What a year, what a team. The UConn men’s basketball team dominated the college basketball scene, with some arguing that this was the greatest college team ever assembled. Whether the 2023-24 Huskies are the most dominant program ever does not change the fact that Final Four MOP Tristen Newton had the most prominent role in dominating this season. Without him, it’s hard to see the program winning their sixth National Championship in program history.
The 6-foot-5 guard had a season to remember. Newton was named to an All-America first team, won the Bob Cousy award, won the Big East regular season and secured a Big East Tournament victory. Not to mention winning the National Championship for the second year in a row. With such a loaded resume, it is not outlandish to compare Newton’s two-year stint amongst other Connecticut legends like Kemba Walker and Shabazz Napier as one of the greatest guards in UConn history. All season long, head coach Dan Hurley billed Newton as such, noting that his time as a Husky is among the best the program has ever seen. Despite Newton dominating the college basketball scene, Hurley and the rest of the program have noted the levels of “disrespect” the El Paso native endures.
As it sits, most mock drafts have Newton going in the middle of the second round, which is absurd considering everything he has accomplished for Connecticut.
With the current NBA landscape, top prospects are in the 19-to-20-year-old age range, with Newton being 23. Some NBA executives are wary that Newton is a fifth-year senior, believing that he is older and has peaked as a player. Some also think he is limited offensively and athletically, putting him below some other prospects. However, Hurley and the rest of the team weren’t afraid to push back against that criticism all season long.
“He’s 6-5. He rebounds. He facilitates, playmakes and shoots NBA threes with pretty good efficiency and he’s a champion,” Hurley said. “I think he’s going to play in the NBA for 12 to 15 years.”
“[Newton] impacts the game in so many ways — rebounding, assists, points, defensively,” teammate Cam Spencer said after UConn’s 95-90 March 15th win over St. John’s. “He is just so easy to play with. When you have a leader like that, it makes it so much easier for everyone else to play with.”
Even after winning the National Championship, Donovan Clingan, Alex Karaban, Stephon Castle and Spencer all pointed out that this year’s success would not be possible without the contributions of Newton. Two projected lottery picks in Clingan and Castle saying this about their teammate should tell general managers all they need to know about the El Paso native. Newton is one of the best players ever to wear the UConn uniform, and this alone speaks volumes about how undervalued he is.
As I have covered the men’s beat this year and seen a plethora of UConn basketball, it is hard to make an argument for Newton not being athletic enough or offensively gifted. His ability to contribute offensively when he struggles to shoot the ball well is a major asset. Newton would often fill up the stat sheet with assists and abnormally high rebound numbers for a point guard, an invaluable skill no matter what position you play. Even then, his off nights were far and few between, hence why KenPom statistically backs him as the country’s top guard, with him trailing only Zach Edey for the nation’s player of the year. After all, the nickname “Mr. Triple Double,” should tell NBA Executives all they need to know about the him: he can do it all.
While he isn’t throwing down highlight dunks like Castle, he is not afraid to go into the paint for a tough finish, with him getting additional free throws for his troubles often. This is a positive sign, considering that NBA players get to the stripe and score more points than ever.
It is easy to see the effect that Newton has on the hardwood just by simply watching UConn play. He touches the ball on nearly every possession, setting up scoring plays left and right. Unfortunately for Husky fans, Newton will likely not be a first-round pick. He is a victim of not fitting into a league that highly values younger talent and potential. However, it is hard to deny his abilities. An NBA team will likely draft the first team All-America guard. From there, he will be a rotational piece that can gain a more prominent role. If his career arc from not receiving a single offer from any Division-1 high to being the face of college basketball’s best team has told you anything about Newton, he’s a fighter. Don’t be surprised if he climbs the ranks and plays significant minutes on some NBA roster, with the potential of becoming a future star. Newton is a big-time player, and NBA general managers should feel confident in drafting the 23-year-old while not being afraid to reach into the late first round, thanks to a particularly weak draft class. All signs point to the Huskies legend of having a long, successful professional career.