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 Programs…………
Chapel Hill, N.C. — The North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball program has added a major piece to its future frontcourt with the commitment of highly-touted big man Nyk Lewis. The 7-foot center from Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., announced his pledge to UNC on Friday afternoon, choosing the Tar Heels over several Power-5 heavyweights including Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Kansas.
Lewis, ranked No. 55 nationally in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports Composite, becomes one of the highest-rated big men to commit to North Carolina in recent years. Known for his imposing frame, shot-blocking ability, and developing offensive game, Lewis brings a traditional post presence that head coach Hubert Davis has been actively pursuing to anchor his system moving forward.
“I felt like Carolina was the best fit for me both on and off the court,” Lewis said during his announcement. “Coach Davis has a vision for how I can grow and help the program compete for championships. The culture, the fan base, and the chance to play on one of the biggest stages in college basketball—it just felt right.”
Lewis’s decision comes as a significant recruiting victory for Davis and his staff, who beat out some of the sport’s top recruiters. Lewis had taken official visits to Duke and Michigan State, and was reportedly leaning toward Kansas before a late surge by UNC’s coaching staff helped seal the deal.
Scouts praise Lewis for his rim protection, rebounding instincts, and improving touch around the basket. While still developing as a shooter and playmaker, his mobility and defensive potential make him a high-upside addition to an already strong recruiting class. At Gonzaga College High, he averaged 14.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game as a junior, helping lead the Eagles to the WCAC title game.
“He’s the kind of player that can change a game on the defensive end,” said national recruiting analyst Eric Bossi. “His size and timing make him a force in the paint, and once his offensive skills catch up, he has the tools to be a dominant big in the ACC.”
Lewis becomes UNC’s second commit in the 2025 cycle, joining four-star point guard Jordan Monroe from Georgia. The duo gives the Tar Heels a strong foundation on both ends of the court, pairing Monroe’s perimeter playmaking with Lewis’s interior presence.
The commitment also reflects UNC’s renewed momentum on the recruiting trail under Davis, who has emphasized player development and a modern approach to Carolina’s traditional inside-out system. With Lewis’s pledge, the Tar Heels now sit firmly inside the top 10 in the 2025 class rankings.
Tar Heel fans can look forward to seeing Lewis don the Carolina Blue in the Dean Dome starting in the fall of 2025, where expectations will be high—but so is the ceiling.
