Recruiting Report: Justin Lewis (2020)
The class of 2020 in Maryland is filled with high-major talent. Somewhere atop of that list is 6’8 forward Justin Lewis. If you live in Baltimore and follow the high school hoops scene, you most likely know that Lewis is the real deal. For those who haven’t had the chance to watch him yet, I urge you to make it out at least once and you’ll be very impressed.
Whenever a player of Lewis’ caliber decides to transfer schools, it’s a huge deal. That’s exactly what he did this summer when he transferred from Calvert Hall to Poly. After a solid freshman campaign with averages of eight points and 10 rebounds, Lewis will join forces with a special Poly team that returns the core from last season that won the 3A state title. Losing Dre Perry (Temple) will be a huge void to fill, but getting Lewis certainly helps lessen the blow. Poly’s coaching staff is phenomenal at developing players, so it won’t be surprising to see Lewis blossom into the player his potential indicates.
Prior to making his decision to transfer, Lewis had a packed summer that included playing for Team Melo 15U and being selected to participate in eighth annual USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team.
“I improved my jumpshot and ball-handling,” Lewis told PrepHoops. “Just being able to play more like a guard.”
Lewis is already versatile. There were plenty of situations where he was used as the ‘point forward.’ Now that he has become more confident and tightened up his ball-handling, it’ll probably be even more of a common sight after he corrals a rebound. Lewis is one of the special talents that has very high basketball IQ. He passes well from the high post and on the break, but also has the ability and athleticism to take it upon himself and finish with a dunk in traffic.
Lewis holds offers from UNLV, Georgia Tech, St. Johns, Penn State, Old Dominion, Kansas State and Boston College. Xavier, N.C. State, Temple, Maryland and UCF are among the teams that have shown interest.
The big man holds a 3.8 gpa currently and looks forward to a continuation of hard work both on and off the court. When asked what his mindset is for the upcoming season, Lewis said, “I didn’t win anything last year. I want to keep the tradition going at Poly and bring home another championship.”
I got that Dog???? in me ???? pic.twitter.com/GK8Micm4Ke
— Justin Lewis (@jusbuckets_5) August 8, 2017