The University of Georgia, a powerhouse in football, has increasingly become a notable pipeline for professional basketball talent as well. The latest “Dawgs star” to make the leap to the NBA is Asa Newell, who was initially selected 23rd overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans, before quickly being traded to the Atlanta Hawks.1 This exciting development ensures that Georgia’s gem will remain in the South to begin showing his immense professional promise, much to the delight of local fans.
Newell’s journey to the NBA Draft was a captivating one. A highly touted five-star recruit out of Montverde Academy, he arrived in Athens with significant expectations, and he largely delivered.2 In his lone season with the Georgia Bulldogs in 2024-25, Newell quickly established himself as the team’s centerpiece, leading them to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in over a decade.3
As a freshman forward, Newell showcased a versatile skillset that immediately caught the eye of NBA scouts. He started all 33 games for Georgia, demonstrating remarkable consistency and impact. His season averages of 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game led the Bulldogs in both categories, a rare feat for a freshman and one not achieved at Georgia since Jumaine Jones in the 1997-98 season.4
Newell’s athleticism, motor, and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor were evident from day one. He exploded for 26 points and 11 rebounds in his collegiate debut against Tennessee Tech, tying Georgia and Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins’ record for the highest offensive output by a Bulldog freshman in their first game. Throughout the season, he earned four SEC Freshman of the Week honors, matching another program record set by former No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards.5
His offensive game was characterized by efficiency around the rim, shooting an impressive 54.3% from the field.6 He showcased a developing perimeter game, though his 29.2% from three-point range on 89 attempts indicates an area for continued growth at the next level. Defensively, his length and athleticism allowed him to average 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, providing valuable rim protection and versatility. He recorded seven double-doubles, tied for the fourth-most by a freshman nationally.7
Georgia head coach Mike White frequently lauded Newell’s maturity and consistent effort. “He’s unfazed,” White said of Newell before the NCAA Tournament. “He has been since our first game. We knew a week in — probably a month in that he was special. We’re winding down here. He’s never had a bad practice. He’s never had a bad day. He’s the same guy every day.”
On draft night, the New Orleans Pelicans initially selected Newell with the No. 23 overall pick. However, the story took an immediate turn as the Pelicans and the Atlanta Hawks quickly orchestrated a trade. The Hawks, who originally held the No. 13 pick, sent that pick (which the Pelicans used to select Maryland forward-center Derik Queen) along with an unprotected 2026 first-round pick (the most favorable of New Orleans and Milwaukee’s) to New Orleans in exchange for Newell and the No. 23 pick.
This strategic move by the Hawks ensures that Newell, a native of Atlanta who lived in Athens until he was 10, will stay in his home state, a fact that will undoubtedly thrill the Hawks’ fanbase and provide a strong local connection. It also speaks to the Hawks’ belief in Newell’s potential, as they effectively traded down ten spots in the 2025 draft while acquiring valuable future draft capital, all to land a player they clearly coveted.
Hawks General Manager Onsi Saleh expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “Asa is unbelievable. With where the league is going, people with size and athleticism like that just make sense. He’s a great screener, a great human being, a ridiculous athlete, and a really smart player too. He is an unbelievable competitor and does things that impact winning.”
At 6-foot-9 and 223 pounds, with a 6-foot-11¼ wingspan and nearly a 9-foot standing reach, Newell possesses an NBA-ready physical frame.8 Scouts project him as a modern stretch-four with significant upside.
- Athleticism and Mobility: Newell moves incredibly well for his size, displaying explosiveness, agility, and quickness up and down the floor.
- Defensive Versatility: He’s a strong help defender and can rotate quickly. His footwork and length allow him to switch defensively and guard multiple positions, from power forwards to some wings.9
- Finishing at the Rim: Newell is an excellent finisher in the paint, thriving on cuts, rolls, and putbacks. He’s quick off the ground and shows a good second jump for offensive rebounds.
- Motor and Energy: Coaches consistently praise his relentless effort, competitiveness, and high motor, which translates to impactful plays on both ends.
- Untapped Offensive Potential: While raw in some areas, he displays good touch around the rim and flashes of perimeter skill. His free-throw shooting (74.8%) is encouraging for future three-point development.
- Three-Point Shooting Consistency: His 29.2% from deep in college indicates a need for significant improvement to fully realize his potential as a stretch-four.
- Offensive Creation: Most of his offense currently comes from assisted plays, cuts, or putbacks. He needs to develop more self-creation skills, including ball-handling and passing outside the paint.
- Strength: While having an NBA frame, adding more strength will help him battle against more physical bigs at the professional level, particularly on defense and rebounding.
- Rim Protection: While he showed flashes of shot-blocking, he needs to improve his consistency as a primary rim protector.
For the Atlanta Hawks, Asa Newell represents a strategic fit. They are looking to add athleticism, versatility, and long-term potential to their frontcourt. Newell can instantly provide depth at the power forward position, capable of taking on challenging defensive assignments and contributing on the boards. His ability to run the floor and his developing offensive game align with the modern NBA’s emphasis on versatile bigs. With their established talent, the Hawks can afford to be patient with Newell’s development, allowing him to refine his shooting and expand his offensive repertoire.
Newell joins a growing list of Georgia Bulldogs who have recently made their way to the NBA, including Anthony Edwards (No. 1 pick in 2020), Nic Claxton, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. His selection marks the first time a Georgia player has gone in the first round since Edwards. As he begins his professional career in his home state, Asa Newell will undoubtedly look to continue the “Dawgs star” tradition of showing promise and making a significant impact in the NBA. His journey from Athens to Atlanta is just beginning, and the basketball world will be watching to see how Georgia’s gem shines on the biggest stage.
