In a significant move for the Kentucky Wildcats, head coach Mark Pope has secured a commitment from four-star point guard Acaden Lewis for the 2025 recruiting class. The Washington, D.C., native chose Kentucky over offers from powerhouse programs such as Duke and UConn, marking a major victory for Pope in his first full recruiting cycle.
Lewis, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound guard, is recognized for his exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities. During his time with Team Durant on the Nike grassroots circuit, he averaged 16.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His commitment adds to an already impressive 2025 class for Kentucky, which includes five-star guard Jasper Johnson and center Malachi Moreno.
This commitment comes on the heels of another key addition to the Wildcats’ roster. Denzel Aberdeen, a senior guard transferring from the Florida Gators, has joined Kentucky for his final collegiate season. Aberdeen brings valuable experience, having averaged 14.4 points per game in five SEC starts last season, and is expected to bolster Kentucky’s backcourt with his three-point shooting and playmaking skills.
With these additions, Coach Pope has effectively filled all 13 scholarship slots for the upcoming season, assuming no further changes with NBA Draft prospects or potential transfers. The Wildcats are now poised to be a formidable contender in the SEC and on the national stage.
As the team prepares for the 2025-26 season, all eyes will be on Coach Pope’s ability to integrate these new talents and lead Kentucky back to prominence in college basketball.
