Alexis Washington, Assistant Sports Editor
First-year guard Nyk Lewis is turning his dreams into reality as he starts his collegiate career repping the Black and Gold.
Lewis grew up in Washington, where his passion for basketball started at a young age.
“I grew up playing basketball around five years old at the local community center,” Lewis said. “That’s where I sparked my love.”
That community center became the birthplace of a basketball talent whose hunger for the game has only intensified over time.
Lewis was a game-changer even before he was recruited. He attended Gonzaga College High School, where he was a four-star recruit and ranked No. 55 in the class of 2025 by 247Sports — making him one of VCU’s highest recruits in program history.
Lewis was named 2024-2025 District of Columbia MaxPreps High School Basketball Player of the Year after averaging 12.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
He also led his school program to a DOC State Athletic Association championship as a senior and averaged 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4.5 assists his junior year, according to VCU Athletics.
Lewis flipped his commitment from Xavier University to VCU after a coaching change at Xavier. He had 19 offers from other programs, including the University of Iowa, Vanderbilt University and Bryant University, according to 247Sports.
VCU head coach Phil Martelli Jr. said the timing was right when Xavier’s head coach got hired at the University of Texas. Martelli Jr. had connections to people around Lewis and did everything he could to add him to the roster.
During Lewis’ visit to VCU, it was the coaching staff’s family atmosphere that made the transition smooth, he said.
“Coach [Chris] Cole, I trust him a lot, and the coaching staff,” Lewis said. “I saw his vision for me and how I could progress as a player and get to the next level.”
Martelli Jr. brought in Cole as the assistant coach — both spent seven seasons on staff at Bryant.
Lewis’ basketball IQ is unmatched, making him a player wise beyond his years, Martelli Jr. said. Lewis shows up every day — on the court, during training and in the weight room.
“We knew he was somebody we’d really want that would fit really well,” Martelli Jr. said. “He’s got connections to the Richmond area with his mom and grandparents being from here.”
Through every milestone, Lewis said he remained humble and disciplined, but his sights remain set on the stars as he looks to keep adding to his story.
Winning remains his top priority, as Lewis aspires to be the Atlantic 10 Freshman of the Year. He promises to deliver a lot of energy on and off the court, with his hopes of remaining a straight-A student throughout the season.
“He’s got the work ethic, he’s got the right demeanor and all those things,” Martelli Jr. said. “So I have no doubt that he’s going to be a great success.”
Lewis will make his official VCU debut when the team takes on Wagner College at the Siegel Center on Nov. 3.