UConn’s Liam McNeeley Praises Former Five-Star Asa Newell After NBA Draft Announcement
As the NBA postseason heats up with teams vying for a championship, the focus in the college basketball world is gradually shifting toward the next big milestone: the NBA Draft. With the NCAA season having concluded, several high-profile college players—many of them former five-star recruits—are now declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, looking to turn their collegiate success into professional careers.
One of the most recent players to make that jump is Asa Newell, a standout freshman who spent the 2024–2025 season with the Georgia Bulldogs. A highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, Newell entered college ranked as the No. 4 power forward and No. 16 overall player in the nation, according to 247Sports. His potential was clear before he ever stepped foot on a college court, and he lived up to much of the hype during his debut season in Athens.
This week, Newell officially declared for the NBA Draft and shared his decision on social media. Along with his announcement, he released a highlight reel filled with his best moments at Georgia—powerful dunks, impressive rebounds, and commanding defensive plays. Accompanying the video, Newell kept his caption simple and heartfelt: “Thank you Georgia… #GoodMoney.”
His decision was met with supportive responses from fans, teammates, and fellow players, including a notable comment from another former five-star recruit and current NBA hopeful: Liam McNeeley of the UConn Huskies. McNeeley responded to Newell’s post with the words, “Fantastic Money,” playing off Newell’s hashtag while offering a public show of admiration and support.
The interaction between McNeeley and Newell caught the attention of fans and media alike. It underscored the strong relationships and mutual respect that often develop among top-tier recruits—many of whom know each other from years of playing in elite circuits like AAU, high school showcases, and USA Basketball camps.
Asa Newell had an impressive freshman campaign at Georgia, where he emerged as a key contributor from the very beginning. Over the course of the season, he averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game, showcasing not just his scoring ability but also his presence on the boards and in the paint on defense. His performances consistently demonstrated why he was so highly ranked coming into college and solidified his status as an NBA prospect.
Meanwhile, Liam McNeeley also had a noteworthy freshman year with the UConn Huskies. Coming out of high school ranked as the No. 5 small forward and the No. 18 overall player in the nation by 247Sports, McNeeley committed to head coach Dan Hurley and quickly became an integral part of the Huskies’ rotation. His contributions helped the team earn a No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and while UConn’s run in March Madness didn’t go as deep as some had hoped, McNeeley proved his value on both ends of the floor.
During his freshman year, McNeeley posted averages of 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. His well-rounded game and basketball IQ stood out, making him one of the more complete players in the 2025 draft class. Much like Newell, McNeeley also announced his entry into the NBA Draft recently, adding another talented name to what’s shaping up to be a competitive class.
Both players came into college with high expectations and delivered on them in significant ways. Newell brought power and athleticism to Georgia’s frontcourt, while McNeeley offered UConn versatility, sharp shooting, and the ability to defend multiple positions. Their freshman seasons were different in terms of team success and style of play, but both made strong cases for themselves as future NBA contributors.
What’s especially interesting about the connection between Newell and McNeeley is that it highlights the tight-knit nature of modern college basketball’s elite players. These athletes often know each other long before college begins. They compete together and against each other at national camps, showcases, and events, building camaraderie along the way. When one of them makes a big announcement—like entering the draft—it’s common for others in that circle to show support, as McNeeley did with his comment on Newell’s post.
The NBA Draft process will now take center stage for both players. They’ll go through evaluations, workouts, and interviews, hoping to impress scouts and executives. Each will receive feedback that could influence whether they remain in the draft or decide to return to school, although given their strong freshman years and pro-ready tools, both seem likely to stay in.
Georgia and UConn, meanwhile, will be watching closely. The loss of players like Newell and McNeeley would leave noticeable gaps on their respective rosters. However, their decisions to declare also serve as a point of pride for each program—a sign that they are continuing to develop talent ready for the next level. Coaches, fans, and future recruits all take note when a school sends players to the NBA, especially when those players leave after just one season.
As the draft nears, both Newell and McNeeley will continue preparing for the next step. Whether it’s showing off their skills at the NBA Combine, working out with teams individually, or simply refining their games, the coming weeks will be critical. But regardless of where they’re ultimately selected, the mutual respect and encouragement between players like these is a reminder of the shared journey many elite athletes take—one filled with competition, connection, and the dream of reaching the highest level of the sport.
