Player Spotlight: Nykolas Lewis

<p>2025 G Nykolas Lewis looks to be next in a long line of productive point guards to play for Coach Steve Turner at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC. Standing 6’0 and weighing in at 175 lbs as a freshman, Lewis has arrived to campus ready to make an impact in the WCAC after a productive summer season with Team Takeover and at premier showcase events. His summer tipped off in late May at the CP3 Memorial Day Classic, culminating in his first national highlight with a game-winning 3 from half court to defeat CP3 at the buzzer.</p> <p>https://twitter.com/CoachJaeWright/status/1398827204793020418?s=20</p> <p>Performing in these big moments was no surprise to his TTO coaches, " He’s a tough, hard-nosed kid that will do anything to win. Rebound, guard the best player on the opposite team, whatever it takes to get our team the win."</p> <p>Lewis’ 8th grade TTO team continued a productive summer, making it all the way to the Elite 8 in the prestigious Made Hoops Finale right up the street from Nike Peach Jam in Augusta, Georgia. "This summer I tried to talk more, play more physical, and hit more threes... we didn’t accomplish our goal as a team but that [Made Hoops] was some really great bump."</p> <p>Lewis also made a name for himself at the CP3 Rising Stars Camp, with local scouts returning to the DMV excited about how he stacked up against national elite talent as we gear up for the 2021-2022 high school season. An early offer from George Mason following a workout has only added to the buzz around Lewis as we gear up for the season. "I’m just blessed to receive an offer from George Mason", said Lewis. "I feel like it was love. They said they watched me through the summer. He came up and talked to me, the head coach [ Kim English]. It’s just a great community, a lot of love has been shown." Lewis also spoke about the difference in play upon his arrival at Gonzaga: "Middle school basketball isn’t as physical. High school basketball is fast-paced. You can’t get tired, you’ve gotta talk more and communicate with your teammates."</p> <p>In a team-oriented culture at Gonzaga, freshman usually wait their turn as they become accustomed to the level of play, learn the offensive and defensive philosophies, and compete with teammates several years older than them. Playing behind one of the best point guards in the DMV in senior [player_tooltip player_id="837921" first="Devin" last="Dinkins"], Nyk will be firmly in the mix for minutes when practice begins in the fall. "Nyk in a short time has already shown that he belongs. His game is mature beyond his years, he plays like he has already been here", Coach Turner said. His coach also spoke on his view of the young point guard and what he sees from Lewis going forward: "What makes him special is his versatility. He guards it really well, makes plays for others, and is an underrated shooter. He’s physically imposing for a freshman and really knows how to play through contact. He has a chance to be one of the next great point guards from the DMV!"   </p>