New JMU Commit Paul Lewis is Happy to Return Home

By Houston Wilson

JMU picked up a much-needed boost on Saturday night, securing their first transfer commitment of the offseason in Paul Lewis. Lewis spent last season at UTSA, where he averaged 3.5 points per game before a fractured ankle sidelined him in early November. Prior to his time at UTSA, he played two seasons at Vanderbilt. A native of Arlington, Virginia, Lewis starred at Bishop O’Connell High School and is the younger brother of Matt Lewis, JMU’s third all-time leading scorer.

Transfer guard Paul Lewis has committed to JMU, he announced on IG. VA native played two seasons at Vanderbilt, then one for UTSA. pic.twitter.com/7fa7xs0a2l

— LRA_JMU (@LRA_JMU) April 27, 2025

Lewis said the chance to return closer to home was a major factor in his decision.

“One of the main priorities for me was to get closer to home. I have not been able to go to a school that is close to home, but I will now have that opportunity, and my family will be able to come and see me play. The opportunity to play right away was also very appealing. JMU had three high-level scoring guards leave, so they need guys to come in and make shots and I think I will be able to do that right away.”

Lewis also sees a strong fit for his game within JMU’s system.

“They run a lot of actions that I am used to playing in. When I was at Vanderbilt, they ran a few similar actions. They like guards that can shoot the ball, and that is a major strength to my game so I think I fit very well.”

Coming off his injury, Lewis emphasized that he’s focused on putting in the work needed to contribute immediately.

“I am ready to just put in the work and do whatever I need to do to help JMU get wins. I am coming off a fractured ankle, so there is obviously a lot of work to be done to just get back in shape, but I think I can contribute right away.”

Of course, JMU fans are already familiar with the Lewis name. Paul’s older brother, Matt, became one of the greatest players in program history. Paul, however, is focused on building his own legacy.

“Obviously, my brother was one of the greatest players that JMU has ever had, but I try not to think too much about that because everything he did there was great, and I am super proud of him, but I am trying to write my own path. My brother had his own path, and now I get to make my own path at JMU.”

As for expectations, Lewis left no doubt about his goals.

“We have to win the conference next year and just get back to the NCAA Tournament. That's the expectation.”

And when asked what fans can expect from him, Lewis kept it simple:

“I am going to play hard every game and just bring it 100% every game. You will always see a maximum effort from me.”

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(Featured Image Credit: Vanderbilt)