Georgia freshman forward Asa Newell will declare for the 2025 NBA draft after one season with the Bulldogs, Jonathan Givony of ESPN reported on Wednesday.
Newell was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team after averaging 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, one steal and one block on 54.3% shooting from the field in 33 games. He ranked 14th in the country in offensive box plus-minus (plus-7.6) and 20th in offensive rebounds (110).
The 6-foot-11 standout became the first freshman to lead the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding since Jumaine Jones in the 1997-98 season. His 509 points ranked fourth-most in a single season among freshmen in program history.
Newell led Georgia to its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2015 before falling to Gonzaga in the first round. He registered his team-high sixth 20-point game of the season in the 89-68 loss, finishing with 20 points, eight rebounds and one assist.
The 19-year-old is projected to be a first-round pick this year, given his size, scoring and rebounding ability. He made a name for himself on the offensive glass throughout the season with his mobility and ranked among the leaders in the country in putbacks.
Newell can improve his draft positioning in private workouts and the combine on May 11-18 in Chicago, Illinois. He aims to become the first Georgia player drafted in the first round since Anthony Edwards in 2020.
The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 in New York City.