2025 6’2 Acaden Lewis has been a hot target for some of the top programs in the country, as the top blue-blood programs were recruiting him hard. In the end, it was Kentucky that ultimately won the day, securing what we would say is one of (if not the) top point guards in the country.
Phenom Hoops was able to get an exclusive interview with him about his decision, as he discusses why Kentucky was the place for him, his relationship with the staff, and his rise throughout the years.
Phenom: What made Kentucky the place for you in the end?
Lewis: They showed the most priority towards me, just coming down and always having basketball talks with me, coming to see me and all. The staff just made me realize that I could come in and play early. Obviously, Coach Pope played in the NBA and he is a good mentor for me, and having Coach Brooks come from Baylor was big, he has had a lot of good guards. So, it was just a no-brainer.
Phenom: What were some of the final factors that ultimately sealed it for Kentucky?
Lewis: My visit was good; I got to see how everything functioned and how the coach runs his team. We talked about basketball a lot and had maybe six or more film sessions, showing what I could work on, things I was good at, analytics, and comparison to players; it was really good to see how I would fit in there. And I think everybody just made me feel like a priority and they want me to come there to run the team.
Phenom: What kind of relationship have you built with that staff, and what has it been like since receiving that offer back in June?
Lewis: It has been constant communication. I would say I have talked to every single coach regularly. They constantly get in touch with me and make sure I feel the love from them, talking about basketball, asking how my day went, and more. They have all been here, showing up full staff at my events. They have always been there, especially since that offer.
Phenom: How often have they been in touch with you, how do they envision you in their program, and how will you be used?
Lewis: They just picture me coming in and running their team. They lose a lot of guards, and they will be looking to reload at that position. They want to bring me and run the team. They think I’m smart enough and talented enough to make an immediate impact as a freshman and there is an opportunity for the starting spot and run with it.
Phenom: What has this whole adventure been like for you overall as far as recruiting and now being one of the top guards in the country?
Lewis: It has been a blessing, coming up through the ranks. I’m starting to get the recognition now. I think it has been really cool playing in a system and being a piece on the court. It has been pretty cool, you know starting in the hundreds to now being a top 30 player in the country. Someone called me an anomaly and I thought that was pretty cool; that doesn’t happen too much.
Phenom: What has been the difference for you in now being regarded as one of the top point guards in the country and a Top-25 prospect?
Lewis: I would say just staying consistent. I was just grateful and took every opportunity that was given to me. I think when you are just super consistent and gaining the opportunities I had like CP3 camp, NBPA, and others and you’re just being consistent, it is hard to ignore. That consistency just paid off, through the high school season and kept it going through AAU; it just kept carrying me along the way so I would say that was the biggest difference.
Phenom: How would you best describe your game for future Kentucky fans and how you like to operate?
Lewis: I think I’m just a playmaker. Everyone is scoutable, but my game can look different at any one time, you don’t know what you’re going to get whether it is passing, scoring, or creating. So, I just call myself a playmaker and I think that is something every team needs on the court. You need someone that can break down defenses and I like to outsmart others. I think I’m good in the open court and creating advantages, so I would describe myself as a playmaker.