Of course, though he was more efficient last year, offense was never his strength. He was arguably Florida’s best defender last season, finishing second in steals and first in blocks with 36 of each. He’s still defending well this season, but he hasn’t been as dominant.
He has 31 steals and 22 blocks on the year, both of which are good for third on the team. But with the strong defense being played by Mann and Appleby, Lewis’ backcourt defensive hegemony is not as clear-cut as it was last season.
Of all the players on this Florida team that could use a breakout NCAA Tournament, perhaps none would cherish it more than Lewis, who would certainly love to end the season on a higher note.
Leaving for the NBA Draft may be out of the question this season, but if things continue to not work in Gainesville, it’s possible he could try to follow Andrew Nembhard‘s lead and seek greener pastures elsewhere.
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