The 2025 NBA Draft brought a mix of surprises, excitement, and emotional moments, but few storylines were as compelling as Asa Newell’s. The Georgia Bulldogs forward, long considered one of college basketball’s most tantalizing prospects, was selected 23rd overall by the New Orleans Pelicans—a pick that keeps him in the southern region he’s called home for the past few years. While many expected Newell to be selected slightly earlier, the Pelicans’ strategic patience and vision paid off as they landed a high-upside athlete with star potential. The selection not only gives Newell a soft landing spot but also adds a dynamic new piece to a New Orleans squad that continues to retool and reimagine its path toward long-term success in the Western Conference.

Asa Newell’s basketball journey has been marked by a steady ascent. A former five-star recruit, Newell arrived at the University of Georgia with immense hype and expectations. Standing 6-foot-10 with a wingspan and agility that makes scouts salivate, Newell quickly proved his worth as a freshman. Despite Georgia’s mixed performance in the SEC, Newell’s development never stalled. He finished the season averaging 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 50% from the field. What separated Newell from many other forwards in this class wasn’t just his raw athleticism—it was his ability to read the floor, his defensive instincts, and his evolving jump shot that turned heads among NBA scouts and front offices.

Newell’s presence at Georgia also helped elevate the program’s profile nationally. Under head coach Mike White, Newell was often the engine behind Georgia’s best performances. In games against top-tier SEC opponents like Kentucky and Alabama, Newell shined brightest, often rising to the moment with clutch blocks, game-changing dunks, and an interior presence that disrupted opposing offenses. His leadership, poise under pressure, and willingness to embrace responsibility endeared him to his teammates and coaches. As a result, Newell’s stock remained stable through most of the pre-draft process, with many believing he would be selected in the mid-to-late first round.

For the New Orleans Pelicans, Newell’s selection represents a commitment to length, versatility, and defensive potential. In recent years, the Pelicans have assembled a young core featuring Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones. With CJ McCollum offering veteran leadership and floor spacing, Newell steps into a roster that doesn’t demand immediate offensive dominance from him but allows him to grow at his own pace. His fit in New Orleans is ideal—he can learn under the guidance of players who’ve found ways to thrive in a complex system and carve out a role where his strengths are maximized.

Defensively, Newell adds a crucial layer of rim protection and switchability. His timing as a shot-blocker and willingness to rotate make him a perfect complement to the Pelicans’ frontcourt. Offensively, while he’s still developing his perimeter shot, his athleticism makes him a constant lob threat in transition and a reliable finisher in pick-and-roll sets. Newell also possesses the court awareness and high basketball IQ needed to contribute as a cutter, screener, and off-ball mover. What makes this pick even more intriguing is Newell’s ability to operate as a modern forward capable of playing both the four and the five in small-ball lineups—a trait that head coach Willie Green can exploit in various matchups.

Newell’s emotional reaction on draft night was a testament to the journey he’s undertaken. Surrounded by family, former teammates, and Georgia coaching staff, he fought back tears as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called his name. For Newell, the draft was not just the culmination of a dream but also a launchpad into the next chapter of his life. Speaking with reporters, he emphasized his gratitude for his time in Athens and the impact the Georgia program had on his growth as a player and person. He noted that staying in the South felt “like home” and expressed excitement about joining an organization that values development and believes in his potential.

New Orleans General Manager Trajan Langdon explained the team’s thinking behind the pick, highlighting Newell’s upside, character, and fit with the Pelicans’ culture. Langdon emphasized that Newell’s defensive tools and willingness to do the little things on the court were key factors in the decision. According to Langdon, Newell was high on their board and represented the kind of player who could help shape the Pelicans’ identity moving forward. With Ingram’s contract situation still unresolved and Zion’s durability concerns lingering, the front office is clearly preparing for all scenarios. Asa Newell provides a fresh option with the talent to grow into a foundational piece over time.

Newell’s draft night was made even more special by the presence of his Georgia teammates, many of whom made the trip to support him. The sight of Bulldogs hats and red-and-black gear in the Barclays Center crowd served as a reminder of the tight-knit bond Newell shared with the program. Several of his teammates took to social media to congratulate him, with messages that spoke to his character, humility, and work ethic. Former Georgia standout Anthony Edwards also sent a shout-out, praising Newell’s game and welcoming him to the NBA ranks.

Now that the draft is behind him, Newell will shift his focus to Summer League, where he’ll get his first taste of NBA action. The Pelicans are expected to give him significant minutes in Las Vegas, allowing him to test his game against top-tier competition. While expectations will be tempered early, Newell’s performance will be closely monitored. The Pelicans coaching staff has already discussed areas of emphasis, including strength development, shooting mechanics, and learning the team’s defensive schemes. If he can adjust quickly, Newell could find himself in the regular rotation before season’s end.

For Georgia basketball, Newell’s selection is another milestone in a program looking to establish itself as a breeding ground for NBA talent. While the school has sent notable players to the league in the past, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Anthony Edwards, consistent success at the collegiate and professional pipeline level has been elusive. Newell’s rise and the national attention surrounding his draft selection signal a potential shift in how Georgia is viewed by high-level recruits and NBA scouts alike. Coach Mike White has already begun using Newell’s story as a recruiting pitch, and the Bulldogs’ future now looks significantly brighter with this added credibility.

Newell’s impact, however, extends beyond basketball. Known for his community work in Athens and participation in youth mentorship programs, he’s quickly earned a reputation as a grounded and socially aware individual. During his time at Georgia, he regularly volunteered at local schools and shelters, earning multiple community service awards. In New Orleans, a city rich in culture but marked by social challenges, Newell’s off-court contributions could prove just as meaningful as his basketball performance. He’s already expressed interest in launching outreach programs aimed at youth empowerment and education.

There’s no question Asa Newell enters the NBA with significant expectations, but he also carries a unique blend of humility and confidence that bodes well for his transition. The Pelicans are gaining more than a rim-runner or stretch big—they’re gaining a future leader, a culture builder, and a potential cornerstone. Newell’s presence gives New Orleans flexibility, depth, and renewed hope as they chase playoff aspirations in a crowded Western Conference. The road won’t be easy, but the destination now seems a bit clearer with Asa Newell in the fold.

Ultimately, Newell’s journey from Athens to New Orleans serves as a testament to what can happen when talent meets work ethic, character, and opportunity. For Bulldogs fans, the sight of one of their own walking across that stage on draft night marked a moment of pride and celebration. For Pelicans fans, it may very well mark the beginning of a new era—one defined by youth, promise, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Asa Newell isn’t just staying in the South. He’s stepping into the spotlight, ready to make his mark on the game he loves—and the region that has embraced him as its own.