Georgia's Asa Newell Declares for 2025 NBA Draft, B/R's No. 12 Prospect

Asa Newell is going to the NBA after spending one season at Georgia.

Excel Sports Management, which represents Newell, told ESPN's Jonathan Givony that the 19-year-old is entering the 2025 NBA draft.

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman ranked Newell as the No. 12 prospect in the 2025 class, with Jalen Smith, Brandon Clarke and Jonathan Isaac cited as his pro comparisons.

Newell was the standout member of Georgia's 2024 recruiting class. He was a 5-star prospect and No. 16 overall player in the country, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

The Bulldogs made the NCAA tournament this season for the first time since 2014-15. In their 89-68 loss to Gonzaga in the first round, Newell put together a good game with 20 points and eight rebounds.

Newell led the team in scoring (15.4 points per game) on 54.3 percent shooting and 6.9 rebounds per game. His 3.3 offensive rebounds per game ranked 22nd in the nation.

Wasserman noted Newell should "draw widespread interest" from NBA teams in the draft because everyone is coveting "a 6'11" big with shooting potential, defensive switchability and outstanding touch around the key."

In Wasserman's most recent mock posted on Tuesday, Newell was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 14th pick.

"Newell ultimately gives off safe-pick vibes with his 6'11" size and movement, consistent production, defensive tools and reliable touch whenever he gets it in the paint. He will make plays from off the ball within a set," Wasserman wrote.

The Hawks definitely need a player like Newell, especially after trading De'Andre Hunter to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February. He would boost their defense and could be a finisher in the pick-and-roll game with a point guard like Trae Young.

Newell only made 29.2 percent of his three-pointers on 89 total attempts last season, but his 74.8 percent success rate from the free-throw line suggests there's more upside for him as an outside shooter.