UNION, N.J. — Think Sir Isaac Newton—that uber-genius 17th Century physicist—when placing a finger or getting a pulse of what makes Ja’Quan Newton (no relation?) go.
The 6-foot-2, sinewy point guard from famed Neumann-Goretti High in Philadelphia is all about motion. He’s constantly a blur on the break. He can deliver those backbreaking passes that will set up his teammates in the most clutch moments of the game. He’s an unstoppable force.
Part pass-first point guard; part human fast break; part afterthought—meaning you can’t process what you just saw, or, sorta didn’t.
Itt’s the 21st Century addendum to basketball’s law of motion:.
Ja’Quan Newton was on display with in all those combinations Wednesday at the Nike Point Guard Skills Academy at Kean University’s Harwood Arena. Newton was one of 23 rising senior guards showing off after three days of intense tutoring on the finer points.
So, what did Newton take from his summer school session?
“How to effectively play the pick-and-roll,” he said. “I never realized it’s played in a box on the court. This is the way the NBA players execute it. All the time I was playing too wide like closer to the sidelines. It really opened my eyes.”
And so has Newton’s play. This summer he’s prepping with Team Final of Philadelphia before tipping off his senior season at nationally ranked Neumann-Goretti, which will likely open the season in the Blue Star Media Go-To 25 boys’ rankings.
Newton was simply marvelous as a junior, earning First Team All-Philadelphia, which includes the Catholic, Inter-Ac and Public league. He helped the Saints (23-6) win the Catholic League and City titles, averaging nearly 19 points but the South Philadelphia club was denied a fourth straight Class AAA state title in a 55-50 loss to Donegal in the quarterfinals.
Newton and the Saints are the preseason favorites in the Catholic League but Archbishop Carroll (Radnor, Pa.) and Roman Catholic (Philadelphia) will be in contention as will Imhotep Prep (Philadelphia), the defending AAA champions, when the postseason rolls around.
“We’ll be back,” Newton assured with grin.
And so will the list of recruiters. It’s no secret the Philly Big 5 schools are lined up. Temple and Villanova seem to have an edge locally—though nothing is guaranteed. Newton also mentioned significant interest from Xavier, Minnesota, Georgetown, USC, Oregon and Seton Hall—all programs that love to run and would embrace Newton redefining the laws of motion.
Next up for the latest Neumann backcourt prodigy is the illustrious Nike LeBron James Skills Academy in Las Vegas during the July “live NCAA period.”
“It’s giant exposure and you’re playing against the best. Playing at the Skills Academy here was great because we were paired with the top big men. It was a great learning experience.”
Newton is also ticketed for the seventh Nike Global Challenge playing for one of the three American teams, featuring the top 30 schoolboys, and five U18 and U19 international teams from Canada, Brazil, China, Lithuania and Puerto Rico from July 17-21 in Washington, D.C. The international competition will be played under FIBA rules.
“Can’t wait for it,” he said.
That’s absolutely right.
Spoken like a man in motion.
