Scottie Lewis picks Florida over Kentucky, gives Gators super athletic 5-star guard

The Florida Gators have landed one of the best basketball recruits in the country. Scottie Lewis, a 6’4 guard out of New Jersey, picked the Gators over Kentucky on Tuesday night, joining a burgeoning recruiting class for head coach Mike White that now includes three top-50 prospects in the 2019 class, according to 247 Sports.

Lewis is ranked No. 13 in his class by ESPN and Rivals, and No. 11 by 247 Sports. He is one of the biggest names in the 2019 class in part because of his elite athletic ability. Lewis makes plays above the rim on both ends of the court and should be a nightly threat to make SportsCenter’s Top 10 whenever he takes the floor in Gainesville.

He made his announcement on Twitter:

Lewis should be an elite defender out of the gate thanks to his non-stop motor. His skill level needs to continue to improve as a shooter and ball handler, but it’s rare to find a player this explosive in the open court and around the rim.

Lewis gained notoriety from an early age in part because he played high school and grassroots ball with Bryan Antoine, another five-star guard who has committed to Villanova. The director of Lewis’ grassroots team on the Under Armour circuit is Brian Klatsky, who is a Florida alum. Klatsky’s son Alex committed to the Gators over the summer.

Lewis joins a Florida class that already includes 6’4 point guard Tre Mann and 6’9 center Omar Payne.