Observing Asa Newell, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Dakota Leffew

February 20th, 2025

This time around, I decided to watch Asa Newell and Georgia take on Collin Murray-Boyles and South Carolina in a SEC basketball game that took place on January 28th, as I was able to see this with thanks to YouTube via JW. Newell and Murray-Boyles are two talented prospects that could end up being selected in the first round of the 2025 draft, and this game was an opportunity to see them play in a head-to-head matchup. Georgia was able to win by double-digits, and both Newell and Murray-Boyles played very well in this game. Here are my thoughts on how both of the prospects fared, as well as where they may currently stack up as prospects for the NBA.

Asa Newell scored 17 points, had 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, 1 steals, and made a three-pointer in his team’s 71-60 win over South Carolina on January 28th. (Photo: Dale Zanine/Imagn Images, via On3.com)

Georgia’s 6-11 freshman center, Asa Newell had a strong showing to lead his team to a double-digit win over South Carolina. He is an athletic, energetic big man that showed off versatile scoring skills, and he turned in a very good all-around performance to help get his team the victory.

Newell did a very good job of shooting and scoring the basketball. He is a strong, physical player that has a good scoring touch, and he was able to make shots in a variety of ways. He showed a solid ability to score in the post. He would tend to score on jump hooks, and he also was able to throw down a very powerful dunk after catching a high pass down low. Plus, he also excelled at scoring on the move, as he scored on a roll to the rim in traffic, and he also threw down a rim-rocking jam after slipping past the defense another time. He also showed off a promising outside shot, as Newell also was able to make an open corner three off the catch. He mostly shot the ball well, although there was one left-handed drive where he missed awkwardly off the glass.

Also, Newell showcased fairly solid playmaking skills. He would throw timely passes as he showed that he can find the open man and teammates on the move to set up scoring chances for them. He also would set plenty of solid screens to help his teammates get open jump shots and driving lanes on offense. Newell is a terrific screen setter that would set hard, firm picks to consistently get his teammates open, which greatly helped his team in this game. He did commit one turnover, though. After catching the ball in the post amidst a crowd, he had a ball poked away immediately afterwards that led to a turnover.

Plus, he did a great job of rebounding the basketball. Newell was everywhere on the glass, and there was one spectacular board where he flew in and leapt up very high to get a defensive rebound. Also, he played satisfactory defense in this game. Newell did a tremendous job of blocking shots to help his team protect the paint due to possessing solid length, timing, and athleticism. He was able to make an impressive two-handed block when defending in the post early on, and that set the momentum for Georgia to turn in a strong defensive performance to help lead their team to get the win. Newell also was able to get his hands on a pass to get a steal. He also would contest shots both out on the perimeter and in the paint to force misses. Plus, he would use his size, length, and activity by jumping up and down when defending against inbounders to make it difficult for passes to get through in order to force passing turnovers. Sometimes though, he would get beat off the dribble when defending drives or in the post, which would lead him to commit fouls and allow scores. Other times, he and his team would struggle to defend in screen situations, and they wouldn’t always make timely rotations to be in position to contest the shots.

In general, Asa Newell played very well, as he excelled at making plays on both ends of the floor, made some impressively athletic plays on both ends of the floor, and he also made a corner three to showcase his promising jump shot for a player his size. Newell is a very talented prospect that may have a great amount of upside. He’ll need to continue to improve his outside shot, but his solid all-around skills could enable him to go in the late lottery to the mid first round range of the 2025 draft, as he has what it takes to be a solid starter in the NBA.

South Carolina’s 6-7 sophomore forward, Collin Murray-Boyles scored 18 points, and had 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in his team’s 71-60 loss to Georgia on January 28th. (Photo: Stephen Lew/Imagn Images, via Sports Illustrated)

Collin Murray-Boyles also had a very solid showing in his team’s loss to Georgia. He is a strong, very athletic combo forward that is considered to be one of the best defensive players that may be available in the 2025 draft, and he was very productive on both ends of the floor in this game.

Murray-Boyles excelled at scoring on post-up plays, as well as on rolls to the rim. He can easily score over shorter players when getting the ball in the post, and he also was able to score on a contested turnaround jumper off the glass when matched up against a taller defender. Plus, he also was able to get the ball in the mid-post to score on a thunderous dunk. Murray-Boyles is very athletic, and he can consistently score in traffic, as well as dribble in after getting the ball on short rolls to finish plays around the basket.

Plus, he also can draw fouls on aggressive drives to the hoop to get to the free throw line, even though it seemed that he was given some generous calls by the officials. On the downside, he didn’t show much of an outside shot, and he missed both of his three-point shots despite being open off the catch. He also struggled to make his free throws, so Murray-Boyles will need to work on finding a consistent stroke to be able to add more range to his shot in the future.

Also, Murray-Bowles showcased good playmaking skills in this game. He is an unselfish player that showed a knack for throwing accurate interior passes as well as making passes off the dribble to rack up assists. He can find teammates on the move, and he also was able to set a solid on-ball screen to help create an open driving lane for a teammate. On the downside, there were a couple of plays where he threw hard, inaccurate passes that went astray that led to turnovers. Although he didn’t get as many boards as Newell, Murray-Boyles was able to get rebounds on both ends of the floor to chip in on the glass.

Also, Murray-Boyles played satisfactory defense in this game. He was able to rotate to block shots hard off of drives due to possessing good athleticism, timing, and instincts. He also was able to jump a pass to get a steal, and he also would jump on loose balls to help his team get others. He also poked a ball away and dove quickly on the ground to get a steal, as he is a high-motor player that consistently gives very good effort, and he also would poke balls away to get deflections. Plus, he also would stay with his man to cut off penetration and contest shots, especially from the mid-range and in to force plenty of misses. Sometimes though, he would give up too much space and not actively contest shots, which would allow opponents to score on jumpers. Other times, he would get beat off the dribble by opponents who shouldn’t get past him, and occasionally, he would take a bad gamble that would end up costing his team defensively.

Overall, Collin-Murray Boyles is a very athletic, physical combo forward that played well on both ends of the floor in his team’s loss to Georgia. He showed off better passing skills than advertised, but he’ll need to show more of a jump shot and face-up game on offense to be able to transition better to the next level. Still, his athleticism, motor, defensive prowess, and ability to make hustle plays could enable him to be an intriguing option for NBA teams to consider in the mid first round range of the 2025 draft, as he could end up being a solid role player in the NBA.

Georgia’s 6-5 senior guard, Dakota Leffew turned in a very good performance to help lead his team to a win over South Carolina. He is a crafty playmaker that played well on both ends of the floor, and he also showcased both a solid outside shot as well as the playmaking skills to be able to run the point when necessary.

Leffew shot the ball well, especially from downtown. He showed a knack for making smooth, pull-up threes off the dribble. Plus, he excelled at scoring on hustle plays. He was able to score on a quick cut. He also ran the floor to score another time. However, he struggled to score consistently off the dribble. He was able to score on a floater once, but he would sometimes take tough, contested shots from the mid-range that would lead to misses.

He also showed off good playmaking skills in this game. Leffew is an unselfish player that has strong court vision, as he would consistently find teammates on the move to rack up assists. His best pass came when he was doubled and trapped in the corner, and Leffew promptly threw a nifty, behind-the-back bounce pass to find the open man at the rim to notch an assist. There was one play though where he threw a hasty pass that got intercepted, and another time, he took too long to inbound the ball that led to a five-second violation, but generally, Leffew thrived as the facilitator for his team.

Though he didn’t get many rebounds, he was able to get a defensive board in this game. He also played adequate defense. Leffew was able to run in to intercept a pass to get a steal, and he also poked a ball away to help his team get another. Plus, he also was able to jump on a loose ball, and he would contest shots to force some misses. On the downside, sometimes he would play too aggressively, which would lead him to be out of position, and it led him to foul a three-point shooter once.

Overall, Leffew played very well, and he is a smart, skilled guard that especially played well on offense and can play either backcourt position. While he may not have gaudy stats this season, his ability to shoot and pass the basketball combined with having the size to play either guard spot could enable him to make it to the NBA someday.

Georgia’s 6-5 sophomore guard, Silas Demary Jr. quietly had a solid all-around showing in his team’s win over South Carolina. He excelled as a shooter and scorer, especially from beyond the arc. He ran off the ball to make a quick spot-up three off the catch. He also utilized a pump fake to make a smooth, step-back three another time. Plus, he also can use motion plays to score off the dribble. On the downside, he would sometimes take tough, contested shots that would lead to misses.

He also passed and handled the ball well. He would make timely passes to get the ball to his teammates to set up scores for them. Another time though, he showed off a loose handle and had the ball ripped away from him to commit a turnover.

Also, Demary was able to get his fair share of boards in this game. He also played adequate defense. He was able to intercept passes to get steals. He also hustled back to poke a ball away out of bounds to nearly get another. On the downside, he would sometimes struggle to defend opposing ball handlers or in screen situations, which would lead his team to give up open shots to their opponents.

Overall, Demary played well in his team’s win over South Carolina. He is a skilled guard that can play either backcourt position. He’ll need to be a more consistent shooter in games, but he is a versatile player that has the talent to make it to the NBA someday.

Georgia’s 6-9 sophomore forward, Dylan James also played well in his team’s double-digit win over South Carolina. He is an athletic, energetic forward that showed off versatile scoring skills, and he is a rangy defender that showed that he is deserving of far more playing time than he’s been getting this season.

James excelled as a shooter, scorer, and finisher around the basket. He was able to make a wide open bank three off the catch. He excelled at scoring on hustle plays, as he was able to score on a quick, strong put back while getting fouled once. He also showed a good ability to score out of the post. James was able to score on a jump hook. He also made a quick spin move along the baseline to score on a powerful dunk.

Plus, he also showed off solid playmaking skills. James ran the floor and quickly swung the ball to an open shooter to notch an assist. He also was able to make a drive and kick pass as well as to make an outlet pass ahead to get the ball to his teammates on other possessions.

He also did a decent job of rebounding the basketball, and James was able to get multiple boards on both ends of the floor. James also defended well. He was able to rotate to block a shot in the paint to himself. He also would get his hands on balls to help his team get steals and deflections. Plus, he would use his length and positioning to contest shots both out on the perimeter and in the paint to force misses. On the downside, sometimes he and his team wouldn’t effectively communicate to each other in screen situations, which allowed an opponent to score on a roll once. Other times, he would get beat off the dribble, which would lead him to commit fouls.

Overall, Dylan James had a strong showing to help lead his team to a win over South Carolina. He is a promising prospect that has a variety of skills. He’ll need more playing time as he could be on the cusp of a breakout season next year. If he can keep playing up to his potential, he could end up making his way to the NBA someday.

South Carolina’s 6-7 freshman forward, Arden Conyers also played fairly well in his team’s loss to Georgia. He excelled at making plays on both ends of the floor. He thrived at scoring on hustle plays. Conyers ran off of a back cut to score and get an additional free throw. He also would run the floor to score on fast breaks. On the downside, he was unable to make either of his threes from beyond the arc.

On the other hand, he didn’t grab a single rebound in this game. He also defended well. Conyers would jump passes and poke balls away to get steals and deflections. On the downside, sometimes he would have some lapses defensively, which would lead his team to give up baskets. Overall, Conyers is a fairly athletic, energetic forward that can make hustle plays on both ends of the floor. He’ll need to significantly improve his jump shot, but he could be a prospect to watch in the future.

South Carolina’s 5-10 senior point guard, Jamarii Thomas excelled as a shot maker in his team’s loss to Georgia. He particularly thrived as a shooter and scorer, as he made some tough shots off the dribble, and he also ran off of a ball screen to make a quick open three to showcase his ability to excel as a movement shooter. Thomas showed a solid ability to create separation and get shots up, as well as to make them both when he is driving to the hoop and taking shots from downtown. He struggled more to make dribble, mid-range jumpers, but Thomas showed a good ability to finish plays in traffic, as well as to make a variety of three-point shots.

On the downside, he was quite turnover prone in this game. For the positives, Thomas can find teammates on the move and make passes off the dribble to create plenty of scoring chances for them. However, he would tend to over-dribble, and sometimes he would throw ill-advised passes that would go astray.

He only grabbed one rebound in this game. Thomas defended well. He is a pesky defender that would get his hands on passes and poke balls away to get steals and deflections, and he also would contest a variety of shots to force misses. Sometimes he would play too aggressively, which would lead him to be out of position and to commit fouls as a result.

Overall, Thomas had a decent showing in this game. He is a scoring point guard that can make shots, but he will need to take better care of the basketball. His lack of size combined with not being elite in any one skill may make it difficult for him to make it to the next level, but he is a skilled scorer that could end up carving out a successful playing career in professional basketball.

Somto Cyril had a decent showing in limited minutes. Despite not playing much or scoring in this game, Cyril excelled as a passer and interior defender in this game. He was able to throw a crisp entry pass to notch an assist. He also would use his size and length to contest shots to force misses and disrupt opponents’ field of vision to prevent them from getting easy passes through.

On the other hand, he missed on a wild drive to the hoop in his lone field goal attempt, despite getting a running start to get the ball. Another time, he held the ball for too long and had it stolen away from him. Also, despite being an athletic 6-11 center, he only hauled in one rebound in this game. Overall, Cyril is a promising prospect that will still need time to develop and hone his game, but if he can consistently play with a very good motor and make team plays, he could end up developing into a rotational big man in the NBA someday, or at least carve out a solid playing career in professional basketball in the future.

South Carolina’s 6-10 senior center, Nick Pringle struggled to make much of an impact in his team’s loss to Georgia. The former Alabama big man was expected to make a splash in this game, but instead he struggled to make shots, as he especially struggled to score out of the post.

Pringle was able to score on a tip-in, and he has shown that he can score on hustle plays. Also, he was able to overpower an opponent to score on a strong move from the post. Another time, he drew free throws after using an up and under move to get his shot off. However, he struggled to score out of the post against athletic players his size, as he would tend to miss on contested shots around the basket.

As a playmaker, he looked to be fairly average. Pringle was able to pass out of the post to find the open man. He also was able to set an on-ball screen and roll to the rim, although none of his teammates found him on the move that time. However, he didn’t look to handle the ball very much, and there was one play where he fell down on an inbounds play, which prevented him from catching the ball as it led his team to commit a passing turnover.

Also, Pringle rebounded the ball well. Defensively, he looked to be fairly average. His length and positioning can allow him to cut off penetration and contest shots around the basket to force some misses. On the downside, sometimes he wouldn’t always move his feet very well, and he tended to commit fouls when defending opponents off the dribble as well as in the post.

Overall, Nick Pringle had a disappointing showing in his team’s loss to Georgia, but he is a mobile big man that showed plenty of potential when he played at Alabama. He’ll still need to expand upon his skill set offensively and be a more disciplined defender in games, but his size, athleticism, and ability to make plays on the interior could enable him to compete for a roster spot in the NBA someday.

South Carolina’s 6-7 junior swingman, Zachary Davis struggled in his team’s loss to Georgia. He’s an athletic swingman that can finish plays above the rim, and he made an open pull-up three after dribbling off of a screen once. However, he tended to take tough threes off the dribble as well as from way out that would lead to misses, and other times, he would take tough shots in traffic that would hurt his shooting percentages.

He’s an unselfish player that was able to throw a lob to a roll man to get the ball to his teammate once, and Davis showed some passing skills. However, he would sometimes tend to over-dribble and commit ball-handling turnovers, and other times, he would throw hasty passes that would go astray.

He also did a decent job of rebounding the basketball, and Davis excelled at crashing the glass to get offensive rebounds. He also played adequate defense in this game. Davis is an active help defender that was able to get a steal and deflection, and he also rotated to contest a drive to force a miss. Sometimes though, he would give up too much space or get overpowered, which would lead him to give up scores to his opponents.

Overall, Davis didn’t have a great game, but he is an athletic, energetic swingman that has shown potential in previous games. He’ll need to improve his jump shot and tighten up his handles, but if he can play better, he could end up competing for a roster spot in the NBA sometime down the road.

All in all, those are my thoughts on how Newell, Murray-Boyles, and others fared in this game. Thanks for reading.