NBA champions predicted to draft Georgia basketball star
Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA draft, which begins on Wednesday, June 25 at 8 p.m. ET. The draft is being held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The biggest question for Newell is where will he be drafted? The Georgia standout is predicted to land with the current NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in USA TODAY Sports' latest mock draft. The Thunder hold the No. 15 and No. 24 picks in the first-round of the draft, but they're projected to take Newell with the No. 15 pick.
Newell averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game during the 2024-2025 college basketball season. He showcased three-point potential and helped Georgia make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade.
What USA TODAY said about Asa Newell
"Based off of his size, Newell wouldn't appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations," said USA TODAY. "He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Gonzaga."
Newell has worked out with the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls and Portland Trailblazers ahead of the 2025 NBA draft.
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