Last Updated on June 1, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Tristen Newton played a major role in winning basketball, blending scoring, playmaking, and rebounding into a well-rounded game that translated to big moments. His steady presence and ability to contribute across the board made him one of the most dependable guards in the country during his college career.

Player Profile

Personal Information:

  • Full Name: Tristen Jamal Newton
  • Nationality: American
  • Date of Birth: April 26, 2001
  • Hometown: El Paso, Texas, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 5 inches (195 cm)
  • Weight: 190 pounds (86 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 9 inches (206cm)
  • Shoe Size: Size 14 (US)

Basketball Career:

  • Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard
  • Jersey Number: 13
  • High School: Burges High School, El Paso, Texas
    • Achievements:
      • Scored 3,266 career points.
      • Averaged 37.4 points per game as a senior, leading the state of Texas in scoring.
  • College:
    • East Carolina University (2019–2022):
      • Averaged 17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in his junior year.
      • Named to the All-American Athletic Conference Second Team in 2022.
    • University of Connecticut (2022–2024):
      • Achieved two triple-doubles, becoming the second player in program history to do so.
      • Led the Huskies to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024.
      • Named NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player in 2024.
      • Consensus First-Team All-American and Bob Cousy Award winner in 2024.
  • NBA Draft:
    • Selected 49th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers.
    • Signed a two-way contract with the Pacers on July 27, 2024.
    • Waived by the Pacers on January 1, 2025.
    • Claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 3, 2025.
  • Professional Career:
    • Indiana Pacers / Indiana Mad Ants (2024–2025):
      • Played under a two-way contract, splitting time between the NBA and the G League.
    • Minnesota Timberwolves / Iowa Wolves (2025–present):
      • Currently on a two-way contract, contributing to both the NBA team and its G League affiliate.

Personal Life:

  • Children: None
  • Siblings:
    • Older brother, Jawaun Newton, played college basketball for the Evansville Purple Aces and Southern Illinois Salukis.
  • Cousins:
    • Related to NFL players Aaron and Alvin Jones.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Tristen Newton’s player archetype is that of a big, steady combo guard who can function as a secondary creator, rebounder, and connective piece rather than a pure downhill lead guard. At roughly 6-foot-3 and 192 pounds, he has solid size, strength, and a composed style that help him play through contact and contribute on the glass, while his defensive role projects best as a smart team-oriented guard who competes, rebounds his position, and uses feel more than elite quick-twitch athleticism to stay involved in plays. Offensively, he is most effective with the ball as a pick-and-roll organizer, playmaker, and opportunistic scorer who can get to mid-range spots, make the next read, and chip in from deep when set, even if he is not built around explosive separation. His overall play style is mature and controlled: he plays with patience, understands tempo, impacts games in multiple categories, and looks like the kind of experienced backcourt piece who can stabilize units with decision-making and all-around production. (NBA)

NBA.com — NBA 2024 Draft Prospects | Tristen Newton
Sports Illustrated — NBA Draft Scouting Report: UConn’s Tristen Newton
NBA Draft — Tristen Newton
NBADraftRoom — Tristen Newton