Villanova has a long history of success in the backcourt.
From Kyle Lowry to Scottie Reynolds to Ryan Arcidiacono and Jalen Brunson, the Wildcats have seen many point guards find success in year one.
Acaden Lewis has followed in line and has continued to get better as the season has gone on.
Kevin Willard landed a big fish when Lewis, an original Kentucky commit, flipped to Villanova. He has turned into a major weapon for a Wildcats’ team that has reached 21 wins and is in position to return to the
NCAA Tournament.
Over the last six games, Lewis has played 31 minutes or more in each while dishing out six or more assists four times. Lewis is averaging 12.7 points and 5.3 assists per game this season — and those numbers continue to rise.
If there is a knock on Lewis’ game thus far, he is not a strong three-point shooter. With that being said, his work from deep against Georgetown Feb. 7 saved the team from a poor loss on the road. This was a game where he finished with 26 points on 11-for-15 from the field. Fast forward to Tuesday night, Lewis put up 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists as Villanova defeated Xavier in overtime.
For reference, Lewis has matched up with some of the all-time Villanova guards in year one:
- Acaden Lewis (2025-26): 12.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.1 steals, 47.2% FG
- Scottie Reynolds (2006-07): 14.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 38.7% FG, 37.6% 3PFG
- Ryan Arcidiacono (2012-13): 11.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, 34.3% FG
- Jalen Brunson (2015-16): 9.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 45.2% FG, 38.3% 3PFG
- Kyle Lowry (2004-05): 7.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 42.1% FG
This is giving a glimpse of some of the top guards that have come through the program over the last two decades. Lewis has also put up numbers that compare to the first years of the great Alvin Williams, Kenny Wilson, and Tom Ingelsby.
There is still plenty to accomplish. The Wildcats have five games remaining in the regular season before entering the Big East Tournament. Villanova has a chance to enter the big dance with 25 wins if it can close out the year strong and win a game in the conference tournament.
If Lewis continues on this path, he has a chance to land on the Big East First Team while being named the Freshman of the Year.
