NCAA Basketball: Top 10 players to wear jersey No. 2 in 2023-24 season
By Joey Loose
1. Tristen Newton (Connecticut)
Though his collegiate playing days are now over, Newton can look back at what was a truly amazing career. His first three years were spent becoming one of the AAC’s best guards at East Carolina, though success came in a major way when he transferred to UConn in 2022. Now a two-time national champion, it’s fair to say his fifth and final collegiate season was full of greatness.
Newton was great last year with the Huskies but was even better in his final campaign, averaging 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists for some eye-popping figures. Surrounded by incredible talent, Newton helped lead Connecticut to the highest heights yet again while earning a spot on the First Team All-American. Newton was given the Bob Cousy Award, led the Big East in assists, and was clearly critical during a second-straight postseason run.
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Triple-doubles against Manhattan and Villanova were impressive, while Newton also dropped 31 points in December in a tough road loss at Kansas. There wouldn’t be many moments like that for the Huskies, who benefited from Newton’s play during Big East and NCAA Tournament titles. Newton had 20 points and 7 assists in the championship win over Purdue, cementing an amazing turn on his collegiate career. Few backcourt players made this kind of impact after transferring and he really was one of the nation’s best players this season.