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The 2024 NBA draft is roughly one month away and here at College Sports Wire we are evaluating the college basketball stars who are hoping to hear their name called in June.
Today we discuss UConn Huskies back-to-back national champion Tristen Newton. Newton spent three seasons at East Carolina in the American Athletic Conference, averaging 17.7 points, 5.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals as a junior before hitting the transfer portal and joining UConn ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Newton took on a complimentary role his first year in Storrs, averaging 10.1 points and 4.7 assists while shooting a career high 36.6% from the three point line. He took over in the national championship game against San Diego State, dropping 19 with 10 rebounds and four assists to lead the Huskies to the title. Newton returned for his fifth year and was among the best point guards in the entire country, averaging 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while shooting 50.9% on twos and 32.1% from three.
The 6’5 guard then earned NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player after leading the Huskies to another national title – becoming the first team since Florida in 2007 and 2008 to accomplish said feat.
Newton’s advanced age and inconsistent three point shooting have dampened his draft stock, but there are few guards as versatile and experienced as Newton in this draft, and he has proven he can impact winning basketball.
Below is a look at Newton’s draft profile, including his measurements at the combine, strengths and weaknesses as a player, and current projected draft range and team fits in the NBA:
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
From: El Paso, TX
Played: East Carolina (2019-2022) and UConn (2022-2024)
2023-24 stats: 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 50.9% on twos, 32.1% on threes
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Height: 6’3.25
Weight: 191.8 pounds
Wingspan: 6’6.75
Standing Reach: 8’4
Max Vertical Leap: 32.5 inches
Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
- Consistently posted high assist and rebounding numbers in college, has shown he can stuff a stat sheet
- Has requisite size (6’5) to be a lead guard, and has shown crafty ball handling skills and clutch shot making ability
- Adept at drawing contact and getting to the free throw line, where he’s a career 83.1% shooter
- Also familiar with taking a more complimentary or supportive role, and that versatility will be valued at the NBA level
- Long wingspan should allow him to impact the game on the defensive side as well
Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
- Advanced age will be viewed as a knock by teams, especially teams who are rebuilding
- Inconsistent as an outside shooter throughout his career, will need to prove that can become more consistent or he becomes tougher to play
- Doesn’t overwhelm athletically
- Defense will likely be average at best in the NBA
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Draft Range: 45-undrafted
CSW Mock: Undrafted
Team Fits: Teams in need of guard depth – Spurs, Nets, Grizzlies, Knicks, Warriors, Timberwolves
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nba-draft-profile-uconn-huskies-tristen-newton/