Acaden Lewis Named Villanova’s Starting Point Guard as Freshman

VILLANOVA, Pa. — Acaden Lewis has been named Villanova‘s starting point guard as a freshman, a bold move in the era of men’s college basketball where experienced transfers usually dominate starting lineups. With the season opener against Brigham Young University on Nov. 3 fast approaching, Villanova head coach Kevin Willard has turned to the young talent following an indefinite injury to sixth-year guard Devin Askew.

Lewis, a four-star recruit from Sidwell Friends School, decommitted from Kentucky before choosing Villanova over UConn, North Carolina, and Duke. He cites the opportunity to make an immediate impact as a key factor in his decision. “That was the main reason,” Lewis explained. “I just wanted a place where I had more opportunity to play right away.”

In a recent exhibition game against Virginia Commonwealth University, Lewis showed his potential by scoring a team-high 15 points. Willard praised Lewis’s performance and emphasized the importance of being purposeful in every possession. “I thought Acaden played very well,” he said. “In college basketball, you can’t come down and just be casual.”

Lewis has a mature perspective for his age and recognized his past as a late bloomer. “I’ve kind of been used to being overlooked,” he shared. His high school coach, Eric Singletary, has a history of succeeding at Villanova and has instilled similar values in his players, emphasizing “Attitude” as a fundamental principle.

Lewis understands the pressure and expectations of playing for Villanova, noting that the program is not currently ranked among the top Big East teams. “We’re already the underdog, so I think we just will continue with that,” he said, highlighting a mentality of grit and teamwork as they head into the season.

As the season nears, Lewis is focused on consistency and proving himself on the court. “I just want to prove that every night, I’m a problem,” he added. “So just being 1-0 and staying humble.” His journey as a young player stepping into a significant role is just beginning.