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."
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