UNC Rumors Dispelled as Nyk Lewis, Four-Star Point Guard from Gonzaga (D.C.), Commits to VCU
In the ever-changing world of college basketball recruiting, misinformation can travel fast—especially when a high-profile player is involved. Such was the case recently when rumors swirled that North Carolina had landed a “7-foot big man” from Gonzaga named Nyk Lewis. The truth, however, tells a different story—one filled with twists, coaching changes, and ultimately, a major win for Virginia Commonwealth University.
Nyk Lewis is a highly touted, four-star point guard, not a center. Standing 6-foot-1 and hailing from Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., Lewis has been one of the most sought-after lead guards in the Class of 2025. Known for his quick first step, physicality at the rim, and aggressive defense, Lewis is a floor general who thrives in transition and plays with a level of toughness that coaches covet.
Lewis originally committed to Xavier University in the summer of 2024. At the time, he cited his strong relationship with head coach Sean Miller and the program’s up-tempo system as key reasons for his decision. By November, he signed his National Letter of Intent and was expected to be the cornerstone of Xavier’s 2025 class.
But in March of 2025, everything changed. Coach Sean Miller accepted the head coaching position at Texas, creating immediate uncertainty for Lewis. Within days, Lewis requested and received a release from his NLI, reopening his recruitment. Suddenly, a host of programs—both mid-majors and Power Five schools—jumped back into the mix.
Among the contenders were Iowa, Vanderbilt, Indiana, Seton Hall, and VCU. While many assumed a Power Five school would win out, Lewis surprised some by committing to VCU in April. The decision was seen as a statement not only from Lewis, but also from newly hired head coach Phil Martelli Jr., who made the point guard his top priority after taking over the Rams’ program.
The fit was clear. VCU offered Lewis a chance to step in immediately as the starting point guard in a system that thrives on defense, pace, and guard creativity. Martelli’s up-tempo philosophy aligned perfectly with Lewis’s skillset—allowing him to attack downhill, rebound from the guard spot, and control the tempo on both ends of the court.
As for the UNC rumor, it appears to have stemmed from a misinterpretation of “Gonzaga.” Some fans assumed it referred to Gonzaga University, the perennial powerhouse in Spokane, Washington—not Gonzaga High School in D.C. There was never a 7-foot big man named Nyk Lewis, nor did UNC land a commitment from him.
Instead, the real story is about a talented point guard navigating a turbulent recruitment, making a bold decision to lead a rising mid-major, and finding the perfect fit in Richmond. For VCU, Nyk Lewis represents a future star and a building block. For Lewis, VCU offers a chance to shine as the centerpiece of a program on the rise.
In the end, it wasn’t about the biggest name school—it was about opportunity, system, and trust. And Nyk Lewis made the right call.
