Kentucky men’s basketball lost what was supposed to be a valuable addition to its 2025-26 roster on Thursday night as Jonathan Givony of ESPN reported that four-star commit Acaden Lewis has decommitted from the program. 

“I will always be grateful to Coach Pope and the entire Kentucky staff for believing in me,” Lewis told ESPN. “It is clear Kentucky is a special place with an amazing fanbase, but as I reflect on what is best for my future, I have decided to re-open my recruitment. This was an incredibly difficult decision, but after a lot of discussion with my family and people I trust, I feel this is necessary. This is not in any way a reflection of any negative feelings towards Coach Pope and Kentucky. I appreciate your understanding and am excited for what the future holds.”

Lewis, a 6-foot-2 point guard, committed to Head Coach Mark Pope and Kentucky back on Nov. 2 and, shortly after, he officially signed his national letter of intent on Nov. 14. 

The Washington D.C. native is listed as the 35th best overall recruit in the nation, while also being recognized as the fifth best point guard in the nation according to 247Sports.

Lewis held a spot in the 2025 Wildcat recruiting class that consisted of four-star center Malachi Moreno and four-star guard Jasper Johnson. Lewis was the second-highest overall rated recruit out of the three, sitting behind Johnson, who is ranked as the 20th best recruit in the nation. 

Although the decommitment from Lewis was shocking to many, Kentucky fans still have a lot to be thrilled about as Pope and his staff have been actively working in the transfer portal, officially adding Tulane transfer Kam Williams, Pittsburgh transfer Jaland Lowe, Alabama transfer Mohaumed Dioubate and Arizona State transfer Jayden Quaintance.