Georgia’s Asa Newell Sets Sights on NBA, Declares for 2025 Draft
Georgia freshman Asa Newell has announced he’s entering the 2025 NBA draft, sharing the news Wednesday on Instagram. The 6-foot-11 forward is already projected as a first-round pick.
“After spending time in prayer and seeking guidance, I have made the decision to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft,” Newell wrote. “Go Dawgs!”
“Basketball has taken me on an amazing ride, and I’m grateful for every step of the journey,” he added. “My time at Georgia has been a chance to grow as both a player and a person.”
The 19-year-old was the star of Georgia’s 2024 recruiting class. He came in as a 5-star prospect ranked 16th overall in the country, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
For Newell, playing for the Bulldogs was especially meaningful.
“Living in Athens as a child and having deep roots in this community made it even more meaningful to represent UGA,” he explained.
## From Hometown Hero to Tournament Breakthrough
Newell didn’t just talk the talk—he delivered on the court. In his only season with Georgia, he averaged 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.
He started all 33 games for the Bulldogs.
The freshman shot an impressive 54.3% from the field, though his three-point shooting (29.2%) shows room for improvement at the next level.
Newell wasted no time making his mark, dropping a season-high 26 points in Georgia’s season-opening win against Tennessee back in November.
His performance throughout the season earned him All-Freshman honors in the SEC. He ranked second in offensive rebounds (110), third in player efficiency rating (26.1), and third in offensive win shares (3.8) in the conference.
But perhaps his biggest achievement? Helping Georgia reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade.
In their first-round matchup against Gonzaga, Newell showed he could perform on college basketball’s biggest stage, putting up 20 points and grabbing 8 rebounds despite the team’s 89-68 loss.
Newell still has options. Under NBA rules, players can withdraw from draft consideration up until 10 days before the event.
The 2025 NBA draft is scheduled for June 25-26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
