Georgia freshman projected as first-round 2025 NBA draft pick

Georgia Bulldogs basketball freshman Asa Newell has been projected to be selected in the first-round of the 2025 NBA draft. Newell, a former five-star recruit, is already having a huge impact for this Georgia team.

The 6-foot-11, 220-pound freshman is a big reason why Georgia basketball is 2-0. Newell is averaging 20 points, 3.5 blocks and 7.5 rebounds per game to begin the 2024-2025 college basketball season.

Tankathon projects that Newell will be a late lottery pick in the 2025 draft. In fact, Tankathon has Newell landing with the Atlanta Hawks at pick No. 14 in their latest mock draft. Yes, it is very early in the process, but so far, so good for Newell.

Additionally, ESPN has Newell going a little bit later in the 2025 draft. ESPN projects (subscription required) that Newell will go No. 20 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which would be an excellent fit for the Georgia forward.

“His mobility, fluidity, explosiveness, body control and touch around the rim allowed him to dominate the interior while also making quite a few plays defensively,” said Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

“Newell also has the green light to shoot 3-pointers, which is very interesting at 6-foot-11,” continued Givony. NBA teams are always looking for shooting.

Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell had an impressive performance against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Georgia basketball fans can watch the Bulldogs on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ as Georgia takes on 3-0 North Florida.