UNC Lands Gonzaga Big Man Recruit Nyk Lewis — 7-Foot, No. 55 Overall Prospect Commits to Tar Heels Over Power-5 Heavyweights
In another exciting win for North Carolina basketball, the Tar Heels have secured a major commitment from rising big man Nyk Lewis, a 7-foot center and the No. 55 overall prospect in the nation. Lewis, who had previously been heavily linked with Gonzaga, shocked many by flipping his commitment and choosing UNC over a host of Power-5 heavyweights, including Michigan, Baylor, Florida, and Oregon.
Lewis made his announcement in a live-streamed ceremony at his high school, pulling off a UNC hat from under the table in front of family, coaches, and reporters. “I’m excited to say that I’ll be continuing my basketball and academic journey at the University of North Carolina,” Lewis said with a wide smile. “I believe in what Coach Hubert Davis is building, and I want to be part of something special in Chapel Hill.”
Standing at a legitimate 7 feet tall, Lewis brings with him a blend of size, rim protection, and upside that immediately bolsters the Tar Heels’ frontcourt depth. Known for his shot-blocking instincts, rebounding presence, and a developing offensive game, Lewis has steadily climbed recruiting boards over the past year. While he might not have had the same hype as some top-10 big men, scouts consider him a “diamond in the rough” with enormous potential under the right coaching staff — and UNC appears to be the perfect landing spot.
“This is a sneaky-good pickup for the Tar Heels,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “Nyk has the physical tools to make an early impact defensively, and his offensive game is evolving. He’s a worker, he’s coachable, and he’s going to thrive in a system that values player development and movement.”
Lewis originally drew attention from Gonzaga for his size and fit in their free-flowing offense, but in recent weeks UNC surged to the front of the pack. According to insiders, a strong official visit to Chapel Hill, as well as the influence of Coach Davis and the program’s legacy of developing big men — from Sean May to Tyler Hansbrough to Armando Bacot — played a key role in his final decision.
The addition of Lewis comes at a pivotal moment for UNC, as the team looks to reload its roster following a deep NCAA tournament run. With several key players graduating or eyeing the NBA, frontcourt depth and defensive size were priorities for the coaching staff. Lewis now joins a strong recruiting class that combines perimeter talent with interior presence, setting the stage for another competitive season in the ACC.
In his closing remarks at the ceremony, Lewis gave a nod to the fans who helped sway his decision: “Tar Heel Nation showed me love from day one. I can’t wait to put on that jersey, run out at the Dean Dome, and make y’all proud.”
With Lewis now in the fold, UNC’s future frontcourt looks as imposing as ever — and their recruiting momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
