Former Kentucky Commit Acaden Lewis Chooses New Path with Villanova
In a surprising turn of events, former Kentucky basketball commit Acaden Lewis has announced his decision to join the Villanova Wildcats, marking a significant shift in his collegiate basketball journey. This move has garnered attention across the college basketball landscape, as Lewis was previously considered a cornerstone recruit for the University of Kentucky’s 2025 class.
A Rising Star in the Basketball World
Acaden Lewis, a 6-foot-2 point guard from Washington, D.C., emerged as one of the top prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. His high school tenure at Sidwell Friends School was marked by impressive performances, earning him the 2023-24 Gatorade District of Columbia Boys Basketball Player of the Year award. During his junior season, he averaged 14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, leading his team to a Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference title and the DCSAA Class AA tournament championship.
On the Nike grassroots circuit with Team Durant, Lewis continued to shine, averaging 16.7 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. His standout performances at the NBPA Top 100 camp further solidified his status as a top-tier recruit, where he averaged over 15 points and nearly four assists per game.
Commitment to Kentucky and Subsequent Decommitment
In November 2024, Lewis committed to the University of Kentucky, choosing the Wildcats over other prestigious programs such as Duke and UConn. Kentucky head coach Mark Pope lauded Lewis’s vision, scoring ability, and leadership qualities, drawing comparisons to former Wildcat great Anthony Epps .
However, in a surprising development, Lewis decommitted from Kentucky in early May 2025. Reports indicated that the decision was influenced by various factors, including personal considerations and the evolving dynamics of the Kentucky basketball program. Despite the initial commitment, Lewis’s recruitment remained fluid, with several programs expressing interest in securing his services.
The Villanova Decision
After careful consideration, Lewis chose to continue his basketball career at Villanova University. The decision was influenced by Villanova’s rich basketball tradition, coaching staff, and the opportunity to contribute immediately to a program with a history of success. Lewis’s commitment to Villanova was officially announced on May 1, 2025.
Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune expressed enthusiasm about adding Lewis to the roster, highlighting his playmaking ability, basketball IQ, and potential to make an immediate impact. The Wildcats are poised to benefit from Lewis’s skill set, which includes exceptional court vision, scoring versatility, and defensive prowess.
As Lewis transitions to Villanova, expectations are high for his contributions to the team. His arrival adds depth to the Wildcats’ backcourt and provides a dynamic playmaker who can lead the offense and create opportunities for his teammates. The Villanova community eagerly anticipates Lewis’s debut, hopeful that his talents will help propel the program to new heights.
For Kentucky, Lewis’s departure marks a shift in their recruiting strategy. Coach Pope and his staff will look to fill the void left by Lewis’s decommitment, focusing on securing talent that aligns with the team’s needs and future aspirations.
Conclusion
Acaden Lewis’s journey from a highly sought-after recruit to a committed player at Villanova underscores the dynamic nature of college basketball recruiting. His decision reflects a thoughtful evaluation of his personal and professional goals, as well as the opportunities available at Villanova. As both Lewis and the programs involved move forward, the impact of this decision will unfold in the coming seasons, shaping the future of college basketball.
