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Feb 5, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell (14) controls the ball against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
While Newell has a slight frame at 6’11” and only 220-pounds, he’s been the anchor of the Bulldogs’ defense since the season began, recording 10 blocks in the first three games of the season. He’s also adept at using his length and getting in the passing lanes with an average of 1.1 steals per game. With only two fouls per game, Newell’s maturity is on display on that end of the court as well.
But he’s not just a defensive player. Newell is a fantastic finisher around the basket, elevating in ways other big men simply can’t. He scores well rolling out of pick-and-rolls and carving out space in post-ups before elevating and converting with his left hand. A developing shooter, Newell’s shown potential from behind the arc with a beautiful lefty stroke.
His scoring isn’t just hit-or-miss either — he’s scored in double-figures in all but one game this season. The excellent play of Newell has helped lead Georgia to their best start since the 2001-02 season.
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Feb 16, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) takes a shot over Iowa Hawkeyes guard Brock Harding (2) during the second half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
The Terrapins freshman center had a dominant debut: 22 points and 20 rebounds. He’s only gotten better from there, having his best performances come against some of the best teams: he scored 26-points and 12-rebounds against the #8 Purdue Boilermakers, 24-points and seven-rebounds against #15 Marquette Golden Eagles, and 22-points, 11-rebounds, and five-assists against the Villanova Wildcats.
He’s physicality imposing at 6’10” and 245-pounds with evident strength that allows him to finish through contact around the rim. He’s athletic as well, comfortable around the arc and putting the ball on the floor with multiple poster-dunks while driving downhill.
He’s a factor defensively as well, protecting the rim while averaging a block a game. At first glance, Queen isn’t a bulky big-man, but he makes up for it with his sneaky strength and athletic ability, rising up above the rim and finishing with sheer power — not something you see everyday in a 20-year-old.
Feb 15, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Tre Johnson (20) reacts after a win over the Kentucky Wildcats at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
The first thing that jumps out about Johnson is his scoring talent. He moves like a veteran scorer putting in nearly 19 points a game. The 6’6″ freshman gets to his spots and is able to rise up, negating any contest.
Aside from his mid-range game, Johnson is a true three-level scorer for the Longhorns. He’s proven to be an excellent shooter, pouring in 10 threes in the first two games of the year and averaging 2.6 three-pointers a game on 41.1% on the season. The depth of the shot is not an issue — he’ll even launch from multiple feet behind the arc. Johnson’s also a crafty finisher around the basket, contorting his body and using his length to finish over and around bigger defenders.
Johnson has exceeded the high expectations expected from him this season, leading a potential NCAA Tournament team in scoring by nearly four points.
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