Following the decommitment of Acaden Lewis, Kentucky is investigating guard options

In early April 2025, Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball received a jolt to its recruiting efforts when four-star point guard Acaden Lewis decommitted from the program. The news, coming just months after Lewis initially pledged to play for Coach Mark Pope’s team, has forced the Wildcats to reevaluate their backcourt options for the upcoming season. With the decommitment leaving a void in their recruitment plans, Kentucky is now actively exploring other guard prospects to solidify their 2025 class.

This article examines the circumstances surrounding Lewis’ decommitment, what it means for Kentucky’s recruiting strategy, and the potential guard targets the Wildcats are now pursuing. By analyzing Kentucky’s recruiting trajectory and potential future signings, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Wildcats’ evolving situation.

The Acaden Lewis Story: A Highly Coveted Guard

Acaden Lewis, a 6’2″ point guard from Washington, D.C., was considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 class when he made the decision to commit to Kentucky in November 2024. Lewis, who played for Sidwell Friends School in D.C., was recognized as a versatile and skilled player with excellent basketball IQ. In his senior year of high school, he averaged 14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, earning accolades such as the Gatorade District of Columbia Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Lewis also excelled on the grassroots circuit, where he played with Team Durant and averaged 16.7 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game on the Nike EYBL circuit.

Lewis’ decision to commit to Kentucky was seen as a major win for Coach Mark Pope and the Wildcats. At the time of his commitment, Lewis was praised for his elite vision, shooting ability, and leadership qualities. He was compared to past Kentucky point guards, such as Anthony Epps, for his ability to facilitate the offense and make key plays in crunch time. Kentucky’s coaching staff, led by Pope, saw Lewis as a foundational piece who could potentially make an immediate impact in Lexington.

However, the recruiting landscape quickly shifted in April 2025 when Lewis announced that he would be reopening his recruitment. The news came as a surprise to many, especially given the promising future he seemed to have with the Wildcats. According to reports, Lewis’ decision to decommit was largely influenced by the addition of Jaland Lowe, a transfer point guard from Pittsburgh, who is expected to play a significant role in Kentucky’s backcourt for the upcoming season.

Despite the coaching staff’s optimism about Lowe’s abilities, Lewis reportedly feared that Lowe’s arrival would reduce his chances of securing substantial playing time. This prompted the highly regarded guard to reconsider his commitment to the program, ultimately leading to his decommitment.

The Implications for Kentucky’s Recruiting Strategy

Lewis’ decommitment has left Kentucky with a critical gap in its backcourt, forcing Coach Mark Pope and his staff to pivot and reassess their recruiting plans. With a top-tier point guard now off the table, the Wildcats are prioritizing securing another elite guard prospect to round out their 2025 recruiting class. The Wildcats’ backcourt currently includes highly touted five-star shooting guard Jasper Johnson, who is expected to contribute immediately as a freshman. Johnson, ranked as the 11th-best player in the 2025 class, hails from Kentucky and has expressed a strong desire to stay in-state, which is a major boost for the Wildcats’ program.

Nevertheless, Kentucky is still in need of another playmaking guard to fill the void left by Lewis’ departure. Without a clear replacement at the point guard position, Coach Pope is now focused on targeting other highly rated prospects who could step in and help lead the Wildcats’ offense moving forward.

As the Wildcats search for a solution, they are casting a wide net and exploring various potential guard options for the 2025 class. The decommitment of Lewis has caused a sense of urgency within Kentucky’s recruiting efforts, but it has also presented an opportunity to secure another elite talent to complement the team’s existing roster.

Top Guard Targets for Kentucky in 2025

Several promising guard prospects are now on Kentucky’s radar. The Wildcats are looking at both traditional point guards and combo guards who can provide scoring and playmaking abilities in a variety of offensive systems. The following players are among the most likely candidates to fill the guard position in the 2025 class:

1. Brayden Burries (6’4″ Combo Guard)

Brayden Burries, a 6’4″ combo guard from the 2025 class, has been one of the most consistent and productive players on the Nike EYBL circuit. Averaging 20.9 points per game for his AAU team, Burries has shown that he is capable of scoring from all areas of the floor. His ability to facilitate the offense while also being a primary scoring threat has made him an intriguing option for Kentucky.

Kentucky’s interest in Burries has been well documented, with the Wildcats offering him a scholarship earlier this year. Burries has been described as an explosive athlete with great ball-handling skills, a strong outside shot, and the ability to drive to the basket and finish at the rim. His versatility allows him to play both on and off the ball, making him an ideal fit for Kentucky’s offensive system. Burries has expressed interest in visiting Kentucky, and it’s clear that the Wildcats are high on his potential.

2. Tay Kinney (6’0″ Point Guard)

Tay Kinney, a 6’0″ point guard currently playing for Overtime Elite, is another guard that Kentucky is monitoring closely. Kinney, who hails from Newport, Kentucky, is ranked as the number 20 player in the 2026 class, though he has the potential to reclassify to 2025. His combination of quickness, court vision, and playmaking ability makes him a prime candidate to take over the point guard role at Kentucky.

Kinney has been a standout in Overtime Elite, showcasing his ability to lead a team while also being a dynamic scorer. His ability to push the pace and create opportunities for his teammates would complement Kentucky’s uptempo style of play. The Wildcats are one of the schools that Kinney is considering, and his local ties could work in Kentucky’s favor as they continue to recruit him heavily.

3. Alex Constanza (6’7″ Shooting Guard)

While not a traditional point guard, Alex Constanza, a 6’7″ shooting guard, has emerged as another potential option for Kentucky’s backcourt. Constanza is known for his shooting ability, which could bring an added dimension to Kentucky’s offense. He is currently ranked as one of the top players in the 2026 class but could reclassify to the 2025 cycle. His size and ability to stretch the floor would provide Kentucky with a versatile weapon in the backcourt.

Though Kentucky’s primary focus is on securing a point guard, Constanza’s potential reclassification and his sharpshooting skills could make him an appealing option for the Wildcats. Kentucky has shown interest in Constanza, and his ability to play multiple positions could make him a valuable addition to the team.

The Road Ahead: Kentucky’s Recruiting Future

As the Wildcats continue to investigate their guard options for the 2025 class, it’s clear that Coach Pope and his staff are working diligently to secure top-tier talent. The decommitment of Acaden Lewis has certainly created a challenge, but it has also opened the door for other talented players to join the Wildcats.

With the Wildcats already securing a commitment from five-star shooting guard Jasper Johnson and with top prospects like Brayden Burries, Tay Kinney, and Alex Constanza still on the board, Kentucky remains in a strong position to rebuild its backcourt. The coaching staff’s ability to adjust quickly and target the best available players will be crucial as they look to maintain their place among the elite programs in college basketball.

While the loss of Lewis is a setback, it’s far from a crisis for Kentucky. The Wildcats have a deep pool of talent to choose from, and the upcoming months will be pivotal in shaping the team’s future.

The decommitment of Acaden Lewis has undoubtedly shaken Kentucky’s recruiting plans for the 2025 class. However, it has also forced the Wildcats to reassess their priorities and actively pursue other high-profile guard prospects. As Coach Mark Pope and his staff work to fill the void in their backcourt, Kentucky remains one of the most appealing programs for elite talent. With top targets like Brayden Burries, Tay Kinney, and Alex Constanza still on their radar, Kentucky is poised to make the necessary moves to strengthen its roster and continue competing for national championships.