Acaden Lewis, a 6-foot-2 point guard from Washington, D.C., has committed to Villanova University, ending his recruitment that had previously included a commitment to the University of Kentucky. Lewis, a consensus four-star prospect, had initially signed with Kentucky in November 2024, choosing the Wildcats over other top programs such as Duke and UConn ([A Sea Of Blue][1]). However, he has now decided to join Villanova’s program.
During his high school career at Sidwell Friends School, Lewis earned recognition as the 2023-24 Gatorade District of Columbia Boys Basketball Player of the Year. 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 ([UK Athletics][2]). On the Nike grassroots circuit with Team Durant, he averaged 16.7 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game ([ESPN.com][3]).
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope praised Lewis for his vision, shooting ability, leadership qualities, and basketball IQ. Pope described Lewis as a “calm, hungry, unemotional” leader with a strong understanding of the game ([UK Athletics][2]). Lewis’s commitment was seen as a significant addition to Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class, which also included five-star guard Jasper Johnson and four-star center Malachi Moreno ([Sportskeeda][4]).
With Lewis’s decommitment, Kentucky will need to adjust its recruiting strategy to fill the point guard position. The Wildcats may explore options through the transfer portal, high school recruits, or international prospects to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.([A Sea Of Blue][5])
Villanova, known for its strong basketball program, has secured a talented player in Lewis, who brings scoring, playmaking, and leadership to the team. His decision to join Villanova adds to the excitement surrounding the program’s future prospects.([A Sea Of Blue][5])
* [A Sea Of Blue](https://www.aseaofblue.com/2025/5/1/24421770/acaden-lewis-commits-villanova-wildcats-basketball-kentucky?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[1]: https://www.aseaofblue.com/2024/11/14/24296565/kentucky-basketball-acaden-lewis-jasper-johnson?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Kentucky announces signing of Acaden Lewis and Jasper Johnson”
[2]: https://ukathletics.com/news/2024/11/14/point-guard-acaden-lewis-joins-kentucky-mens-basketball/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Point Guard Acaden Lewis Joins Kentucky Men’s Basketball – UK Athletics”
[3]: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/42151296/kentucky-basketball-lands-top-30-senior-acaden-lewis?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Kentucky basketball lands top-30 senior Acaden Lewis – ESPN”
[4]: https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/high-school-sports/news-he-locker-room-leader-kentucky-wildcats-hc-mark-pope-showers-praises-4-star-signing-acaden-lewis?utm_source=chatgpt.com “\”He is a locker room leader\”: Kentucky Wildcats HC Mark Pope showers praises on 4-star signing Acaden Lewis”
[5]: https://www.aseaofblue.com/2025/5/1/24421770/acaden-lewis-commits-villanova-wildcats-basketball-kentucky?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Acaden Lewis commits to Villanova”
