Tyler Lewis transfers to a mid-major who lost its coach last year (who pretty clearly saw the writing on the wall, talent-wise), and finished 14-17 last season. Very clearly a step down from NC State.
Tyler Lewis: “I need a coach that has full confidence in me and someone I can trust.” http://t.co/a4mVtHBZh7
— Derek Medlin (@DerekMedlin) April 4, 2014
“I love N.C. State,” Lewis said. “I committed during my junior year in high school so I feel like I’ve been there forever but I felt like it was time to move on.”
Lewis, a McDonald’s All-American out of Statesville, started 18 games and averaged 4.4 points and 3.8 assists per game this past season. His late move into the starting lineup in February helped push the Wolfpack into the NCAA tournament for a third straight season.
Lewis had seven points and eight assists in the Wolfpack’s 74-59 win over Xavier in the first round of the NCAA tournament. His potential game-winning shot at the end of regulation in a 83-80 loss to Saint Louis in the Round of 64 rimmed in and out.
Lewis started the final 14 games of the season but was in a position where he would have to share time next season with both Cat Barber and Alabama transfer Trevor Lacey.
The prospect of playing next season without star forward T.J. Warren, one of Lewis’ best friends and primary advocate for playing time with coach Mark Gottfried, also factored into his decision to transfer, Lewis said.
The chance to play in a system with more pick-and-roll plays and screens for the point guard was also an important part of the decision, Lewis said.
“I think it’s the right place for me,” Lewis said.
