The challenge of stopping Georgia forward Asa Newell is being contemplated by Alabama.

As the 2025 NCAA basketball season unfolds, one of the most intriguing matchups looming on the horizon for the Alabama Crimson Tide will be against the Georgia Bulldogs, specifically in how they will deal with one of the most gifted players in the country—Asa Newell. The highly touted Georgia forward has been a standout talent, showcasing skills that make him a matchup nightmare for any opponent. Alabama, with its own high aspirations for success this season, will need to strategize effectively if they are to contain Newell and secure a win in what promises to be a pivotal game.

Who is Asa Newell?

Before delving into the strategies Alabama could employ to neutralize Newell, it’s important to understand just what makes the Georgia forward such a challenge. Newell, a 6’9” forward, brings an impressive blend of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ to the court. As a highly ranked recruit out of high school, Newell has lived up to the hype, emerging as one of the most dynamic players in the SEC and one of the most coveted future NBA prospects in the nation. His versatility on the floor allows him to play multiple positions, but it’s his ability to dominate as both a scorer and defender that truly sets him apart.

In 2025, Newell has evolved into a player who can impact the game in a variety of ways. Offensively, he is capable of scoring both in the paint and on the perimeter, making him a threat from almost anywhere on the floor. His athleticism allows him to finish above the rim, while his improved shooting range has made him a threat from beyond the arc. Defensively, his size and quickness allow him to guard multiple positions, and he has the instincts to disrupt passing lanes, block shots, and alter opponents’ offensive flow.

For Alabama, facing a player of Newell’s caliber presents a unique set of challenges. As we’ll explore in this piece, it’s not just his physical gifts that make him dangerous—his ability to read the game and make others better is also a huge concern. In many ways, stopping Newell is as much about strategy as it is about physical execution.

The Challenge of Stopping Asa Newell

1. Dealing with Newell’s Scoring Versatility

One of the main reasons why Newell is so difficult to stop is his scoring versatility. Unlike many forwards who are limited to either scoring inside or outside, Newell can do both at an elite level. This means that Alabama will need a multifaceted defensive strategy to keep him in check.

When Newell operates in the paint, his ability to score through contact makes him a challenge to defend. His strong frame and leaping ability allow him to finish dunks or contested layups with ease, even when under pressure from bigger defenders. Alabama’s defense, which is often anchored by shot-blockers and tough interior defenders, will need to rotate quickly when Newell gets the ball in the post. The Tide’s big men will have to maintain solid positioning while avoiding fouls, particularly with Newell’s ability to draw contact and get to the free-throw line.

However, Newell’s ability to stretch the floor is what truly makes him dangerous. His improving shooting touch from beyond the arc makes him a threat even when he’s stationed away from the basket. If Newell can catch the ball in the high post or on the wing, he can face up his defender and either take the shot or drive to the basket. Alabama’s defenders will need to balance staying tight on him when he’s beyond the three-point line while also being prepared to collapse on him when he drives.

The question for Alabama, then, is how to defend Newell without allowing him to dominate in any one area. They could opt for a more traditional man-to-man defense, but given Newell’s ability to stretch the floor, Alabama may prefer to use more zone-based concepts, where they can protect the paint but still keep Newell from getting open looks on the perimeter.

2. Limiting Newell’s Rebounding Impact

Another area where Newell excels is rebounding. His physicality and tenacity on the boards make him a presence on both ends of the floor, especially when Georgia misses shots. While not as dominant in this area as some of the top big men in college basketball, Newell is more than capable of grabbing offensive and defensive rebounds, helping the Bulldogs extend possessions and create second-chance opportunities.

Alabama has been known for its ability to rebound as a team, but when facing a player like Newell, the Crimson Tide must ensure that they aren’t caught flat-footed when it comes to boxing out and securing boards. Nate Oats, Alabama’s head coach, has emphasized team rebounding in the past, and this matchup will be no different. Noah Clowney and Charles Bediako, two of Alabama’s frontline players, will need to be particularly mindful of Newell’s positioning on the glass. If Newell is allowed to grab offensive rebounds, it could create opportunities for Georgia to score off of Alabama’s mistakes.

In addition to traditional rebounding, Alabama will need to limit Newell’s ability to leak out on fast breaks. Given his speed and athleticism, Newell is often able to get out in transition quickly and finish plays before the defense has a chance to set up. If Alabama can prevent him from getting easy looks in transition and force him to take contested shots in the half-court, they’ll have a better chance of containing him.

3. Defending Newell Without Overcommitting

Perhaps one of the most difficult challenges for Alabama when defending Newell will be resisting the temptation to overcommit. Due to his ability to score from all over the floor and his presence as a playmaker, it can be easy for defenders to lose focus and over-rotate to his side of the floor. This can leave Georgia with open shots on the weak side, or allow other Bulldogs to exploit mismatches created when Newell draws double teams.

Alabama will need to strike a delicate balance: playing aggressive defense without allowing Newell to dictate the game by creating open opportunities for teammates. Newell’s ability to pass the ball and set up his teammates for easy looks is another strength that makes him so difficult to stop. Alabama’s defenders will need to stay disciplined, knowing that if they collapse too much on Newell, he will find an open man and make them pay.

One potential strategy could be to use a rotating defense. By sending different defenders at Newell throughout the game—sometimes doubling him and other times staying single coverage—Alabama can throw off his rhythm and prevent him from getting comfortable. They’ll need to ensure that no one defender becomes too predictable or over-committed, keeping Newell from finding a consistent flow.

4. Containing Newell’s Transition Play

Finally, one of the most important aspects of defending Newell will be containing his impact in transition. He’s an explosive player who can push the ball up the floor with authority, and his ability to score in the open court makes him even more dangerous when he’s on the move. Alabama will need to establish a strong defensive foundation early in the game by getting back quickly and preventing easy fast-break opportunities for Newell and Georgia.

In this scenario, the key for Alabama will be having multiple players sprinting back on defense, especially Brandon Miller, one of Alabama’s top perimeter defenders. Miller, along with other guards like Jahvon Quinerly, will need to disrupt Georgia’s transition offense and force them to settle for half-court sets. Newell, though capable of scoring in many ways, will thrive when given space in transition, so keeping him from getting those opportunities will be crucial.

A Game-Changing Challenge

As Alabama prepares for its game against Georgia, containing Asa Newell will undoubtedly be one of the most important aspects of their defensive game plan. Newell’s versatility, scoring ability, and athleticism make him one of the most dynamic players in college basketball, and stopping him will require a combination of individual defensive discipline, team rotations, and strategic game planning. Alabama has the talent and coaching staff to devise a solid defensive scheme, but they will need to execute it perfectly to have a chance at neutralizing Newell’s impact on the game.

For Alabama fans and basketball enthusiasts alike, this matchup will provide an exciting opportunity to see how one of the SEC’s best teams handles one of the country’s brightest rising stars. If Alabama can slow down Asa Newell and prevent him from dictating the game, they’ll be well on their way to a crucial victory. However, Newell’s skill set makes this a monumental challenge, and it will require an all-around effort from the Crimson Tide to come out on top.