Brian Newton (born January 1966)[1] is an American former basketball player. He played college basketball for the Georgia Southern Eagles and was selected as the Trans America Athletic Conference (TAAC) Player of the Year in 1987.
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1966 (age 60) |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Jefferson (Tampa, Florida) |
| College |
|
| NBA draft | 1987: undrafted |
| Position | Forward |
| Career highlights | |
| |
High school career
editNewton did not start playing basketball until the ninth grade.[1] He attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Tampa, Florida, where he played on the basketball team.[1] Newton missed his entire junior season and a third of his senior season due to two knee injuries.[1] One injury was so severe that doctors wondered if he could ever play again.[2] Newton returned to average 10.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game during his senior season.[1] Major college programs kept away from Newton due to his injury concerns and he instead started his career at Florida College.[3]
College career
editNewton's freshman season with the Falcons at Florida College was hampered by injuries; he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and sat out half of the season.[3] Newton entered the Falcons' starting line-up during his sophomore season and averaged 10 points and 3 rebounds per game.[3] He was recruited by the Georgia Southern Eagles who realised his potential despite his injury history.[3]
Newton entered the starting line-up of the Eagles seven games into his junior season when he averaged 14 points and 6 rebounds.[3] He led the Eagles to a 20–11 record and the Trans America Athletic Conference (TAAC) tournament title during his senior season.[4] The Eagles qualified for the 1987 NCAA Division I tournament where they lost in the first round to the eventual runner-up Syracuse Orange 79–73.[4] Newton averaged 14.7 points and 5.5 rebounds and was selected as the TAAC Player of the Year.[4][5]
Professional career
editNewton was selected by the Savannah Spirits in the fifth round of the 1987 Continental Basketball Association (CBA) draft.[3]
References
edit- 1 2 3 4 5 Waldman, Cary (April 21, 1983). "Owens thinks he has 'sleeping giant' in Newton". The Tampa Tribune. p. 118. Retrieved July 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Harry, Chris (April 18, 1985). "Owens leaves accolades for players on the move". The Tampa Tribune. p. 76. Retrieved July 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Waldman, Cary (October 27, 1987). "Newton isn't ready to quit basketball". The Tampa Tribune. p. 26. Retrieved July 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 3 "TAAC announces award winners". The Birmingham News. March 21, 1987. p. 15. Retrieved July 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Grant, Evan (November 22, 1987). "Ga. Southern rebuilds after surprise year". The Atlanta Journal. p. 72. Retrieved July 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.