The domino has officially fallen. Now, the question is: where is Acaden Lewis heading next?
The top-25 point guard decommitted from Kentucky earlier this week, thanking Mark Pope and the Wildcats for their support but ultimately choosing to re-evaluate his options. And now that his recruitment has reopened, two clear contenders have emerged at the top: Duke and North Carolina.
Could Caleb Wilson be the clue?
When Lewis originally committed to Kentucky, 5-star forward Caleb Wilson — one of the top players in the 2025 class — posted the now-famous side-eye emoji on social media. It was subtle, but it sparked real conversation about a potential package deal between the two future stars.
Wilson, of course, has since committed to Hubert Davis and North Carolina. Could Lewis follow him?
The Tar Heels have room in the backcourt moving forward and a need for a true lead guard in the 2025 class. Lewis, a pass-first playmaker with elite feel, would complement UNC’s frontcourt-heavy recruiting haul and slide into a system that emphasizes movement, tempo, and spacing.
Why Duke may be the best fit
Still, don’t sleep on Jon Scheyer and Duke. The Blue Devils were heavily involved in Lewis’ original recruitment and seemed to be in the mix until the very end. Scheyer has done a masterful job developing young guards and allowing them freedom to create — something that fits Lewis’ high-IQ, left-handed flair perfectly.
With a strong history of turning elite ball-handlers into NBA-ready prospects, Duke could give Lewis the development path and spotlight he’s looking for.
And let’s be real — playing on Tobacco Road against his friend Wilson for the next few years? That storyline writes itself.
Don’t count out UCONN
While North Carolina and Duke appear to be in the driver’s seat, don’t completely count out UConn either. Danny Hurley was involved early, and his reputation for producing tough, skilled guards is undeniable. The Huskies have also shown they aren’t afraid to dip into the DMV pipeline, and Lewis would fit their blueprint.
Still, it feels like this is a two-horse race between the bluest of blue bloods.
What’s next for Kentucky?
As Lewis explores his next chapter, Kentucky is already turning the page. Mark Pope is eyeing multiple point guards in the transfer portal, including a few players the Wildcats previously missed on.
👉 Click here to read about Kentucky’s new transfer targets.