NBA Comparison: Sean Elliott/Devin Vassel

Strengths: Long, rangy athlete with a scorer’s mentality … A late bloomer who was somewhat unknown on the national level entering his sophomore season … Has blossomed into Pepperdine’s key player, and one of the top players in the nation, averaging 19 ppg on highly efficient 50/40/84 shooting splits … Very good shooting stroke with concise, fluid, repeatable motion … Has developed into a consistent and efficient scorer, taking the reigns for Pepperdine as the go to scoring option … Has demonstrated clutch play when they need a basket and has no problem shouldering a large chunk of the scoring load … Has the natural athleticism to play the wing on both ends at the next level … Very good catch and shoot ability. And can also get out in transition and make above the rim highlight finishes … Active on the glass at 6 rebounds per game … At just 20 years of age (turned in July), shows untapped physical potential. … Solid efficiency as a freshman at 11 ppg and efficient shooting clips (36% from 3, 80% FT) and has improved on those numbers … 2.7 assists per game shows some ability to find teammates when he’s unable to create for himself …

Weaknesses: Lewis’ major weakness right now is his lack of defensive consistency, intensity and focus. He obviously showed the length and athleticism to be a solid defender but has a ways to go in becoming a dependable performer on that end of the floor … His offensive game would be greatly enhanced if his handles were better. Not proficient at beating opponents off the dribble and struggles to create when guarded by long, athletic opponents … Tends to get erratic and turn the ball over at times when he’s driving to the basket … Should look to add some weight to his frame to be able to finish stronger and become tougher defensively and on the boards … Basketball awareness still a work in progress, which is most apparent on the defensive end of the floor … Can get burned by his man off the ball and struggles some in the area of team defense … Level of competition at Pepperdine raises some question marks about his ability to perform at the same level of production and consistency against better players … Pepperdine has struggled to compete in Conference play, giving detractors fuel to criticize Lewis ability to carry team on his shoulders for wins …

Outlook: Coach Romar who has coached numerous NBA players such as Brandon Roy,  Isaiah Thomas, Nate Robinson, Markelle Fultz, Dejounte Murray, Matisse Thybulle and Terrence Ross, said, “In 26 years as a head coach, I’ve never seen a player improve as much as (Lewis) has from the first day on campus until now. He’s made the biggest jump of anyone I’ve ever coached,” said Coach Romar …

Notes: Native of Las Vegas, NV … Attended AZ Compass high school … An “accomplished” saxophonist … Measured 6′ 6.25” barefoot, 8′ 8.50” standing reach, 207.2 lbs and a 7′ 0.00” wingspan and a 32.5 inch standing vertical and a 36.5′ inch max vertical at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine …

Aran Smith 1/31/23