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Ashton Hagans signs with Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China
ashton hagans
Photo via CHNHoops | Instagram
Evan Newton
Updated: Oct 10, 2024, 1:16 AM
Published: Oct 10, 2024, 1:09 AM

Former Newton High School basketball star Ashton Hagans has determined his next chapter in his professional basketball career.

On Sept. 27 it was announced that Hagans would sign with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in Urumqi, China. This marks the first time that Hagans has played professionally overseas.

After going undrafted in 2020 after playing two seasons at Kentucky, Hagans began his professional career with the Minnesota Timberwolves where he played in two games. After being released due to allegedly violating COVID-19 protocols, Hagans played for a number of NBA G-League teams, including the Raptors 905, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Greensboro Swarm and the Rip City Remix.

Last season, Hagans earned a 10-day contract with the Portland Trail Blazers and later signed a two-way contract with the team. Hagans played in 19 NBA games, earning one start. He averaged 4.2 points per game (PPG), 2.4 rebounds per game (RPG) and 2.8 assists per game (APG) in 19 games played.

Hagans basketball journey began in Newton County, where he was a student-athlete for the Newton Rams. He accumulated a number of accolades while at Newton, including being named Mr. Georgia Basketball in 2018, a distinction for the best high school player in the state.

While preseason play is currently underway in the CBA, Hagans and the Flying Tigers will begin the CBA regular season in a matchup against the Jiangsu Dragons on Oct. 13.
Jakai Newton enters transfer portal after two years at Indiana
Newton was a standout player at Newton High School
Jakai Newton
Jakai Newton (0) during his time at Newton High School. - photo by Covington News/File Photo
Evan Newton
Updated: Apr 1, 2025, 9:32 PM
Published: Apr 1, 2025, 9:29 PM

Former Newton Ram standout Jakai Newton will officially be searching for a new home.

Newton formally declared his intent to transfer from Indiana University on March 24 after entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Newton has struggled with injuries throughout his basketball career, which has kept him off the floor. 

The 2023 Newton Ram graduate suffered a knee injury during his senior year of high school. The same injury cost him his first season at Indiana.

After receiving a medical redshirt from the NCAA, Newton would only play four games in the 2024-25 season due to numerous lower body injuries. In those four appearances, he averaged 1.5 PPG and 0.8 RPG at 4.5 MPG.

However, when on the court, Newton was efficient. In just his sophomore season at Newton High School, Newton shot 34 percent from three-point range and was an efficient contributor to several Newton teams alongside players like Stephon Castle, Jabez Jenkins and Marcus Whitlock, among others.