Heels Lock Down the Paint: North Carolina Lands 7-Foot Gonzaga Star Nyk Lewis, the Nation’s No. 55 Prospect, in Pivotal Frontcourt Addition Over Power-5 Rivals
In a major boost to their 2025 recruiting class, the North Carolina Tar Heels have secured a game-changing commitment from 7-foot center Nyk Lewis, a standout from Gonzaga College High School and the No. 55 overall prospect in the nation. The towering big man chose UNC over a host of elite Power-5 programs, including Kentucky, Michigan State, and Texas, signaling head coach Hubert Davis’s renewed emphasis on rebuilding the Tar Heels’ interior presence.
Lewis brings the type of size, length, and defensive intensity that UNC has lacked in recent seasons since the graduation of Armando Bacot. Known for his elite rim protection, rebounding instincts, and improving offensive polish, Lewis has earned a reputation as one of the most physically dominant centers in the 2025 class. At Gonzaga Prep (Washington, D.C.), he averaged 12.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game as a junior, anchoring one of the top defensive units in the region.
What separates Lewis from other bigs in his class is his ability to impact the game without needing the ball. He runs the floor with intensity, alters shots in the paint, and shows promise as a high-level screener in pick-and-roll situations. Scouts have noted that his footwork and timing are well ahead of most high school bigs, and his 7-foot-4 wingspan makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing forwards.
The decision to commit to UNC came after a series of official visits. According to sources close to his recruitment, Lewis felt a strong connection with Coach Davis and saw a clear path to early playing time in Chapel Hill. With Bacot gone and uncertainty in UNC’s frontcourt rotation, Lewis could immediately compete for minutes as a freshman.
“This is a huge win for Carolina,” said a national recruiting analyst. “Nyk Lewis is a foundational piece—he gives them something they’ve been missing: a legitimate rim protector and defensive anchor in the post.”
UNC’s 2025 class now ranks firmly inside the top 10 nationally, with Lewis joining elite forward Caleb Wilson, another top-10 recruit who committed earlier this year. Together, they represent a shift in Carolina’s roster-building philosophy—prioritizing size, length, and defense after back-to-back seasons where the team struggled to impose itself in the paint.
While Lewis is still developing his offensive skill set—particularly his back-to-the-basket game and mid-range shooting—his upside is undeniable. With a college-ready frame, elite timing as a shot-blocker, and a strong work ethic, he projects as a multi-year contributor and potential future NBA prospect.
As the Tar Heels look to return to the top tier of college basketball, landing Nyk Lewis marks a critical step forward. With his commitment, UNC not only adds needed size and skill but also sends a message to the rest of the basketball world: the Heels are building from the paint out—and they’re back in the hunt.
