UNC Lands Gonzaga Big Man Recruit, Nyk Lewis- 7-Foot No.55 Overall Prospect Commits To Tar Heels Men’s Basketball Over Power-5 Heavyweights Programs.

UNC LANDS GONZAGA BIG MAN RECRUIT, NYK LEWIS – 7-FOOT NO.55 OVERALL PROSPECT COMMITS TO TAR HEELS MEN’S BASKETBALL OVER POWER-5 HEAVYWEIGHT PROGRAMS

Chapel Hill, NC – The college basketball recruiting trail just heated up in a major way, and the University of North Carolina has emerged as the big winner. In a stunning announcement, 7-foot center Nyk Lewis, ranked No. 55 overall nationally, has committed to join the UNC Tar Heels men’s basketball program, choosing Chapel Hill over a long list of Power-5 heavyweights, including programs such as Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, and Gonzaga.

Lewis, originally tied to Gonzaga during much of the recruiting process, stunned analysts and fans alike by flipping his decision and pledging loyalty to the Tar Heels. The towering big man is known for his blend of size, agility, and defensive prowess, making him one of the most intriguing frontcourt prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. Scouts have raved about his shot-blocking instincts, soft hands around the rim, and an improving mid-range jumper that makes him a dual threat on both ends of the floor.

For North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis, this commitment marks another significant recruiting victory. After reestablishing the Tar Heels as national contenders in recent seasons, Davis has made it clear that his vision for UNC basketball is centered around attracting elite talent that thrives in both skill and culture. Adding a seven-footer of Lewis’s caliber not only strengthens the Tar Heels’ interior presence but also signals to future recruits that Chapel Hill is once again the ultimate destination for big-time college basketball.

The decision didn’t come lightly. Lewis fielded offers from nearly every top program in the country, and insiders expected him to stick with Gonzaga, where the Bulldogs’ history of developing big men seemed to align perfectly with his game. However, a late push from UNC’s coaching staff, combined with the allure of playing at the Dean Dome and competing in the ACC, sealed the deal.

UNC fans celebrated across social media immediately after the news broke, hailing the addition as a program-shifting commitment. For a Tar Heel team already building one of the nation’s top recruiting classes, Lewis’s presence in the paint could be the final piece that elevates them into championship contention.

The message is clear: North Carolina basketball isn’t just back—it’s building for the future, one five-star recruit at a time.