BREAKING: 4⭐ PG Acaden Lewis Shocks Fans with Decommitment from Kentucky — No. 5 Ranked Floor General Reopens Recruitment
In a surprising development that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball recruiting world, four-star point guard Acaden Lewis — the No. 5 ranked point guard in the Class of 2025 according to 247Sports — has officially decommitted from the University of Kentucky.
The 6-foot-3 floor general out of Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., made the announcement on social media Friday morning, thanking the Kentucky coaching staff for their support while stating that he would be reopening his recruitment to explore all of his options.
“After careful consideration and conversations with my family and mentors, I’ve decided to decommit from the University of Kentucky,” Lewis wrote in a statement. “I want to thank Coach Calipari and the entire Wildcats staff for believing in me. This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right one for my future. My recruitment is 100% open.”
A Major Blow to Kentucky’s 2025 Class
Lewis’ departure is a significant loss for Kentucky, as the Wildcats had hoped he would be the cornerstone of their 2025 recruiting class. Known for his elite court vision, smooth handles, and high basketball IQ, Lewis quickly rose through the recruiting ranks over the past year and was widely regarded as one of the most complete point guards in his class.
He originally committed to Kentucky last fall, choosing the Wildcats over offers from programs like Duke, Baylor, Michigan, and Virginia. His commitment was seen as a strong sign that Kentucky was poised to return to elite form under Coach John Calipari, who has built a reputation for developing NBA-ready point guards.
With Lewis now back on the market, Kentucky will have to reassess its 2025 recruiting board and possibly shift focus to other top-rated guards still available. However, the timing of the decommitment — just after the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament — raises questions about what may have prompted the decision.
Why the Decommitment?
Sources close to Lewis suggest that recent developments in Kentucky’s backcourt — including the unexpected return of veteran guards and an influx of transfer portal interest — may have played a role in his decision. Additionally, there are rumblings that Lewis is seeking a program where he can be a guaranteed lead guard from day one, a role that may have become uncertain in Lexington due to roster movement.
Recruiting analyst Travis Branham of 247Sports weighed in on the news, saying:
“Lewis is an elite talent, and this decision likely wasn’t made lightly. There’s a lot of movement right now across college basketball, and players are being more strategic than ever about their fit and long-term development. I fully expect top-tier programs to reach out immediately.”
What’s Next for Lewis?
Now back on the open market, Acaden Lewis instantly becomes one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 cycle. Several programs that were in the mix before his Kentucky commitment — including Virginia, Michigan, Baylor, and Alabama — are expected to re-engage in his recruitment.
Given his East Coast roots, schools in the ACC and Big Ten could be especially aggressive in their pursuit. Lewis has also hinted in past interviews at a desire to play in a fast-paced, guard-friendly system — something that could open doors to programs like Arizona, Oregon, or even a potential run by Rick Pitino at St. John’s, who has made it clear he wants elite guards to lead his offense.
Kentucky’s Response
As for Kentucky, the decommitment of Lewis adds another layer of urgency to its already evolving recruiting strategy. With NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) deals and the transfer portal reshaping the way rosters are built, Coach Calipari and his staff will need to pivot quickly to avoid losing momentum in the highly competitive 2025 class.
The Wildcats still have their eyes on several top prospects and are expected to be active in the portal this offseason. But Lewis’ departure, especially this late in the cycle, is a blow they will feel — not just in terms of talent, but also in public perception.
