Hey y’all, big news for Georgia basketball! Asa Newell, a five-star forward, just committed to the Bulldogs. This is a major win for Coach Mike White, as Newell is his highest-ranked recruit since taking over the team. And get this, he’s only the second five-star prospect to choose Georgia since 2007! That’s a big deal, folks.
So why did Newell choose Georgia? Well, he believes in Coach White and what he’s doing with the program. Newell told ESPN, ‘I am confident in him, and he is with me that we can turn this program around. He holds his players accountable but is positive about it.’ That’s the kind of coach you want to play for, right?
Newell had some tough competition, though. He had offers from Gonzaga, Alabama, and Texas. But in the end, he chose Georgia. And you know what? It’s not just because his younger brother, Jaden, is already on the Georgia men’s basketball team as a walk-on. It’s because Newell believes in the potential of Georgia basketball. He wants to build a legacy at his home state university.
Let’s talk about Newell’s skills on the court. Standing at 6-foot-9, he’s a power forward with incredible talent. He’s ranked as the second-best player at his position nationally and is number 11 overall in the ESPN 100 for the 2024 class. That’s impressive, y’all! And he’s represented USA Basketball not once, but twice. He played for the U17 national team at the 2022 World Championships and the U19 team at the 2023 World Championships. This guy is the real deal.
Newell is known for his versatility. He can play as a point forward or a small forward, which is a huge advantage in today’s game. And let me tell you, his shooting skills are on point. Defenders have to guard him on the perimeter because he’s got solid mechanics and shoots with confidence. Plus, he’s got great hands and leaping ability, making him a threat to score or facilitate. The only area he needs to work on is his strength and balance when guarding the post, but hey, nobody’s perfect.
According to Montverde assistant Kevin Boyle Jr., Newell has really stepped up his game. He’s more physical and confident attacking the basket. Last year, he would sometimes get bumped and lose his confidence, but now he’s playing through the physicality and finishing at the rim. That’s the kind of growth you love to see in a player.
This is just the beginning for Georgia and Coach White. Newell is the first commitment in the 2024 class, but they’re also going after other top prospects like Derrion Reid and Khani Rooths. The future is looking bright for Bulldogs basketball.
So, let’s give a big welcome to Asa Newell and get ready to see him dominate on the court. Go Bulldogs!