ranked power forward, is returning to his hometown of Athens to play for Mike White and the University of Georgia. The Five-Star Plus+ prospect becomes the Bulldogs’ third-highest-ranked recruit in program history, only behind Anthony Edwards (2019) and Lou Williams (2005).

Newell, a 6-foot-9 senior out of Montverde (Fla.) Academy, ultimately chose UGA over Alabama, Gonzaga, and Texas. He also received offers from Indiana, Auburn, Kansas, Michigan, Baylor and others. 

“I chose Georgia because I have a lot of faith in Mike White and Erik Pastrana,” Newell said to On3. “I know they are going to hold me accountable and push me every day – in the weight room and in practice. They also have a strong player development program to work on my game and my weaknesses. On my visit, it felt like home. I was raised in Athens and I have family there. My brother (Jaden) goes up there too and he was like a double agent, telling me about coach Mike White, telling me about Georgia. I have peace with the decision. I know God is steering me in the right direction to change the culture. Go Dawgs!”

According to the On3 Industry Rankings, Newell is the No. 11 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle. The On3 Industry Ranking is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3’s evaluators are higher on him, ranking him 8th nationally.

About Asa Newell

Asa Newell is originally from Athens, Georgia but began his high school career in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, playing his freshman and sophomore seasons at Choctawhatchee High School. During his sophomore season, Newell helped the Indians to a 22-2 record while averaging 14.7 points and 8.7 rebounds. He transferred to powerhouse prep basketball program Montverde Academy before his junior season to play in the NIBC League. Midway through his junior season, Newell was averaging 15.7 points, five rebounds and 2.3 blocks. “I’m pretty good in a lot of areas,” Newell told On3’s Jamie Shaw. “My 3-point shot, running the floor, rebounding, I’m working on my post game. I’m really trying to refine my game and add little things here and there. My goal is to be dominant, so I watch a lot of Giannis Antetokounmpo and how he comes down the floor and dunks on people. Obviously, we are different, but I want to be dominant.” Newell’s brother, Jaden Newell, walked on to the Georgia basketball team. Newell is also left-handed, something that he uses to create matchup problems for defenders.

Scouting Report

“Asa Newell is a lengthy forward with a projectable frame. The frame is what you notice from the second he walks on the floor. The lefty has soft touch with range that extends beyond the three-point line, especially off the catch. The jump shot can get inconsistent, would like to see him get the balance right. He is comfortable driving left aggressively. He is an instinctive offensive rebounder, and he is not afraid to mix it up in traffic and hunt put-back dunks. Newell will need to continue developing the right hand and progressing with his middle game. Strength will also be a thing with the 6-foot-9 forward. However, with his size, skill set, and quick-twitch athleticism, when his motor runs hot, there is a lot of production he brings to the court.” – On3’s Jamie Shaw