UNC Lands Gonzaga Big Man Recruit, Nyk Lewis — 7-Foot, No. 55 Overall Prospect Commits to Tar Heels Men’s Basketball Over Power-5 Heavyweights
In a recruiting move that has sent ripples across the college basketball landscape, the University of North Carolina has landed a major commitment from Nyk Lewis, a 7-foot center originally committed to Gonzaga. Ranked No. 55 overall in the 2025 class by 247Sports, Lewis flipped his commitment and announced Wednesday that he will suit up for the Tar Heels, choosing UNC over a host of Power Five programs including Kentucky, Texas, and Michigan State.
The towering big man from Las Vegas, Nevada, had been on Gonzaga’s radar for more than a year, and initially committed to Mark Few’s program late last fall. However, after taking multiple unofficial visits during the spring and developing a strong connection with UNC’s coaching staff—particularly head coach Hubert Davis and assistant coach Sean May—Lewis re-opened his recruitment and ultimately gave his verbal commitment to North Carolina this week.
“I grew up watching Carolina basketball,” Lewis said in a statement released through his family. “The tradition, the energy, the fans—it just felt like home. When I walked into the Dean Dome, it hit different. Coach Davis believes in me and my development, and I want to win on the biggest stage.”
Lewis brings a rare blend of size, mobility, and upside to a North Carolina frontcourt that has reloaded in recent years with versatile talent. At 7-feet tall and 235 pounds, he’s known for his soft hands, shot-blocking ability, and emerging offensive game, including a reliable mid-range jumper. He averaged 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game during his junior year at Desert Pines High School, drawing national attention for his performances in the Nike EYBL circuit.
“This is a huge pickup for us,” said Hubert Davis. “Nyk is a true post presence with the ability to stretch the floor. But more than that, he’s a high-character kid who wants to be great and who fits what we’re building here.”
The commitment of Lewis further cements North Carolina’s position as one of the top recruiting powers in the country. With several four-star and five-star talents already on the radar or locked in, Lewis becomes the third Top-100 recruit in UNC’s 2025 class, joining dynamic guard Kael Faulkner and athletic wing Zion Carter.
Recruiting analysts believe that Lewis’s decision could also influence other high-profile big men in the class, especially those looking to play in an offense that prioritizes post development and NBA readiness.
“UNC just got a foundational piece,” said recruiting insider Adam Finkelstein. “Lewis is only scratching the surface of his potential. If he stays healthy and develops under that staff, you could be looking at a future first-round pick.”
As UNC continues to reload and retool for the future, Nyk Lewis’s decision marks not just a win on the recruiting trail—but a statement about the program’s national pull and its ability to attract elite big men once again.
