5-star recruit Asa Newell elicited celebrations from Georgia basketball fans last October when he announced his commitment to play for the Bulldogs. Not only did the 6-foot-9 forward share his excitement to play for head coach Mike White, but he also said that his brother, Jaden Newell, spoke highly of the program.
“My brother is on the team and has been very positive about how the program is daily,” Asa Newell said. “I have seen how his body and game have changed.”
Jaden Newell’s hard-work was recognized earlier this week, as Georgia put the former walk-on and redshirt sophomore on scholarship.
“Today we’re going to talk about loyalty,” White said in a video released by the team on social media. “Commitment to others is how we define it in our program. And [Jaden] exemplifies a lot of stuff that is important to us in building the culture here that we want to build, especially the loyalty piece.”
White then delivered the sentence that sent the Bulldogs swarming Jaden Newell.
“Loyalty is a two way street,” White said to Newell. “And that’s why you’ve earned yourself a scholarship.”
Jaden Newell redshirted his first year in Athens. While playing on Georgia’s scout team, he improved his confidence and knowledge of the game. Newell said that going against players such as 7-foot, 275-pounder Russel Tchewa helped make him stronger.
“I think of JNew [Jaden] the past two years,” assistant coach Erik Pastrana said in the video. “Redshirting, scout team, working…and you’re still representing us because you want to see this program get to where it’s supposed to be. That’s loyalty to me.”
Last season, Jaden Newell saw his first game action for the Bulldogs. After averaging 15 minutes in two of Georgia’s exhibition games in Italy, Newell notched his first career-points against Alabama A&M in December.
Now, Georgia’s newest scholarship-athlete is excited to build upon his performance with his younger brother by his side.
“There are always epic one-on-one battles,” Jaden Newell said in December of battles with his brother. “Not just basketball. Every aspect of any competitive thing, we went really hard against each other. Whether it’s Fortnite or basketball or even throwing the baseball around, we get really competitive.”
After Jaden Newell’s new status, the Bulldogs have one scholarship left for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.