Asa Newell visiting Gonzaga; 5-star forward is one of nation's top recruits

Newell would be one of the highest-ranked commits in program history

Asa Newell, the top-ranked power forward in the 2024 class out of Montverde Academy (Florida), has scheduled a visit with Gonzaga for Tuesday, July 25, according to On3.com's Joe Tipton.

The 6-foot-9, 205-pound Newell is the 11th-ranked recruit according to 247Sports.com's composite rankings and a top-four recruit in Florida. He's considered a top-10 recruit by On3.com and Rivals.com, while ESPN ranks him No. 14.

Newell, who played for the United States at the FIBA U-19 World Cup last month, revealed that he received an offer from Gonzaga after being recruited by Zags assistant coach and former Florida State assistant R-Jay Barsh. Should Newell commit to Gonzaga, he'd be the third-highest-ranked recruit in program history behind Chet Holmgren and Jalen Suggs.

Originally from Athens, Georgia, Newell is spending his final two years of high school at the basketball powerhouse Montverde Academy, which has produced several NBA players and former Gonzaga standouts. Current Philadelphia 76er Filip Petrusev finished his high school career at Montverde, as did Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard and current Zag Ryan Nembhard, who won a championship at Montverde in 2021.

Rivals.com projects Newell to commit to Georgia, where his older brother Jaden is a redshirt freshman. On3.com gives Indiana the best chance at signing the nation's top power forward, while 247Sports.com doesn't have a crystal ball prediction. Newell visited both schools last fall.

Newell is also fielding offers from Baylor, Michigan, Auburn, Kansas, Texas, LSU, Florida State and others.

Newell averaged 7.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in seven outings at the U-19 FIBA event. He scored 6.6 points and grabbed 3.3 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game during his first season at Montverde.

Gonzaga has two open scholarships following the addition of four-star recruit and Kansas transfer Marcus Adams Jr., who announced on Sunday he's joining the Bulldogs.