Asa Newell arrived in Athens with high expectations and made an immediate impact as a freshman for Georgia. He started all 33 games, averaging 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 54.3% from the field and 74.8% from the free-throw line. His performance earned him SEC All-Freshman honors, and he helped Georgia reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years.

Newell's game is built on his combination of size and athleticism. The 19-year-old measured 6-foot-9 (barefoot) with a 6-foot-11 wingspan and 8-foot-11 standing reach at the NBA Draft Combine. On top of that impressive length, he's an explosive leaper with reliable hands—attributes that help him finish plays above the rim and secure tough rebounds in traffic. His ability to keep the ball high and finish through contact makes him a consistent threat in the paint. Newell's straight-line drives are already effective, and the wider spacing at the professional level should create more opportunities for him to attack.

Newell's three-point shooting is still developing, but there are promising indicators. While he shot only 29.2% from deep, his free-throw percentage (74.8%) and soft touch on mid-range shots point to potential growth as a perimeter shooter. He has worked hard on refining his shot mechanics, aiming for a quicker and more consistent release.

Overall, Newell's offensive game is characterized by effort and enthusiasm. He led Georgia in scoring 20 times and in rebounding 16 times, reaching double figures in 30 of 33 games. His offensive rebounding and ability to score on putbacks provide value even when his jump shot isn't connecting. While passing isn't his primary strength (0.9 assists per game), he has shown the ability to make the right play in certain situations.

Considering all of that, Newell should be able to impact games as a play finisher and scrapper rather quickly. However, as he continues to retool his jumper and work with NBA coaches on his handle, there's room for him to grow into something more. That makes him a player with both a high floor and a high ceiling—relatively rare when talking about players who aren't considered locks to go in the lottery.

Defensively, Newell stands out with his energy and agility. He's an instinctive help defender, often rotating to protect the rim or disrupt passing lanes. His background in multiple sports has contributed to his speed and lateral quickness, allowing him to switch onto smaller players effectively.

Newell probably won't be able to consistently guard threes, which is part of the reason he isn't thought of more highly heading into this draft. But he's going to be a nightmare for opposing fours, and he should be able to guard some smaller centers. Combined with the fact that he's decent when switched onto guards and wings as a pick-and-roll defender, that should be enough. There's no reason to worry about the defense with a player this long, athletic, and active.

Looking ahead, Newell's long-term potential will come down to how his jumper develops. If his three-point shooting and ability to attack off the bounce improve, there's a world in which he flirts with All-Star production. The thought of him becoming a reliable pick-and-pop option is exciting. But even if that development never quite comes, there's a role for Newell as an energy player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. In many ways, he's the modern big: long, athletic, and versatile. He pairs all of that with an infectious intensity for the game. Combined with the way he has produced at every level of basketball, that makes him a player somebody will be happy to have.