Scottie Lewis gave Gator fans good news during a difficult time. The freshman announced on Monday that he will return to school for his sophomore season.
“Gator Nation, as you all know we have some unfinished business,” Lewis wrote. “Our season as cut short and we were not able to complete our season that we were supposed to. My dream of playing in the NBA is still a top priority, but my heart is in Gainesville. With that being said I am more than happy to announce that I will be returning for the 2020-21 season.”
Lewis started 22 games as a freshman. He averaged just 8.5 points-per-game and 3.6 rebounds but started slow offensively. Lewis’ athleticism and defensive grit — he became the first guard to lead the Gators in blocks (36) — was on display early on but his offensive game was just rounding into form towards the end of the year. He scored a career-high 19 in a loss to Kentucky.
“I want to thank my teammates, my coaching staff, and most importantly my family for their unconditional love and support throughout this entire process! I am excited for the journey that lies ahead and my story hasn’t even started and trust me THE BEST IF YET TO COME!”
The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie recently released his 2020 NBA Draft Big Board and Lewis was rated 56th overall. The NBA Draft is currently scheduled to be held on Thursday, June 25 and it is planned, at this time, to be done virtually. Furthermore, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the typical combine and individual workouts with teams are being scrapped. Currently, 17 players have declared for the draft and signed agents. More than 60 other players will test the NBA Draft process but are not signing agents and could return to school.
Lewis’ draft stock would have been helped immensely by those types of meetings and individual workouts, however, returning to school will allow Lewis to continue rounding out his offensive game and be a more complete, well-rounded player.
It’s good news for Mike White and the Gators. Florida will still wait for decisions from Keyontae Johnson — rated 53rd in the class by Vecenie and guard Andrew Nembhard.