Boys Basketball: Abdul Lewis of Newark East Side commits to South Alabama

When Abdul Lewis was looking for a college he was seeking one with the kind of family atmosphere he had become accustomed to during his time at Newark East Side. Twelve-hundred miles south, Lewis found that atmosphere and fit he was seeking.

Lewis, a 6-8, 220-pound power forward, made a verbal commitment to continue his career at the University of South Alabama on Monday.

"They're a family down there. That's what I was looking for, to find another family like my East Side team. I think that's the closest I'm going to get," said Lewis, who visited the campus this past weekend. "The coaching staff really seemed genuine. They seem like that they really care about me developing as a basketball player and my future."

Lewis becomes the second East Side senior to make a Division 1 commitment, joining forward Ismael Sanogo, who made a verbal pledge to Seton Hall University in July.

Lewis chose the Mobile school over offers from Wagner, NJIT and American University. The Newark native admitted that leaving the area was an appealing opportunity.

"I kind of wanted to get away from home," he said. "Growing up in Newark is not really one of the best places to grow up, so I did want to get out of the area."

Last season as a junior, Lewis averaged seven points and more than six rebounds per game to help lead East Side to a 25-8 record and its first state title since 2002. Lewis was a Second Team All-Newark selection for the Group 3 champions, who finished No. 14 in The Star-Ledger Top 20.

Expectations for the season ahead are high as East Side returns six of the top eight players from that team, highlighted by Lewis, Sanogo and guards Akbar Hoffman and Ahmad Harrison.

"Our goal is to make it to the Tournament of Champions final and hopefully win it all," Lewis said. "I think we're more than capable and as long as we stay focused, it can happened."

Jags Add Power Forward Commitment

As Augustine Rubit prepares to suit up for his final season at South Alabama, Coach Matthew Graves and his staff must look for the future stars for the South Alabama frontcourt. That search bore fruit this weekend as they secured the commitment of power forward Abdul Lewis of Newark, New Jersey.

Despite an injury that limited him on the AAU summer circuit (he played on the Roadrunners with current freshman guard Aakim Saintil) and cost him valuable recruiting exposure, the 6'8", 220lb athlete had earned offers from George Mason, Wagner, American and NJIT. Schools such as St. Josephs, Fordham and St. Louis had urged him to attend prep school instead of signing this year so that they could further evaluate him. An excellent student (he is already fully qualified), Lewis chose instead to give his commitment to South Alabama.

"I decided to sign with South Alabama because it was just a perfect for me," he told JagsJungle.com. "After hanging out with the coaches and players, I just knew it was where I wanted to be. Those guys are a family. Also, I fit into their style of play and they plan on using my versatility on offense and defense. I love the atmosphere in the South. It's something special that's just not present up North. Just a different feel. Knowing I would be playing with my former AAU teammate, point guard Aakim Saintil, just added another level of comfortability."

Lewis led his East Side High School team to the public school state title this past year, although his correct statistics from that season are not available. The skills he brings to the court will benefit the Raiders in their search for another title and the following year will help the Jags as they seek a Sun Belt title.

"I'm versatile at both ends of the floor," he said. "On offense I can score on the inside and dominate the paint and also step out and make long and mid range shots or beat defenders off the dribble. I have a good ball handle. On defense I can guard the post as well as taller perimeter players. (To be ready for college basketball) I need to improve my explosiveness and strength."

South Alabama expects to sign as many as three players in the fall period, which begins on November 13th.