Inside the Hall · Jul 18, 2023
Freshman Focus: Jakai Newton
Injuries derailed the end of Jakai Newton’s high school career at Newton High School in Georgia.
Indiana’s first commit in its 2023 recruiting class, Newton gave his pledge to Mike Woodson and the coaching staff in October 2021. As a junior at Newton, the 6-foot-3 guard averaged 14.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He appeared to be poised for a big summer and a rise in the recruiting rankings.
But in May of 2022, Newton suffered a setback that would impact the rest of his high school career. A torn meniscus and cartilage issue required surgery and forced Newton to the sidelines.