Miami Hurricanes' Acaden Lewis Named to Bob Cousy Award Watch List

MIAMI, Fla. – Ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season, Miami Hurricanes sophomore Acaden Lewis was one of 20 players named to the Bob Cousy Award Watch List, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Monday.

It's presented annually to Division I's top point guard. Cousy was one of the early pioneers who helped transform basketball into what it is today. The Hall of Famer was a 13-time All-Star, eight-time assist champion, 12-time All-NBA, an MVP, and a six-time NBA Champion.

Cousy played 13 NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963. No. 14 was the first jersey retired by the franchise.

Lewis showed tremendous promise in the Hurricanes' 109-96 exhibition win over Vanderbilt at the Watsco Center. He led the game with 23 points on 75 percent shooting, two rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals in 31 minutes. However, Lewis' performance wasn't entirely flawless, committing seven turnovers.

It's not a concern for the 21-year-old or head coach Jai Lucas, since it was the first time facing an actual opponent rather than practicing against one another.

Lewis is one of eight transfers to Coral Gables, coming off a strong freshman campaign at Villanova. He averaged 12.2 points on 45.6 percent shooting, three rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.9 steals in 33 games (all starts). Lewis received All-Big East honors for all-around players and exclusively for freshmen.

The former Wildcat was the first since the 1998-99 season to average at least five assists. Plus, Lewis established a freshman program record with 176 assists and 63 steals. The Washington (DC) native will look to translate that success to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

After withdrawing from this year's NBA Draft, Lewis officially signed with the Hurricanes, coming off a historic 26-9 turnaround season. He will have an opportunity to sharpen as a combo guard who can score and facilitate. Lewis continues to find that balance of shot-making and getting others involved.

Lucas has built a relationship with the former four-star recruit since working as an assistant at Duke. They met on an official visit and have stayed in touch continuously. Lewis originally committed to Kentucky on Nov. 2, 2024, then took the pledge back five months later, on April 10, 2025. Upon being named the Hurricanes' new head coach, Lucas brought him on an official visit, but it wasn't enough to secure a commitment, as he chose Villanova.

A year later, a full-circle moment has been completed, with four months of a season together approaching.

The 20-player watch list will be narrowed to 10 candidates in February before five finalists are announced in March. Those players will be presented to Cousy and the Hall of Fame's selection committee, which will determine the award recipient. Fan voting begins Friday, Oct. 30, and will take place during each of the three rounds.

After being ranked No. 14 on the Associated Press' Top 25 preseason poll, the Hurricanes will tip off the season against the No. 1 Florida Gators at Tampa on Nov. 2.

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