By JACOB POLACHECK
Class of 2023 five-star guard K.J. Lewis cemented his status as a five-star prospect with an impressive showing in the Pangos All-American Camp in Las Vegas earlier this week.
Lewis, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound shooting guard out of Chapin (TX), caught the attention of coaches and scouts alike with high-IQ plays and strong playmaking skills.
“It was a great event, obviously one of the most historic events in high school for top players in the country, regardless of class,” Lewis told ZAGSBLOG Wednesday. “It felt good being there, being one of the youngest there in the class of 2023.”
Ranked by 247Sports.com as the No. 4 shooting guard and No. 21 overall prospect in the class of 2023, Lewis is a gritty combo guard that excels on both ends of the floor.
“I feel like I’m the best two-way player in my grade,” Lewis said. “I want to prove that I’m definitely a top-10 player in my grade. My consistency with my jump shot and my efficiency. Those are the biggest things I’m trying to show people.”
In less than a week, college coaches will be permitted to reach out directly to class of 2023 prospects and Lewis is expected to be a popular name on the recruiting trail.
“I’m excited to see what colleges are really interested in me and which ones really want me to go to their school,” Lewis said. “I’m also excited to see their feedback, what they want from my game.”
Lewis listed Texas, Arizona, Kansas, Texas Tech, Kentucky, TCU and UTEP as the main schools involved in his recruitment with Kentucky being the only school that is yet to offer.
He broke down each school’s pitch:
Texas: “How they like my competitiveness and how gritty I am on both sides of the floor and my will to win.”
Arizona: “Just how great my fit is, my feel for the game and the similarities they see in my game with players that have been there before.”
Kansas: “It’s basically the same thing – my competitiveness, the way I get it done on both ends of the floor. Kansas is a style of offense that I can fit into.”
Texas Tech: “Most definitely the defense because they pride themselves on defense. That’s the biggest thing they touched on with me – my defensive ability.”
TCU: “Again, like the other schools, mainly my competitiveness, the energy I bring on the offense and defensive side and my will to win.”
UTEP: “Everything because that was my first offer. They got to see me play in-person last year, my freshman year. They see all the little details in my game, the hustle. They’ve seen the whole game.”
Kentucky: “How I can be a pro and how the little things I need to work on can get me to that level. They like how gritty I am on defense and how I can score the ball on offense. They like that I’m willing to do whatever the team needs me to do to win. They think I’m a good fit for the culture there.”
Lewis is currently in the process of setting up unofficial visits this summer.
“I’m going to plan to take an unofficial at Texas after Juneteenth (June 19) and I’m going to try and take an unofficial at UTEP,” he said. “I’m also going to try and visit Houston in July and then hopefully Arizona at the end of July.”
With visits upcoming, Lewis is taking in a number of factors when evaluating his options.
“Just to see the different cultures and fan bases from different schools,” he said. “And to see the honesty and family vibe that each school brings because with me, I’m a huge family person, so just to feel welcome.”
Photo: Kevin Daniels/KD Scouting BBall
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