Former University of Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell took questions from the media following his introductory press conference on Friday, June 27, 2025. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

The Atlanta Hawks’ first-round selection, Asa Newell, was introduced to the press on Friday morning. The introductory press conference occurred at the Hawks’ practice facility at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex in Brookhaven.

Moments before Newell took his place next to Atlanta Hawks General Manager, Onsi Saleh, and the team’s longtime television voice Bob Rathbun on stage, Hawks all-star guard Trae Young took his seat in the front row. The two would exchange a greeting moments later, following the completion of the press conference.

“I feel like I’m in a Disney movie,” Newell said while on stage, describing what it felt like to be drafted by his hometown team. Newell said he was thankful and ready to work.

Newell, a 6-11 forward, started all 33 games for the Bulldogs last season. The metro Atlanta native and Montverde Academy alum averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and a block per game during his only college basketball season. He signed with Georgia to be able to come back home and today he was definitely back home as his parents and siblings looked on.

“He brings everything that we’re looking for,” Saleh said of Newell. Saleh also called the addition of Newell a “culture add” to the franchise.

Asked who his player comparisons are, Newell said, “A lot of people tell me I play like Chris Bosh.”

Newell listed Memphis Grizzlies all-star Jaren Jackson, Jr., and Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon as players he believes his game most resembles. Gordon was a linchpin in the Nuggets’ 2022-23 NBA championship run. Jackson averaged 22 points, nearly six rebounds, and over one block per game. Not bad comparisons.

The never-ending Georgia Bulldosg/Atlanta Hawks stories have already begun, But when asked what he knows about Atlanta Hawks legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, Newell, 19, said he had his jersey at home.

Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Hawks

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