El Paso’s Tristen Newton drafted to Indiana Pacers
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Burges High School graduate Tristen Newton has been selected to join the Indiana Pacers as the No. 49 pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft.
The Burges grad is the first El Pasoan to be drafted in the NBA in 25 years.
Newton will now join former NMSU's star power forward, Pascal Siakam.
Newton's journey to get to where he is now has not been a walk in the park. He was an unranked high school recruit, played three seasons at East Carolina, withdrew from the 2023 draft to head to UConn, led the Huskies to back-to-back National Championships, earned the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, then was selected as the 49th pick in the second round of the NBA draft.
Newton spoke on his pitch to these NBA coaches.
"A winner." said Newton. "Winning the ultimate prize of college basketball, the National Championship, two years back-to-back the national championship and someone who is ready to step on the court right now, facilitate, play defense, rebound and one that can score whenever he's needed to. Obviously they've been watching my film for the past two years, the 79 games that I've played in the past two years."
Newton gives thanks to his family and all of his fans in El Paso for the support they've given him throughout his career.
"Without the love and support I've received I wouldn't be where I am right now so thank you (El Paso) for everything and continue to support me for however long I'm in the NBA for."
