Kentucky Making a Strong Push for 4-Star Guard Acaden Lewis With Full Staff Visiting

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2025 four-star guard Acaden Lewis had the red carpet rolled out for him on his in-home visit with Kentucky on Monday. Mark Pope was joined by Jason Hart, Alvin Brooks III, and Cody Fueger on their trek to Sidwell Friends School (Washington, D.C.) to meet with Lewis.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound point guard told KSR+ that the pitch from Kentucky has remained the same. Lewis and the Kentucky staff spent the night talking about Kentucky’s 2025 class and watching the New York Jets vs. San Francisco 49ers Monday Night Football game.

“They really want me and see me as a key piece in this class that brings everything together,” Lewis said. “They think Jasper and I work really well off of each other. Malachi [Moreno] and I formed a bond after the Top 100 Camp when I blew up and got my Kentucky offer and we played in the Elite 24. I’m familiar with both of their games. It would be great for all of us to play together.”

Jasper Johnson‘s commitment to Kentucky may have come as a surprise to many people, but it wasn’t much of a surprise to Lewis. He saw it coming.

“I kind of knew already, to be honest,” Lewis said. “He didn’t tell me, but based on when we talked, I felt like I knew he was going there.”

Fitting Alongside Jasper Johnson

Acaden Lewis had some questions about the fit alongside Jasper Johnson. He wasn’t even sure if he would be a take for the Kentucky coaching staff following Johnson’s commitment.

“I thought it was me or him, like if he committed, they wouldn’t take me anymore or vice versa,” Lewis said. “I think I could play well with him, to be honest.”

Things changed when Lewis and Johnson played together at the Damian Lillard Formula Zero Camp in Phoenix in August. Both players saw a path to playing alongside one another.

“I had never played with him and never thought about playing with him until a couple of weeks ago,” Lewis said. “We played at Dame and it was seamless. We passed the ball. Neither of us was a ball hog. We got our shots up and created for each other. We work really well off of each other. It’s really hard to guard two lefties.”

The fit alongside Malachi Moreno is perhaps just as seamless. Lewis is very familiar with the 7-foot center’s game.

“Malachi is great,” Lewis said. “He has good hands, which is something I always look for in a big. I throw a lot of quick dimes and no-looks, so I’m looking for a big who can catch those and is always looking for the ball. He plays hard and rebounds.”

Moreno and Lewis also get along off the court. That helps their chemistry as potential teammates.

“He’s just a good dude,” Lewis said. “Malachi and I have good conversations. He’s one of my friends. I could see myself playing with him as well since I already have.”

Still Planning to Sign in November

Acaden Lewis is still planning to commit before the early signing period. He’s targeting an early November commitment.

He recently took the first official visit of his senior year to Michigan from Sept. 6-8. Lewis is planning to announce more official visits in the coming weeks.

The four-star point guard is currently down to eight schools. He’s considering Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, UConn, Syracuse, North Carolina, Duke, and Auburn.

“I want an opportunity to play,” Lewis said. “Obviously, you’re not going to get playing time handed to you, but I want an opportunity to earn playing time.”

Lewis also wants the opportunity to play with other elite players. That’s not something he’s afraid of.

“It’s something that some players shy away from, but I’m cool with giving up some of my pride to win games and play at the highest level,” he said. “I want to play with other high-level guys.”

The third thing Lewis is looking at is the coaching staff. He wants to find the right fit.

“I want to talk and have a relationship with the staff because that’s who I’ll be with for the whole year,” Lewis said. “I want to make sure I’m cool with and mesh with them. Those are the main three [factors].”

Acaden Lewis’ Game

Four-star point guard Acaden Lewis of Baltimore (D.C.) Sidwell Friends is the nation’s No. 36 overall prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks Lewis as the No. 55 player overall, the No. 8-ranked point guard, and the overall best player from D.C.

“I’m an exciting guard that can score and pass and I’m just a playmaker,” Lewis said. “That’s a word I like to use. I like to make plays, whether it’s me scoring, someone else scoring, or getting a stop on defense. I’m pretty smart. I manipulate the game. I try to play at my own pace. Poise is a word I try to use in my game. I try to never be too sped up, but I can go fast at the same time. I try to stay in my own little bubble.”