Shockwaves in College Hoops: Former Kentucky Commit Acaden Lewis Stuns Fans with Move to Villanova, Set to Form Dynamic Backcourt Duo with Veteran Guard Devin Askew
In a surprising twist that has college basketball circles buzzing, former Kentucky Wildcats commit Acaden Lewis has officially announced his decision to join the Villanova Wildcats, teaming up with experienced guard Devin Askew to form what could become one of the most intriguing backcourt tandems in the Big East.
Lewis, a highly touted four-star point guard from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., had originally committed to the University of Kentucky late last year, drawing excitement from Big Blue Nation for his explosive scoring ability, court vision, and defensive tenacity. However, following a series of coaching changes and a shift in the Wildcats’ recruiting strategy under new head coach Mark Pope, Lewis reopened his recruitment earlier this spring.
Now, in what many analysts are calling a “perfect fit,” Lewis has pledged to Villanova, a program known for its guard development and team-oriented play. His decision gives Villanova a major boost in both depth and future potential as the team looks to return to the top tier of college basketball.
“I have a lot of respect for Kentucky and what they’ve built,” Lewis said in a statement posted to social media. “But after visiting Villanova and meeting with Coach Neptune and the players, I felt at home. The culture, the brotherhood, and the opportunity to grow both on and off the court made it an easy choice.”
Perhaps the most exciting part of this move for Villanova fans is Lewis joining forces with Devin Askew, a former top-40 recruit who has had a winding college journey of his own — starting at Kentucky, transferring to Texas, and most recently finding a home and leadership role at Villanova. Askew’s experience, poise, and leadership could provide the ideal environment for Lewis to thrive and learn.
Head coach Kyle Neptune expressed his excitement in a brief comment:
“Acaden is a special talent. He brings toughness, energy, and a competitive spirit that fits right into our DNA. We’re thrilled to welcome him into the Villanova family.”
The addition of Lewis could be a pivotal one for Villanova, which is coming off a season that saw flashes of promise but lacked the consistency needed to compete at the highest level. With Lewis now in the fold and Askew returning for what many expect to be a breakout season, the Wildcats suddenly have a backcourt combination with high upside — one that combines youthful explosiveness with seasoned maturity.
Recruiting experts have already begun to re-evaluate Villanova’s outlook for the 2025–26 season, with some suggesting the Wildcats could be a dark horse contender in the Big East, particularly if Lewis adapts quickly to the college game.
In a time when college basketball recruiting is more fluid than ever, this commitment is a timely reminder that the transfer portal and decommitments can reshape a program’s trajectory overnight. For Villanova, the addition of Acaden Lewis might be just that — a game-changer.
