Top-25 Recruit Acaden Lewis Decommits from Kentucky, Reopens Recruitment Amid Major Program Changes
In a significant shake-up to Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class, top-25 national prospect Acaden Lewis, one of the highest-rated guards in the country, has officially decommitted from the University of Kentucky. The 6-foot-2 standout from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., shared the news in a heartfelt statement to ESPN on Thursday, stating that he will reopen his recruitment after careful reflection and discussions with his inner circle.
“I will always be grateful to Coach Pope and the entire Kentucky staff for believing in me,” Lewis said. “It is clear Kentucky is a special place with an amazing fanbase, but as I reflect on what is best for my future, I have decided to re-open my recruitment. This was an incredibly difficult decision, but after a lot of discussion with my family and people I trust, I feel this is necessary. This is not in any way a reflection of any negative feelings towards Coach Pope and Kentucky. I appreciate your understanding and am excited for what the future holds.”
Lewis, ranked No. 7 among point guards and a consensus top-25 player overall in the 2025 high school class by ESPN, had committed to newly-hired head coach Mark Pope back in November 2023. The commitment was considered a major recruiting win for Pope in the early stages of his tenure following the departure of long-time head coach John Calipari.
A Rising Star in the 2025 Class
Lewis made his mark on the national basketball scene as a dynamic floor general with a polished offensive game, elite vision, and the ability to make plays in transition. His maturity, leadership, and high basketball IQ have drawn comparisons to college-level starters, and his development has put him on the radar of NBA scouts looking ahead to the 2026 draft.
In 2024, Lewis was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for the District of Columbia after an outstanding junior season at Sidwell Friends School. His dominance in the DMV high school circuit further cemented his status as one of the nation’s most complete guards.
Known for his calm under pressure and smart decision-making, Lewis was expected to be a cornerstone of Pope’s system at Kentucky — a player who could both score and facilitate at a high level in the ever-competitive SEC.
Timing and Context: What This Means for Kentucky
Lewis’ decommitment comes as Kentucky finds itself in a transitional period, both philosophically and structurally, under Coach Pope. Since taking over the program, Pope has leaned heavily into the transfer portal, securing a flurry of experienced players to immediately boost Kentucky’s competitiveness.
In recent weeks, Kentucky has added:
- Jayden Quaintance, a reclassified elite Arizona State center
- Jaland Lowe, a quick, crafty guard from Pitt
- Mouhamed Dioubate, a strong, athletic big from Alabama
- Kam Williams, a versatile forward from Tulane
These additions are expected to reshape Kentucky’s roster quickly, perhaps altering the vision and fit for incoming high school players like Lewis.
Kentucky also has two highly rated freshmen scheduled to arrive in 2025: Jasper Johnson, an elite shooting guard, and Malachi Moreno, a promising frontcourt presence. The blend of veteran transfers and high-upside high school prospects suggests Pope is seeking balance between experience and long-term development — but it may have led Lewis to reevaluate where he fits in that vision.
Additionally, Kentucky remains locked in a heated recruitment battle for Nate Ament, the top uncommitted high school senior in the nation and a projected top-5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Ament’s decision, along with Pope’s continued activity in the portal, could further influence the construction of the roster and playing time scenarios for young guards like Lewis.
Lewis’ Future: A Reset and New Opportunity
While decommitments often stir uncertainty, Lewis’ situation feels more like a strategic reassessment. His statement expressed no disappointment with Kentucky or its staff — in fact, it praised the program — but emphasized the importance of finding the best fit for his long-term goals.
At 6’2” with a polished all-around game and a reputation for being coachable and team-first, Lewis will have no shortage of suitors as he reenters the recruiting market. Programs across the country are expected to re-engage quickly, including schools that previously expressed interest prior to his commitment to Kentucky.
Wherever he lands, Lewis is poised to be a difference-maker — a player capable of elevating a program with his poise, production, and leadership.
A Poised Young Leader Making a Grown-Up Decision
What stands out most in Lewis’ announcement isn’t the decision itself, but the thoughtful and composed way he went about it. In today’s high-pressure recruiting world, it’s rare to see a young athlete handle such a major decision with such clarity and gratitude.
His message was respectful and appreciative, a testament to his upbringing and maturity. Kentucky fans, while understandably disappointed, responded with grace — praising Lewis for his talent and wishing him success wherever he goes next.
“You can tell this kid has a good head on his shoulders,” one fan wrote on social media. “No hard feelings — go shine wherever you end up, Acaden.”
As Acaden Lewis looks to the future, one thing remains clear: the next program that lands him won’t just be getting a top-tier basketball player — they’ll be getting a thoughtful, driven young man with the poise of a veteran and the ceiling of a star.
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