University of Georgia Athletics
Quick Chat: Jaden Newell
November 27, 2024 | Men's Basketball, The Frierson Files
By John Frierson
Staff Writer
Jaden Newell is in his third year on the Georgia men's basketball team, but this one is far different from the first two. One reason for that is because his younger brother, Asa, a 6-foot-11 five-star recruit, is a Bulldog freshman (and the team's leading scorer at 15.9 points per game). And another is that after two years as a walk-on, Newell has earned a scholarship.
In announcing in June via a social media post that Newell had received a scholarship, Georgia coach Mike White said that Newell "exemplifies a lot of stuff that is important to us in building the culture" that White and his staff are trying to establish. In particular, White said, was loyalty.
Newell, a 6-8 forward, redshirted as a true freshman and played in three games last season. He's worked hard on developing his game while also remaining focused on being the best teammate, and big brother, he can be.
During a recent Quick Chat, Newell talked about having his brother on the team, where he's improved the most, his favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal, and more. Here's some of what he had to say:
Frierson: What does it feel like going into this season? Does this one feel a little different because your brother is on the team?
Newell: Most definitely. Having my brother here is really exciting, especially for the program. I get to play with my brother every single day.
Frierson: What were those early one-on-one battles like between you two?
Newell: Those driveway one-on-ones definitely got heated, but I feel like that made us both into the players that we are. Now, when we 1-v-1, I feel like we're more mature in that area and keep it on the court.
Frierson: Is there one epic or contentious battle that stands out in your mind?
Newell: There were a few times that things got so heated that we didn't even finish the game.
Frierson: How are you a better player now than you were at this point a year ago?
Newell: I feel like I've definitely learned a lot, especially from the coaching staff. Through the three years that I've been here, we've had a lot of different defenses and offenses, so I feel like I'm well-rounded in that area. Also, my motor, just being able to go after the ball and seizing opportunities when it comes off the rim.
Frierson: What did it mean to you to earn your scholarship?
Newell: It meant a lot, but it didn't change the player that I am. I come in every single day and workout and do my best.
Frierson: We just had Halloween as we're doing this interview, so what is your favorite Halloween candy?
Newell: I go for the Twix every single time, or Hershey's Cookies 'N' Creme. Those are fire.
Frierson: Is there a Newell Thanksgiving tradition that you like and look forward to each year?
Newell: I always look forward to the stuffing and the mac and cheese. And sometimes we'll have key lime pie for dessert. Those are the best.
Frierson: Who is the funniest guy on this year's team?
Newell: That's hard. I feel like Dylan (James) always makes me laugh. Among the new guys, RJ (Godfrey) is pretty funny — he's a funny guy.
Frierson: What are you doing away from basketball and school to relax and take it easy?
Newell: I like watching movies and TV shows and games. I've really enjoyed watching "Dexter." I started watching that this year; it's very interesting.
Frierson: If you could be great at anything for a day, what would it be?
Newell: It's an interesting question. If I could be the greatest at anything for one day, I would want to be great at investing. I feel like if I had unlimited knowledge of the stock market, per se, I'd just put all of my money in it for that day and whatever comes out, I'm all set.
(This Q&A was lightly edited for length and clarity.)
Staff Writer
Jaden Newell is in his third year on the Georgia men's basketball team, but this one is far different from the first two. One reason for that is because his younger brother, Asa, a 6-foot-11 five-star recruit, is a Bulldog freshman (and the team's leading scorer at 15.9 points per game). And another is that after two years as a walk-on, Newell has earned a scholarship.
In announcing in June via a social media post that Newell had received a scholarship, Georgia coach Mike White said that Newell "exemplifies a lot of stuff that is important to us in building the culture" that White and his staff are trying to establish. In particular, White said, was loyalty.
Newell, a 6-8 forward, redshirted as a true freshman and played in three games last season. He's worked hard on developing his game while also remaining focused on being the best teammate, and big brother, he can be.
During a recent Quick Chat, Newell talked about having his brother on the team, where he's improved the most, his favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal, and more. Here's some of what he had to say:
Frierson: What does it feel like going into this season? Does this one feel a little different because your brother is on the team?
Newell: Most definitely. Having my brother here is really exciting, especially for the program. I get to play with my brother every single day.
Frierson: What were those early one-on-one battles like between you two?
Newell: Those driveway one-on-ones definitely got heated, but I feel like that made us both into the players that we are. Now, when we 1-v-1, I feel like we're more mature in that area and keep it on the court.
Frierson: Is there one epic or contentious battle that stands out in your mind?
Newell: There were a few times that things got so heated that we didn't even finish the game.
Frierson: How are you a better player now than you were at this point a year ago?
Newell: I feel like I've definitely learned a lot, especially from the coaching staff. Through the three years that I've been here, we've had a lot of different defenses and offenses, so I feel like I'm well-rounded in that area. Also, my motor, just being able to go after the ball and seizing opportunities when it comes off the rim.
Frierson: What did it mean to you to earn your scholarship?
Newell: It meant a lot, but it didn't change the player that I am. I come in every single day and workout and do my best.
Frierson: We just had Halloween as we're doing this interview, so what is your favorite Halloween candy?
Newell: I go for the Twix every single time, or Hershey's Cookies 'N' Creme. Those are fire.
Frierson: Is there a Newell Thanksgiving tradition that you like and look forward to each year?
Newell: I always look forward to the stuffing and the mac and cheese. And sometimes we'll have key lime pie for dessert. Those are the best.
Frierson: Who is the funniest guy on this year's team?
Newell: That's hard. I feel like Dylan (James) always makes me laugh. Among the new guys, RJ (Godfrey) is pretty funny — he's a funny guy.
Frierson: What are you doing away from basketball and school to relax and take it easy?
Newell: I like watching movies and TV shows and games. I've really enjoyed watching "Dexter." I started watching that this year; it's very interesting.
Frierson: If you could be great at anything for a day, what would it be?
Newell: It's an interesting question. If I could be the greatest at anything for one day, I would want to be great at investing. I feel like if I had unlimited knowledge of the stock market, per se, I'd just put all of my money in it for that day and whatever comes out, I'm all set.
(This Q&A was lightly edited for length and clarity.)
Assistant Sports Communications Director John Frierson is the staff writer for the UGA Athletic Association and curator of the ITA Men's Tennis Hall of Fame. You can find his work at: Frierson Files. He's also on Twitter: @FriersonFiles and @ITAHallofFame.
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