Asa Newell will remain in Georgia to begin his NBA career. Newell was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the No. 23 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft
Sure! Here’s a long-form article about Asa Newell deciding to remain in Georgia and beginning his NBA career after being selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This piece is written without subheadings:
In an announcement that has sent waves of excitement through both the Georgia basketball community and the broader college basketball landscape, Asa Newell has decided to stay in Georgia and begin his professional basketball journey with the New Orleans Pelicans. After a standout freshman season that saw him rapidly rise through the ranks of college basketball’s most coveted prospects, Newell’s decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2025 NBA Draft was met with great anticipation. His selection by the Pelicans with the No. 23 overall pick in the first round of the draft signals a new chapter not only in Newell’s life but also for the Georgia Bulldogs’ basketball program.
Newell, a 6-foot-9 forward with an impressive blend of skill, size, and athleticism, had long been considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 draft class. His combination of mobility, shooting touch, and defensive versatility made him a highly sought-after player. With the Pelicans selecting Newell at No. 23, they add an intriguing talent to their roster — one who could be an integral part of the team’s future as they continue to build around their young core.
For Newell, the decision to remain in Georgia for his NBA debut is not one he made lightly. While many players in his position might have opted to declare for the draft and begin their professional careers elsewhere, Newell has shown a deep connection to the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs were not only the place where he developed as a player but also the place that gave him the stage to showcase his potential to NBA scouts. Georgia’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mike White, played a significant role in Newell’s development, and the decision to make his NBA debut in New Orleans — with Georgia’s program as the foundation — was a natural one.
The story of Asa Newell is one of meteoric rise. After being highly regarded as a high school prospect from the Atlanta area, Newell arrived at Georgia with high expectations. From day one, he showcased an innate ability to stretch the floor, knock down shots from beyond the arc, and impact the game on both ends. His playmaking ability, combined with his defensive versatility, quickly caught the attention of NBA scouts. By the time the 2025 NBA Draft rolled around, Newell had cemented himself as one of the most coveted prospects in the entire class.
But what made Newell’s path to the NBA unique wasn’t just his physical traits or basketball IQ. It was his decision to stay committed to his growth, both as a player and as a person. Throughout his time at Georgia, Newell became known for his work ethic and his commitment to constantly improve. This drive didn’t go unnoticed, and as a result, Georgia’s basketball program played a key role in helping him realize his dream of reaching the NBA.
Newell’s skill set is a perfect fit for today’s modern NBA. As the league continues to evolve, the demand for versatile players who can play multiple positions and contribute in various aspects of the game is higher than ever. Newell’s unique combination of size and shooting ability allows him to stretch defenses and operate effectively both in the post and on the perimeter. His smooth shooting stroke, especially from three-point range, was a key element of his success at Georgia, where he became one of the team’s most reliable scoring options. On the defensive side of the ball, Newell’s length and agility make him a capable defender against both forwards and guards, and he quickly became known for his ability to guard multiple positions and contribute to his team’s defensive schemes.
But perhaps the most impressive part of Newell’s game is his basketball IQ. He’s not just a physical talent; he’s a student of the game, with an advanced understanding of how to read defenses, make the right decisions, and get his teammates involved. These qualities made him one of the most well-rounded players in the draft and were key reasons why the Pelicans were so eager to add him to their roster.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been on the rise in recent seasons, and their selection of Newell at No. 23 could be the move that takes them to the next level. With a core featuring rising star Zion Williamson and young guard Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans are in the midst of building something special. Newell’s ability to contribute as both a scorer and a playmaker makes him an excellent fit alongside these two players, and he could be the perfect complement to New Orleans’ up-tempo, high-energy style of play.
For Newell, his decision to join the Pelicans represents an exciting opportunity to step into a young, dynamic organization that is poised for future success. While his path to the NBA may have been swift, he has made it clear that he’s ready for the challenge. The Pelicans are a team that values versatility and skill, and Newell’s game fits the mold of what they need as they look to build around their young stars. The Pelicans’ emphasis on fast breaks and spacing the floor will give Newell plenty of chances to showcase his shooting ability while also allowing him to develop his all-around game.
The decision to remain in Georgia for Newell’s NBA debut also speaks to the strong relationship he built with the coaching staff during his time in Athens. Georgia’s program under Mike White has steadily built a reputation for player development, and Newell’s time there was a testament to the hard work both he and the coaching staff put in. White’s system emphasized both offense and defense, and Newell’s ability to thrive in that environment was part of what made him such an appealing prospect for NBA teams.
White, who was in his second year as head coach of the Bulldogs, knew that Newell had the potential to be one of the best players in the country. His ability to elevate the game of those around him was apparent from the start, and Newell’s development as both a scorer and a defender made him a highly valuable asset to the team. White’s faith in Newell’s ability to make an immediate impact at the next level speaks volumes about the forward’s talent and readiness for the NBA.
But while Newell’s success on the court has been impressive, his maturity off the court has been equally remarkable. Throughout his career, Newell has been known for his leadership, work ethic, and willingness to learn. His steady rise from a highly-touted high school recruit to a first-round NBA pick is a reflection of his commitment to getting better every day. His ability to adapt to different systems, work with coaches, and evolve as a player will serve him well as he transitions to the professional level.
The decision to stay in Georgia — both for his college career and now for his NBA career — also speaks to the strong connection Newell has with the city of Athens and the Bulldogs’ fanbase. From the moment he arrived at Georgia, Newell embraced the culture of the program and the community around it. As a player who always put the team first, he became a fan favorite for his dedication and hard work. Newell’s connection to Georgia will likely remain strong throughout his NBA career, as he looks to represent his alma mater and the state of Georgia on the national stage.
For Georgia, the decision by Newell to stay in the program, develop his game, and eventually take the leap to the NBA is a testament to the program’s ability to develop high-level talent. Newell is the latest example of a player who entered Georgia’s program with immense potential and left as a polished, NBA-ready prospect. While Georgia will undoubtedly miss his presence on the court, the program can take pride in the fact that they helped shape him into the player he is today.
As for Newell, the future is incredibly bright. He’s entering the NBA at a time when the league values players who can do it all — shoot, defend, and contribute in multiple areas. With the New Orleans Pelicans, Newell has a chance to continue his development and become a key figure in the team’s pursuit of future success. With his combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ, Newell is poised to make an immediate impact in the NBA and carve out a long and successful career.
For now, Asa Newell’s journey has come full circle. From high school prospect to first-round NBA pick, his time in Georgia was a crucial stepping stone in his basketball career. As he prepares to begin his professional career with the New Orleans Pelicans, there’s no telling just how high his ceiling can be. The future is bright for Newell, and with his talent and work ethic, he’s ready to take on whatever challenges come next. Georgia’s program can be proud of the role it played in helping launch the career of one of the most promising young players in the NBA.
As Newell embarks on this exciting new chapter, the entire Georgia basketball community will be watching closely, knowing that they had a front-row seat to his incredible journey.
