Kira Lewis Jr. to Forgo Remaining Eligibility, Sign with Agent

University of Alabama guard Kira Lewis Jr. announced on Tuesday morning that he would forgo his last two years of eligibility at the Capstone and sign with an agent, keeping his name in the NBA draft.

He was the Crimson Tide’s leading scorer last season, averaging 18.5 points, while shooting an efficient 45.9 percent from the field. The Meridianville, Ala. native also led the team in assists (5.2), steals (1.8), minutes (37.6), and field goals made (206).

His 37.6 minutes per game also led the entire Southeastern Conference. The 6-foot-3, 165 pound point guard was named to the All-SEC First Team after his sophomore campaign.

“My continuous prayers are with our world during these uncertain times as we experience the COVID-19 pandemic,” Lewis said through a social media post. “For as long as I can remember, playing in the NBA has always been a dream of mine. I am truly thankful for the love and support shown by my coaches, teachers, trainers, teammates and fans.

"To my parents: Thank you for always believing in me and being in my corner no matter the circumstances. I would like to thank the University of Alabama staff – present and former – for allowing a kid from Meridianville, Ala., to live out his dream of playing college basketball. Lastly, to all of my supporters: Y’all have made this a memorable experience and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Lewis was named First Team All-SEC and First-Team All-District by the United States Basketball Writers Association.

The 19-year-old point guard ranked as one of the top transition players in all of college basketball. His 5.1 transition points per game were fourth-best among all Division I players this past season.

“We are excited for Kira and his family,” Alabama head coach Nate Oats said in a statement. “Whichever team drafts Kira will be getting a special player. He’s the fastest kid from one end of the floor to the other that I’ve ever coached. The NBA has gone to a game of pace and getting up-and-down, so I think he fits the direction the league is going.

"He is a great kid who wants to be in the gym and get better. I think he’s going to help a team. The fact that he’s only just turned 19 years old and has played two years of college basketball gives him a high potential. I think someone will take him in the first round, and I’d love to see him go as high as possible.'

Memorable moments from Lewis this past year include his career-high night against the Georgia Bulldogs, scoring 37 points and dishing out seven assists in the team’s 105-102 overtime victory.

Just days after that, he become the first Crimson Tide player since Roy Rogers in 1996 to record a triple-double, and only the second one in program history, with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists in a 95-91 overtime loss at Auburn.

Most NBA mock drafts have Lewis being selected in the mid-to-late first round. In Sports Illustrated’s latest mock, he is drafted by the Miami Heat with the 23rd pick.

Lewis is the first of three Crimson Tide players to announce their intentions to remain in the draft. Junior wings John Petty Jr. and Herbert Jones have until June 15 to make a decision on either returning to Tuscaloosa or continuing their efforts to go pro.

Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats has hinted at Jones returning next season, while Petty is still undecided.

Can’t wait to get back in the gym with Herb. Huge year ahead for him. Nobody was able to see a healthy @_hoopinglife this past year. He will shock some people this upcoming season. https://t.co/G5QtmxX97p
— Nate Oats (@nate_oats) April 18, 2020

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