Western Kentucky University’s men’s basketball team has secured the signing of Grant Newell, a transfer from North Texas. The 6-foot-9 forward from Chicago joins the Hilltoppers after an impressive season with the Mean Green, where he started all 36 games in 2024-25 and helped lead the team to a 27-9 record and a spot in the NIT Final Four.
“We are excited to welcome Grant to our Hilltopper Basketball family,” said head coach Hank Plona. “Grant is a skilled, versatile player who played a key role for an outstanding North Texas team. He has the ability to play and defend multiple positions, and we believe his best basketball is ahead of him.”
During his time at North Texas, Newell averaged 6.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. He scored in double digits in six games and finished the season with an offensive efficiency rating of 118.8 in AAC play, ranking 18th in the conference.
Before transferring to North Texas, Newell spent two seasons at the University of California. As a freshman, he started 28 of 31 games and averaged 8.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. His strong performance earned him an honorable mention on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team. Newell also recorded two double-doubles that season, becoming the first freshman to do so for Cal since NBA stars Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb in 2015-16.
In his sophomore year at Cal, Newell appeared in all 32 games and started 11 before transitioning into a sixth-man role. He averaged 5.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, shooting 41.3% from the field and 30.4% from three-point range.
Newell attended Whitney Young High School in Chicago, where he earned an All-City Special Mention as a senior. He later spent a postgraduate year at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
“We expect Grant to make significant strides in his career with us,” Plona said. “He can score both inside and outside and create opportunities for himself and his teammates. We look forward to supporting him in his growth and success.”
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