Jakai Newton, 2023 four-star, commits to Indiana

Jakai Newton, a 6-foot-3 combo guard out of Covington (Ga.) Newton has committed to Indiana basketball for the class of 2023, he tells On3.

Newton is the Hoosiers’ first commitment of the 2023 class.

Jakai Newton chose the Indiana Hoosiers ultimately over Georgia and Vanderbilt. He also received offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, among others.

Jakai Newton breaks down his decision to Indiana

“They treated us like a family,” Newton said. “Talking to (Mike) Woodson, he talked about stuff outside of basketball, which is something I’m really into. I never want to limit myself so he talked about business, managing money, and all of that stuff which is very intriguing.”

What was Mike Woodson’s recruiting pitch?

“He just told me straight up,” Newton said. “No fake promises. He said he loves my game and that I fit perfectly. He wants players that prep for themselves and prep for others and he said I can do that. I can play fast, play strong, so he said I’d be the perfect fit. Coach Woodson is a real, genuine person, real humble, and straight up and honest. He played a big part in my decision.”

What does Newton expect his role to be as a freshman?

“My goal as a freshman is to start,” Newton said. “That’s not going to be given to me and I know I’m going to have to earn that. I just want to come in and bring a whole bunch of energy…play hard, play defense, get to my spots, hit shots.”

How does Newton describe his game?

“I’m an athletic two-way guard…plays real hard, plays aggressive, plays with a lot of energy, can rebound, and score on all three levels,” Newton said.