Miami Hurricanes Basketball Player Profile: Ja'Quan Newton

Ja'Quan Newton

Sophomore G 6'2 180 Philadelphia, Pa (Nuemann-Goretti H.S.)

2014-15 Stats: 34 games. 4.0 ppg. 1.4 rpg. 1.3 apg, 40.5 FG%

Scouting Report:

• Fearless competitor who absolutely loves taking the ball to the rim (see below).

• Has very good court vision and does a good job finding open teammates in the half court as well as the open floor.
  
• Good array of moves and decent medium range game. 
  
• Needs to work on his outside shooting, and his especially his stroke at the FT line.
  
• Good but not great defender as a freshman.  Has the mindset and skill set to be an outstanding defensive PG.
  

Summary:  Now that Manu Lecomte has transferred to Baylor, it's crystal clear who the top PG behind Angel Rodriguez is.  And considering the up and down season Rodriguez had last year, and the injuries he suffered, that is a more important role than it even sounds.  Newton was a top 50 player coming out of H.S. and you could see his talent in spurts last year.  Like any freshman he had his out of control moments.  But if he improves his jumper, and his decisions, the already confident game of Newton could take off to another level.  I expect a much better version of Angel this season ahead of him, so for now Newton will have to settle in as one of the top options off the bench.  Look for him to play a little off the ball as well, and have some big games when the team needs it.  7-8 ppg and 2+ rpg/apg  seem well within reason for the very talented Philly native in 2015-16.   That would be a good launching point for the player who is earmarked to take over for Rodriguez as the starting PG once he graduates.  And at that point, the sky is the limit for JQ.