Arizona guard KJ Lewis enters NBA Draft while maintaining option to return to school

gods plan❤️ pic.twitter.com/fJXRLslLRs

— kj lewis (@thekjlewis) April 23, 2024

Though he averaged only 6.1 points and 3.1 rebounds off the bench last season, Lewis gained attention as an NBA Draft prospect because of the physicality and athleticism he displayed on both sides of the court.

"I want to thank all of my coaches and teammates, y'all truly have helped me grow into the player I am today," Lewis posted. "I would especially like to thank the University of Arizona coaching staff for believing in me and guiding through this year and process."

Lewis said his decision was "part of the next steps to grow and develop my game." Entering the draft will allow Lewis to work out privately for NBA teams and, if he is invited, to either the May 10-12 G League Elite Camp or the May 12-19 NBA Combine.

Invitations to the camps are a sign a player is under consideration for an NBA draft pick or a two-way contract between the NBA and G League that pays over $500,000.

Neither Lewis nor senior guard Caleb Love are listed in the major mock drafts as of now. Under an NCAA rule, both players have until 10 days after the NBA Combine (May 29) to withdraw if they want to return to college basketball.

With Love and Lewis now testing the draft, the Wildcats now have only two players remaining for certain from their regular rotation last season: Guard Jaden Bradley and center Motiejus Krivas. Players have until Friday to declare for early entry into the NBA Draft.

Of UA's other regulars last season, wing Pelle Larsson declared for the NBA Draft, center Oumar Ballo transferred to Indiana, guard Kylan Boswell transferred to Illinois and forward Keshad Johnson ran out of eligibility. Both Larsson and Johnson are projected second-round NBA Draft picks.

Arizona also lost three reserve players to the transfer portal: Forward Paulius Murauskas (Saint Mary's), wing Filip Borovicanin (undecided) and center Dylan Anderson (undecided). However, the Wildcats are expected to return reserve guard Conrad Martinez and forward Henri Veesaar.

Arizona's expected 2024-25 roster as of now:

Player, Class, Pos., Ht., Wt., Hometown

Jaden Bradley, Jr., G, 6-3, 200, Rochester, N.Y.

Carter Bryant, Fr,. F, 6-8, 225, Riverside, Calif.

Motiejus Krivas, So., C, 7-2, 260, Siauliai, Lithuania

*KJ Lewis, So., G, 6-4, 205, El Paso

*Caleb Love, Sr,. 6-4, 205, St. Louis

Conrad Martinez, So., G, 6-0, 165, Granollers, Spain

Jamari Phillips, Fr,. G, 6-3, 190, Stockton, Calif.

** Joson Sanon, Fr., G, 6-5, 190, Fall River, Mass.

Emmanuel Stephen, Fr,. C, 7-0, 215, Lagos, Nigeria

Henri Veesaar, Jr., F, 7-0, 225, Tallinn, Estonia

* Entered NBA Draft with option to return

** Member of high school class of 2025 but has expressed intention to reclassify and join Wildcats next season.