Georgia forward Asa Newell, aiming for an early selection in the 2025 NBA draft, revealed his admiration for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James in a recent interview. The 6-foot-11 standout spoke with SLAM Magazine on Tuesday, sharing insights into his favorite athletes, teams, and basketball influences.
In a video posted on Instagram, Newell named James as his favorite NBA player and New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu as his top WNBA athlete. He also pointed to the Rucker Park in New York City as the best basketball court, highlighting the significance of the city’s basketball culture to him.
Newell’s Basketball Inspirations and Preferences
Asa Newell expressed strong ties to his past experiences and basketball heroes. He praised his former team, the 2024 Montverde Academy, calling it the best basketball program he has been part of. High school coach Kevin Boyle received accolades as Newell’s favorite coach. When it came to defensive players, Newell picked NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton as the best defender.
Newell showed his appreciation for basketball culture by selecting Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 4 as the best sneaker of all time. His favorite pregame song is “Greece or Sweden” by NoCap, while “Space Jam” stands as his favorite movie. Newell predicted the Oklahoma City Thunder would win the 2026 NBA championship and selected the Las Vegas Aces as the 2024 WNBA champions.
Regarding basketball style and media, Newell identified Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero for having the best SLAM magazine cover and named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder as the NBA’s most stylish player.
Expectations Surrounding Newell’s Draft Selection and Impact on Georgia Basketball
Asa Newell is poised to become the first University of Georgia player drafted since Anthony Edwards, who was the first overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020. Newell’s rise puts him as Georgia’s highest-rated prospect since Edwards, with an expected selection in the early to mid-first round of the NBA draft.
During his only season with the Bulldogs, Newell averaged 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, guiding Georgia to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2015, and earning SEC All-Freshman distinction. Despite his strong profile, projections on his draft position vary: Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman predicts he will be selected 12th overall by the Chicago Bulls, while ESPN analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo project Newell at 18th to be picked by the Washington Wizards.
Newell will join an elite group by becoming only the third Georgia player drafted in the first round over the last two decades, alongside Anthony Edwards and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the latter chosen eighth overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2013.
Newell’s Rising Profile Marks a Bright Future
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Asa Newell’s clear admiration for LeBron James underscores his passion and high expectations for a professional career. His accomplishments at Georgia and recognition among draft experts signal a promising transition to the NBA. His forthcoming selection may also elevate Georgia’s basketball program by continuing the legacy of producing top-tier NBA talent.