Latest news with #AsaNewell
Forbes
an hour ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Why Asa Newell Is One Of The Most Unique Players Of The 2025 Class
Asa Newell, 2025 NBA Draft Class. After a quieter group in 2024, the 2025 NBA Draft Class has bred a great deal of excitement. Stars like Cooper Flagg and Derik Queen have everyone hungry to see what this generation of players is capable of doing. However, we need to be careful not to forget about their high school teammate at Monteverde Academy, former five-star recruit Asa Newell. After a decorated high school career, Newell spent one year with the Georgia Bulldogs before declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft. For those who aren't overly familiar with his game, the best sales pitch for it is that Newell arguably has the most complete combination of the two attributes the game of basketball biases toward the most: size and shooting. Since the sport was invented, basketball has favored the more vertically-gifted. At 6'9 with a 6'11 wingspan, Newell has the physical tools to excel at the next level. His size isn't just for show, either. Newell leverages his stature to help whatever team he plays for dominate the possession game. Because he played at such an esteemed high school alongside such talented teammates, Newell never had the opportunity to take a play off. Routine practices took on the intensity of an NBA playoff series. These conditions gave rise to a motor that few other players can match. "Iron sharpens iron," Newell told me in an interview for Forbes. "I went to Monteverde to play against the best competition. And, you know, just being able to practice against each other, watch how fast we move, how hard we work, it was an experience that made us all better." While Newell was a beneficiary of playing alongside the nation's best, he also contributed to their growth as well. Battling with Flagg and Queen on a daily basis certainly gets the competitive juices flowing. However, Newell grew up in a family where giving it your all wasn't just a cool fad. It was a way of life. One example he cited to me was how his parents would drive from Destin, Florida, to Orlando (roughly a seven hour drive) every single weekend for his AAU tournaments. Seeing how much his parents were willing to sacrifice to see him succeed inspired young Newell to never stop reaching for the stars. He also had a shining example of what it takes to make it to the Division I level in his older brother, Jaden. Jaden walked on at Georgia in 2023, and last season, the two brothers got to play alongside one another (earning their associate degrees together in the process). "Playing basketball with him has been amazing," Newell noted. 'He pushes me in ways that few others can.' From a basketball standpoint, Newell's experiences with hard work and determination have manifested themselves into a never-ending urge to hunt offensive rebounds. According to KenPom, Newell had the fifth-highest offensive rebounding percentage in the SEC (the best conference in college basketball this season). Having a player who is constantly creating second chances for your team is a huge boost to your offense. Just look at the Houston Rockets, who, despite their poor shooting (23rd in effective field goal percentage), still managed to have the second-best regular season team in the Western Conference in large part because of their league-leading offensive rebounding. At this point, every NBA player has size or shooting as a bow in their quiver. Having one of these tools is basically a requirement for entry in today's NBA landscape. However, having both these variables on your side takes from good to extremely dangerous. At a glance, Newell doesn't seem like a credible shooter. He shot just 29.2% from downtown in his lone season at Georgia. But keep in mind, that was just a 33-game sample size, and 3-point shooting is an incredibly volatile stat. All his other indicators suggest that he can be an effective spacer at the NBA level. Newell shot 74.8% from the free throw line, he was allowed to attempt the fourth-most threes on the team (a coach wouldn't give you the green light if they didn't think you could shoot), and his shooting motion is quick and easily replicable. Newell's blend of functional size and shooting potential was unlike any other player in college basketball this year. Of all players to appear in at least 20 games this season, Newell is the only one to average an offensive rebounding percentage of 14% while attempting at least five threes per 100 possessions (per Bart Torvik). Not even National Player of the Year Johni Broome could completely match those numbers. All 2024-25 NCAA Players with at least 20 games played, an offensive rebounding percentage of 11% or ... More higher, and at least 25 made threes. If that wasn't promising enough, to ensure that his shot will translate at the next level, Newell has been working diligently to eliminate any wasted movements from his jumper. 'I've really been working hard to improve my 3-point shot," Newell told me. "It's not even that it's a weakness. I just think I had a lot of wasted movements. At Georgia, I would catch the ball and bring it way down before launching it. Now, I'm just catching and shooting it." The other parts of Newell's game that many draft analysts have focused on are his scoring efficiency (80th percentile true shooting percentage in SEC) and ability to guard multiple positions on defense. The former is a testament to his affinity for battling inside and securing good positions for layups (see tweet above) and putbacks around the rim. Meanwhile, the latter is a byproduct of his upbringing. "My dad owned a CrossFit gym. So, I grew up doing all sorts of squats, deadlifts, and different ladder drills. I also played soccer and swam," Newell revealed. "Working on my body and coordination in all these different ways really helped me grow up to be quicker/more agile than most people my size." Newell's blend of size, shooting, inside efficiency, and positional versatility puts him in a unique archetype of player. During our conversation, one former NBA player Newell mentioned attempting to emulate was Chris Bosh, and when you really diagram it out, he isn't that far off from the eleven-time All-Star. Both are left-handed power forwards who tout a great deal of skill on both the interior and the perimeter. Reaching the same heights as a Hall of Famer is a lofty goal to put on a 19-year-old, but the fact that Newell even has the same outline as someone like Bosh makes him one of the most interesting players in his class.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Why Asa Newell is ‘studying' Jaren Jackson Jr., Aaron Gordon before NBA Draft
The post Exclusive: Why Asa Newell is 'studying' Jaren Jackson Jr., Aaron Gordon before NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints. Asa Newell was one of three five-star prospects entering the NCAA ranks from Montverde Academy in 2024. The other two were Cooper Flagg, who will be the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and Derik Queen, who is expected to be a lottery pick. Like his close friends, Newell is also hoping to hear his name called early on in June's draft after a standout freshman season at Georgia. Advertisement The 19-year-old has long been tied to the state of Georgia. He was born in Atlanta and lived in Athens for six years when he was a kid. Even after moving to Destin, Florida, and playing at Montverde, Asa's future of becoming a Bulldog seemed predetermined. It also made sense for him to play for Georgia, given that his older brother, Jaden Newell, was entering his sophomore season with the team. In one season playing in the ultra-competitive SEC, Newell averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, a block, and a steal in 33 games, all of which he started. After proving to be one of the best freshmen in the nation's best conference, Newell earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors and became a prospect many NBA teams began gathering more information on. What makes Newell such an intriguing draft prospect is that he's an elite athlete. No challenge is too big for Newell on either end of the court, making him a high-potential, high-impact forward with the ability to impact winning right away. That is why he finds himself projected as a first-round pick in ClutchPoints' recent Mock Draft 2.0 and is ranked inside the top 20 on ClutchPoints' Big Board 2.0. As the 2025 NBA Draft rapidly approaches, Newell continues to work on his craft behind the scenes. He is devoted to becoming one of the best shooting big men in this year's draft class, and his stock continues to rise after stepping foot on the court in front of league personnel from all 30 teams earlier in May at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. Advertisement Pure excitement and joy are the two words that could best describe this moment for Newell, as this was the point where he realized his life-long dreams were finally coming true. 'I remember walking out there in front of everyone and being like, 'Wow, I'm actually here.' Then I got to meet Adam Silver and shake his hand for the first time. I was like a kid in that moment because I was like, 'I did the Adam Silver handshake,' Newell told ClutchPoints in an exclusive pre-draft interview. 'For real, it's a surreal experience.' Of course, having time to reconnect with Flagg and Queen in Chicago was a surreal moment for all three players as they embark on their NBA journeys together. These three have remained close friends despite playing in three different collegiate conferences over the past year, and although they will soon begin to form NBA rivalries with one another, their friendship is something Newell still holds close. Advertisement 'It was actually really cool to be able to spend time with my Montverde teammates there — Derik (Queen) and Cooper (Flagg). We all spent time talking about the process and hanging out. All three of us made a lot of sacrifices at Montverde, and now we're here. It's an amazing opportunity, and I am blessed to be able to showcase my talents and development in front of the entire league.' Newell is a family man. The big man may look intimidating with his near 7-foot frame, but he enjoys the simple things in life outside of the game of basketball. Family is at the core of Newell's life, and these values have extended to his teammates on the court. Both his immediate and extended family on the court are what motivate Newell, and he is ready to tackle any challenge thrown his way with his new NBA family. 'You can put me in different areas of the court and be confident in my production,' Newell said. 'Whether it's guarding the best player or being able to switch on any sort of screens, I hold myself to a high standard on standing out this way. As I prepare to enter the NBA, I do so knowing that I play with fire and an energy that is contagious. 'I always look to bring energy to the rest of the pack, and more times than not, it helps all of us succeed as a team.' Advertisement There is a strong chance Newell will be a lottery pick in this year's draft. Many around the league view him as a top-20 prospect with a lot of potential to become an elite two-way player because of his length and versatility. Aside from being able to rebound and score in the paint, Newell stands out at the power forward position because of his intangibles. Newell has a strong understanding of where to be on defense, which allows him to switch onto and find success against any position. On offense, he has grown tremendously on the perimeter and has the tools to be one of the better shooting big men in this year's draft. That is why Newell is taking inspiration from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Aaron Gordon, two highly successful talents in the NBA who he is learning from to add to his game entering the league. Advertisement 'I've been studying a lot of Jaren Jackson Jr. He's an elite defender, has a strong perimeter game, and is an All-Star talent,' Newell stated. 'On defense, he was switching onto different guards and blocking shots, which is where I can see myself making an impact as a rookie. Aaron Gordon is another player I've been studying … Having any sort of post-work or post-bag in the NBA is something that is extremely valuable. 'I am very confident in my abilities in the post and believe it's something I can bring immediately.' From being one of the best recruits in the country to becoming one of the standout freshman performers in the NCAA, Newell's skill and experiences make him one of the top players in the 2025 NBA Draft. In an exclusive one-on-one interview with ClutchPoints before this year's NBA Draft, Newell sat down to discuss the improvements he has made during the pre-draft process, as well as why he projects to be one of the best young big men entering the league in June. Advertisement ClutchPoints: Asa, there are roughly four weeks until the 2025 NBA Draft. What is your day-to-day like right now, and has it hit you yet that this is all surreal and the moment you've been waiting for all your life? David Banks-Imagn Images Asa Newell: It's amazing. I can't believe this moment is already here. Time has gone by so fast. My time at Georgia definitely helped me prepare for this moment. Excel (Sports Management) has a whole facility in Irvine, CA, to help me train and prepare for the draft in a few weeks. That is where I am early in the morning. To start the day on the court, it's just a lot of balance work and doing different footwork exercises to get warmed up. Then I'll get a bunch of shots and run a lot of different scenarios and actions against some of the other guys here. After being on the court, it's straight to the weight room for lifting. That's a grind. After lunch, it's all about recovery and getting my mind right. Later in the night, I'll come back and get more shots up because I know I can be better, and I want to be the best I can be. Advertisement CP: Has it hit you yet that your moment has come and you're about to be in the NBA? Newell: It definitely hit me a little bit at the NBA Draft Combine. I remember walking out there in front of everyone and being like, 'Wow, I'm actually here.' Then I got to meet Adam Silver and shake his hand for the first time. I was like a kid in that moment because I was like, 'I did the Adam Silver handshake!' For real, it's a surreal experience. You just can't take any day for granted because you don't get any time back. You have to make the most of it, especially in front of everyone. CP: What was the experience of being at the NBA Draft Combine like, and what was your biggest takeaway from being around the other draftees and all 30 teams? Newell: There was a lot of excitement in the air. It was actually really cool to be able to spend time with my Montverde teammates there — Derik (Queen) and Cooper (Flagg). We all spent time talking about the process and hanging out. All three of us made a lot of sacrifices at Montverde, and now we're here. It's an amazing opportunity, and I am blessed to be able to showcase my talents and development in front of the entire league. Advertisement CP: Who is one player you are looking forward to matching up against? Who is that one player little Asa shooting hoops at the park would envision playing one-on-one? Newell: My favorite player when I was growing up was Kyle Korver. That's why I wanted to shoot so many 3s when I was a kid! I had his jersey, and I always wore it to Atlanta Hawks games, but he's obviously retired, so I can't go up against him. Hopefully I'll get the chance to play Kevin Durant because matching up against him is a dream. If I got that opportunity to play against KD, it's something that would definitely leave me starstruck. That would be my starstruck moment. CP: Because of your athleticism, length, and versatility on both ends of the floor, a lot of teams are paying very close attention to you. Where do you see yourself thriving right away as a rookie? Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Newell: I feel like I am a plug-and-play type of player. I always had those tendencies my entire career of being able to thrive in multiple scenarios and situations. That was my role for Team USA when I was there for U17 and U19. You can put me in different areas of the court and be confident in my production. Advertisement Whether it's guarding the best player or being able to switch on any sort of screens, I hold myself to a high standard on standing out this way. As I prepare to enter the NBA, I do so knowing that I play with fire and an energy that is contagious. I always look to bring energy to the rest of the pack and, more times than not, it helps all of us succeed as a team. CP: If someone asked you to describe your game in a few words, what would you tell them and why? Newell: Well, I'd definitely tell them I love going left and attacking the bucket. I like getting to the right block, and I don't want to brag, but I have a pretty good spin move. Look out for that spin move because it's better than many expect! I'm also a very capable shooter. Be careful with how much space you give me in pick-and-pop scenarios. CP: Is there anything you feel about your game that oftentimes gets overlooked or people have the wrong narrative about? Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Newell: At Georgia, I didn't showcase my shooting abilities how I wanted to. That's a story still being written. I definitely have it in me and the utmost confidence in my shot. I can see the improvements I've made from the perimeter in recent months. [Asa smiles] You don't want to leave me open right now, trust me! My 3-point shooting has definitely been overlooked, but it's partly my fault. I am ready to flip that narrative immediately. Advertisement CP: What has been the toughest challenge you've faced on the verge of getting to the NBA? Newell: That's a really good question. You know, I'd probably have to say the intense schedule because many people don't understand what daily life is like to get to this level. There aren't any days off. In college, the SEC threw us a ranked opponent almost every single night. It's high-level, NBA-like competition every game. Every team in the league suffered tough losses and went on losing streaks, but for us, it was all about how we responded to those losses. We thought we weren't going to make the tournament late in the year, so we really had to buckle up and get some hard-fought wins. If we were in any other conference, we wouldn't have made the tournament, so getting those late-season wins was essential. I don't really think there is one challenge in particular that helped mold me, but just understanding how to fight as a team and be there for my teammates in tough times. Overcoming that adversity and being able to shine was beautiful to see. Advertisement CP: What are you looking forward to the most entering the NBA? And you can't say that first contract. A lot of guys always laugh and say that, so I'm ruling that one out for you! Newell: [Asa laughs] Of course they do! For me, it's about being able to go to a new city and live on my own. Figuring out what life outside of basketball is like. It's all about taking that next step as a man and figuring out my life's journey in this big world. Practice and games take up a lot of the schedule, but there is a lot of free time in the NBA. What will you do in that time? What is your new life going to be like, and who am I going to be as a man? I am looking forward to finding the answers to these questions, and I'm looking forward to being able to settle down in a new place I've never been. In terms of actually playing, I can't wait to go against the best in the world. I've dreamed of this moment since I was a kid. But overall, I'm really looking forward to being able to mature and take those next steps in life. CP: You touched on this a little earlier with your mention of Kyle Korver, but who did you grow up watching and try to either mimic your game after or learn from? Newell: Right now, before the draft, I've been studying a lot of Jaren Jackson Jr. He's an elite defender, has a strong perimeter game, and is an All-Star talent. When I watched his rookie season highlights, his ability to attack smaller defenders and use his size to his advantage stood out to me. On defense, he was switching onto different guards and blocking shots, which is where I can see myself making an impact as a rookie. Advertisement Aaron Gordon is another player I've been studying. Since going to Denver, AG has been a handoff guy who can also keep it and drive into a post-up opportunity to score on offense. Having any sort of post-work or post-bag in the NBA is something that is extremely valuable. I am very confident in my abilities in the post and believe it's something I can bring immediately. CP: You probably see all the scouting reports out there about you and all the mock drafts, as everyone always has different opinions on all the guys in the draft. What is a common misconception about you as a player that you are looking to prove people wrong about? Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Newell: It's exactly what I was saying earlier with my 3-point shooting abilities. I've put in the time and work to really improve in this area, so I know that any team that takes a chance on me will get immediate production and value. I may not have showcased that ability at Georgia how I wanted, but I know I will be a reliable shooting threat during my rookie season. Advertisement CP: You aren't a traditional power forward in the sense that you play around the rim and can only rebound. You can help initiate an offense, play in pick-and-roll sets, run in transition, be an avid defender who can switch onto smaller players, etc. Do you believe that makes you a fit for any team that could potentially draft you? Newell: 100 percent. I am a plug-and-play player. I want to be known as that guy who comes into the game and the other team immediately has to wake up and try to match our energy because I am going to bring it! I'm a workaholic on and off the court and am always perfecting certain parts of my game. It's easy to say now that I'll fit in right away, but the reality for any of us who are drafted is that we won't know until we get there and actually play. I know I can bring value to any NBA team, whether they just made the playoffs or are developing a young core to become contenders. CP: On the court, we've seen why you are a first-round prospect who has a really good chance of going in the lottery. But off the court, what makes you a first-round prospect, and what are some of your values and hobbies? Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Newell: My strongest value is my relationship with God. I grew up attending church with my family, and they're everything to me. I am super family-oriented. Obviously, when I'm not playing, I love watching the NBA games. I am a pretty big TV show guy too, and I enjoy getting out of the house to go fishing. I definitely love going to the beach. I was in Destin, Florida, for a little bit, so I was a little spoiled being able to go to the beach any time I wanted, but those are my hobbies in a nutshell. Advertisement CP: So, what I am hearing is that teams with a beach nearby should go draft Asa Newell? Newell: [Asa laughs] I'm not saying that! Hey man, a pool for me is good enough. A pool will do its job! CP: Several years from now, when you've been in the league for over a decade or are nearing the end of the line in your career, what do you want basketball fans and people to remember about Asa Newell? Newell: I want to be remembered for my hard work and as a player who can play on both sides – offense and defense. Just being a great human being. Character and morale go a long way. It's super important to me. I definitely just want to give back to the community and be able to make a name for myself in the NBA. To make my family and community proud … it would mean the world to me.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Heat Select Cooper Flagg's High School Teammate in Latest Mock Draft
Heat Select Cooper Flagg's High School Teammate in Latest Mock Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Heat possess the No. 20 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and selecting the right prospect could help to breathe new energy into the franchise. Advertisement Though the Jimmy Butler era came to an end at the mid-season mark by way of a blockbuster trade with the Golden State Warriors, the Heat were able to land a first-round pick in the deal. After receiving the chance to introduce a new a fresh talent into the rotation come next season, a new FOX Sports 2025 NBA Mock Draft has the Heat selecting a former high school standout forward who once shared the floor with the projected No. 1 overall pick of the Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg. Former Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2).© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images "A five-star prospect who was ranked the fourth-best power forward in his high school class and 16th best player overall (247Sports), (Asa) Newell flew under the radar this year due to playing for a Georgia team that went 8-10 in SEC play." Advertisement "Still, he measured at 6'9 barefoot at the combine and averaged 15.4 points per game with 6.9 rebounds in his lone season in Athens." On the way to earning status as a projected top-20 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Georgia Bulldogs' Asa Newell really began to shine on a national level when he suited up for Montverde, Florida's world-renowned Montverde Academy in high school. With the 6-foot-9 Duke University superstar Flagg as his frontcourt running mate, the pair led Montverde to a perfect 33-0 record and the 2024 Chipotle High School Nationals championship. Newell showed flashes as a solid back-to-the-basket scorer and capable ball-handler during his one-and-done season at Georgia, and the Heat may figure that he could provide a certain spark to their rotation. Advertisement Standing at 6-foot-11, the springy forward looks to be a promising two-way threat. In 33 appearances for Georgia, Newell contributed 15.4 points on an efficient 61.2% true shooting percentage, and he may end up being a perfect pick-and-roll partner for Miami's first-time All-Star, Tyler Herro. The Destin, Florida native also displayed his natural defensive instincts, swiping 1.0 steals and rejecting 1.0 blocks during his freshman campaign. Perfectly enough, he might be a suitable frontcourt sidekick for the Heat's dominant defensive big man, Bam Adebayo, for the foreseeable future. Related: Heat Projected to Draft In-State Star in Latest NBA Mock Draft Related: Dwyane Wade Fuels Fire About NBA Draft Lottery Being Rigged This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where Asa Newell is going in mock drafts after the lottery
Where Asa Newell is going in mock drafts after the lottery Former Georgia Bulldogs star power forward Asa Newell has been mocked as a first round pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Newell's projecting landing spot shifts from the top 10 to middle of the first. Now that the NBA lottery has officially taken place, certain fits for Newell have emerged. Draft experts have attempted to predict where Newell will go based on positional need and scheme fit. The 6-foot-11, 220-pound forward offers rim protection, the ability to switch on to smaller players defensively, an array of post moves, excellent athleticism and has shooting upside. Newell is a lob threat and strong dunker. He helped Georgia make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade. Here is where Newell is going in mock drafts after the lottery. ESPN: 21st overall pick, Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves) The Jazz acquired this pick for trading away Rudy Gobert and now they get a potential replacement at the four or five. Utah has found great value through picks outside of the lottery, such as Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier. They could get the same with Newell, a high-ceiling player who has all the measurables to be an elite offensive talent. He may be more of a power forward with those measurables, but if he can shoot the three-ball at an efficient rate, a role for him as stretch big isn't out of the question. ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo made the mock draft. Yahoo: 18th pick, Washington Wizards Similar to the Jazz, the Wizards acquired this pick via trade from the Memphis Grizzlies. Also, similar to this pick, the Wizards have plenty of minutes for young talent like Newell to develop. More than likely, Alex Sarr is the center of the future in Washington, but Newell could be a nice foil to him if Newell can develop his offensive game. His high energy game could be a boost for the Wizard's backcourt defense. Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor mocked this selection. CBS: Orlando Magic, 25th pick Unlike both the Wizards and Jazz, who had the two worst records in the league, the Orlando Magic were a playoff team that could've been a title contender with better injury luck and three point shooting. The Magic also lack in backcourt depth and Newell could immediately qualify for starting minutes if he beats out Wendell Carter Jr. in the frontcourt. Even then, the Magic don't have many forwards on the bench, and Newell's shot blocking and high energy can keep him on the floor for longer. CBS's Kyle Boone made this pick in his mock draft.
NBC Sports
06-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
SPORTSENGINE PLAY EXPANDS COMMITMENT TO SHOWCASING ELITE YOUTH BASKETBALL TALENT, SIGNING FIVE-YEAR EXTENSION WITH NXTPRO SPORTS' PUMA NXT AND PRO16 CIRCUITS
New Partnership Extension Includes Live Streaming Coverage of More Than 10,000 Games on SportsEngine Play, with Select Games Streaming Live on Peacock MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (May 6, 2025) – The five-year extension of SportsEngine Play's official streaming partnership with the Puma NXT and Puma Pro16 youth basketball circuits announced today will deliver live coverage of more than 10,000 games during the current 2025 season and includes a selection of top games to be streamed on Peacock. Operated by NXTPRO Sports , the Puma NXT and Pro16 circuits showcase some of the highest-ranked college basketball prospects in the U.S. During the 2025 season, which began on March 29, more than 44 of the nation's top recruits expected to advance to the highest levels of Division I basketball will compete. Some of the more notable prospects over the first two years of the PRO16 circuit and their college choices include:Asa Newell (Georgia), Isaiah Brown (Florida), L.J. Cason (Michigan), Chris Cenac (Houston), Nikolas Khamenia (Duke), Eric Reibe (UConn), Xavion Staton (BYU). Brown, Cenac and Khamenia either play on or are committed to three of the Final Four teams in the 2025 NCAA Championship. In just two short years, NXTPRO/PRO16 League has emerged as the largest grassroots basketball circuit in the U.S., hosting more than 500 programs across its boys' and girls' divisions. The circuit also has quickly become a global hub for elite talent and diverse teams from countries, including Australia, China, Japan, Europe, Mexico, Philippines, and Canada. Many of the 50-plus facilities hosting NXTPRO Sports tournaments this season are pre-equipped with intelligent cameras installed by SportsEngine Play through existing partnerships, with more facilities to follow throughout the season. The latest AI camera technology incorporated by SportsEngine Play follows game competition seamlessly to deliver a more immersive experience for viewers. Additionally, the extended agreement will feature 10 select games each season streamed live on Peacock, which also features premier basketball from the Big Ten and BIG EAST, the NBA – returning to NBCUniversal platforms this fall – the Olympics, and more. 'The growth of NXTPRO Sports and the Puma circuit continues to set the standard in high-level youth basketball competition. We're extremely excited to stream the new season on SportsEngine Play for families, fans and the athletes, themselves,' said Nick Busto, SportsEngine's Vice President of Video Operations. 'Connecting a premier partner like NXTPRO with our growing list of partner facilities to stream thousands of games is fantastic, but also having the relationship with an industry leading platform like Peacock to showcase select games is why this deal sets the stage for the future of youth sports broadcasting.' As the Official Streaming and Video Partner of the Puma NXT and PRO16 leagues since 2023, SportsEngine Play provides coverage of every tournament game, which will total 53 tournaments comprising more than 10,000 games in 2025. NXTPRO Sports utilizes SportsEngine's best-in-class video technology to enhance their members' overall experience through an online viewing destination for both circuits, offering live and on-demand video streaming via internet-connected devices. The SportsEngine Play website also includes a tournament portal, featuring game highlights and video-on-demand tools for parents to create and compile highlight reels for their athletes. 'We are very thrilled to be growing our relationship with SportsEngine Play, Peacock, and the NBC family,' said Matt Reynolds, President of NXTPRO. 'This opportunity gives our athletes the chance to be on a grand stage.' As part of SportsEngine's leading youth sports technology brands, SportsEngine Play launched in October 2023 as the first-of-its-kind subscription streaming service for amateur sports, connecting millions of families and fans with events, games and tournaments featuring young athletes. The platform serves a constantly growing list of more than 10,000 facilities, including preeminent competition venues like LakePoint Sports, Arizona Athletic Grounds, Homefield, and Emerald Acres Sports Connection. Also serving sports organizations, tournaments and teams, the platform gives these organizations and individuals, including sports families, the ability to capture and stream video of sports events on just about any device – from sophisticated AI cameras mounted at sporting venues to personal smartphones, and features editing tools for reel and highlight creation. SportsEngine Play also is constantly adding new competitive content through the acquisition of streaming rights to elite amateur sports that will entertain and inspire. In addition to live and on-demand event streaming, SportsEngine Play's All Access subscription tier offers a growing library of video that provides a comprehensive look at individual sports, from rules and equipment to training and skills to mental health, fitness and more. The plan features exclusive instructional videos from world-class athletes like Michael Phelps, Larry Fitzgerald, Shaun White, Kerri Walsh Jennings, and others, who offer video collections featuring tips and techniques highlighting their training regimens, as well insight on leadership and mental health. SportsEngine technology serves more than 27,000 small and medium-sized youth sports organizations, tournaments, the Governing Body community, professional sports leagues, and over 1,000 municipalities with its cutting-edge suite of technology solutions to dramatically reduce the time they spend on administration and communication, allowing them to focus more time on developing their athletes. About SportsEngine SportsEngine creates powerful technology and services to simplify and grow youth sports, making it easier for organizations to connect with coaches, families, athletes and fans. SportsEngine technology serves more than 45,000 youth sports organizations, clubs, studios, franchises, tournaments, teams, National Governing Bodies, professional sports leagues and thousands of municipalities; and equips more than 30 million coaches, families, athletes and fans with technology products that help simplify their sporting lives. The SportsEngine family of brands includes SportsEngine HQ , an industry leader in youth sports club, league and team management technology; SportsEngine Play , a first-of-its-kind subscription streaming service for capturing and viewing live and on-demand video of youth and amateur sporting events, and offering the industry's most comprehensive collection of player development and training content; SportsEngine Motion , an all-inclusive management software specifically developed for studio and class-based sports, as well as sports that conduct camps and clinics; SportsEngine Tourney , a youth sports tournament management software; SportsEngine AES , a competition management software designed specifically for volleyball. Many of these offerings also provide technical integrations, making the youth sports experience more connected and simpler than ever before. SportsEngine also owns and operates the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) , which provides youth sports background screenings to nearly 1 million coaches and volunteers to help keep youth sports experiences for young athletes safe and positive. -SportsEngine-
