By JACOB POLACHECK
K.J. Lewis, the No. 23-ranked prospect in the class of 2023, has committed to Arizona, he tells ZAGSBLOG.
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound shooting guard from El Paso (TX) Chapin, chose Arizona over Alabama, Arkansas, Baylor, Houston, Memphis, Texas Tech and UCLA.
“The biggest thing leading into this decision was just breaking down what was best for me, what was the best opportunity for me and my future and those steps to get me to my goal,” Lewis said ahead of his public announcement.
Lewis says the entire coaching staff, including head coach Tommy Lloyd and assistants Steve Robinson and Jack Murphy, played a crucial role in his decision.
“It felt like a family vibe,” he said. “They accepted me right away once they started recruiting me.”
Lewis was also drawn to the style of play that Lloyd has implemented in his first season with the program.
“It’s a fast-paced offense, great defense,” he said. “It was just the best fit for me and my playing style.”
Lewis took his official visit to Arizona from Feb. 4-6 and was in attendance for the Wildcats’ Feb. 5 victory over No. 19 USC.
“The game was crazy,” Lewis said. “The players are all brothers and it’s a family-oriented team, starting from the head coach to the last player on the bench. Then, the strength and conditioning aspect is also a great part of that basketball team.”
Ranked by 247Sports.com as the No. 3 shooting guard in the nation, Lewis joins five-star point guard Kylan Boswell in the Wildcats’ 2023 recruiting class.
“Me and Kylan are really close,” Lewis said, noting his relationship with Boswell began over the summer during Peach Jam. “He is a really great player. He can spread the floor. He can shoot the ball. He can get out there on defense. He’s just a great point guard in general.”
Looking ahead, Lewis says he wants to recruit four-star guard Dusty Stromer to form a dynamic guard trio.
“I think we could have one of the best recruiting classes in 2023 if we can get Dusty,” he said.
However, given his commitment before the end of his junior year, Lewis is still considering reclassifying up to the 2022 class.
“My family and I have talked about it. We’re not rushing to make a decision about classing up anytime soon,” he said. “We’re just going to take it day-by-day after this big decision.”
In the meantime, Lewis says he wants to improve his ability to be more efficient in his shot and tighten up his ball handling skills.
“I love family-oriented atmospheres and I think that was the biggest thing with me,” he said. “When I went to Arizona, I felt all the love.”
Photo: Kevin Daniels/KD Scouting BBall
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