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Isaac Newton famously observed four centuries ago that what goes up must come down, but Ja’Quan Newton is providing figurative refutation, as his stock has continued to rise each year at Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St.
The soon-to-be senior basketball standout ended an intense recruiting process Aug. 7 by verbally committing to the University of Miami.
“There are so many positives about the situation, so I feel it’s going to be the most comfortable place for me,” the 17-year-old Southwest Philly resident said Tuesday at his East Passyunk Crossing secondary education site. “I’m willing to learn whatever I need to so Miami can continue to be a winning program.”
The 6-foot-3 guard has drawn considerable attention since he began his South Philly matriculation, with his choice entering the pursuit two years ago. The Sunshine State institution beat out a number of suitors, including Syracuse University, which has recently benefited from the services of Neumann-Goretti products Rick Jackson and Antonio “Scoop” Jardine. Favoring an up-tempo style of play, Newton will look to reward Miami, which sent personnel to watch his summer showcase appearances, with capable handling of the point guard position.
“I’ve been playing the point for my AAU squad,” he said of Team Final, “so I’m working on knowing even more about when to try to score and when to pass.”
In picking Miami, Newton figures to be a potent contributor to a unit that ESPN ranks as having the sixth-best 2014 recruiting class. The Hurricanes will need his determination and that of the other virtuosos if they are to continue to stymie the likes of the Duke University Blue Devils and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, traditional powerhouses against whom they registered a 4-1 record last year in capturing the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season and tournament titles.
“That’s another reason I picked Miami,” Newton said. “They’re in the best league, and I want to play against the best teams because that’s how I’m going to grow and be a boost for coach [James] Larrañaga.”
He has already begun to help by mentioning the merits of the school to other prospects. Enthused about giving the coaching staff his trademark tenacity, he hopes his superiors entrust him with the reigns early into his career and assist his game’s evolution.
“My dream is to play in the NBA, and I think Miami is the greatest location to get ready,” Newton, who will ponder his major as his final South Philly campaign unfolds, said. “I know it’s going to take my all, and I’m fine with giving it.”
Before the confident baller tries to fulfill his athletic destiny, he will look to maintain the Saints’ supremacy. Neumann-Goretti has captured the last five Catholic League and District 12 City titles and three of the last four State championships. Since becoming a freshman starter, Newton has pleased coach Carl Arrigale with his blend of grace and grit.
“He came in as a very gifted kid,” the resident of the 2900 block of South 15th Street said of the sniper. “As the years have gone by, he’s progressed and been able to put up great efforts against top teams.”
Having helmed nine parochial league victors, Arrigale has obviously received many outstanding performances from numerous players, with Newton turning in a breathtaking one Feb. 25 at The Palestra. The two-time First-Team All-Catholic honoree tallied 27 points, including two buzzer-beating three-pointers, to pace his mates against the St. Joe’s Prep Hawks for another Catholic League final celebration.
“When I came to Neumann-Goretti, I was pretty much playing off my talent,” Newton said, acknowledging he needed to invest more time into his defense and mastery of set plays. “The school has taught me everything, and I think I’ve really matured and grown to the point where I’m ready for whatever happens at Miami.”
“He’s come to understand the intricacies of playing on both ends,” Arrigale added, stating he is looking forward to how Newton goes from being a leader to the leader.
The teenager awaits that transformation, too, and believes it will be smooth as long as he becomes more vocal.
“I expect a really good year from us,” Newton said. “I want another Catholic League title and to get the state championship back.”
If the Saints win their sixth straight parochial plaque, they will join the Roman Catholic Cahillites 1989 to ’94 units as the only ones to do so. While he would go down in Neumann-Goretti’s annals if that were to occur, he could also cement his legacy by becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer. Currently fourth, he needs 507 points to eclipse ’85 graduate Steve Benton’s 1,808.
“I like that I have the chance to do that because it’s a reflection of my hard work,” Newton said.
Set to make his first visit to the Miami campus Sept. 14, he anticipates fraternizing with his future teammates and gaining from the trip an even greater appreciation for the future.
“I can’t let up just because I’ve decided,” Newton said. “I still have to be hungry.”
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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