D’Angelo Russell named first-team All-American
March 30, 2015Quality of play vs successful sporting events, While We’re Waiting
March 31, 2015For the second year in a row, Cleveland State is set to lose its leading scorer to another program.
Guard Trey Lewis, who averaged 16.3 points per game for the Vikings this season, has been given his release from the school and is set to transfer. His destination has not yet been determined, but the 6-2 guard is “exploring his options,” according to the CSU athletic department.
Brian Snow of Scout.com was first with the news.
Cleveland State guard Trey Lewis just got his release today. He is a 5th year immediately eligible player. Averaged 16.3 points per this yr
— Brian Snow (@BSnow247) March 30, 2015
It’s an unhappy bit of déjà vu for Viking fans, as Lewis is following in the footsteps of the 2013-14 campaign’s leading scorer, Bryn Forbes. After averaging 15.6 points for the Vikings as a sophomore, Forbes transferred to Michigan State last offseason. Forbes has averaged 8.7 points per game with the Spartans this year, including 14 in their victory over Louisville in the Elite Eight.
Michigan State plays Duke in the national semifinals on Saturday, April 4.
Lewis, a Garfield Heights grad, averaged 16.3 points per game for CSU this season, earning first-team All-Horizon League honors. Seeing a former teammate advance to the Final Four may have inspired Lewis to seek a bigger stage.
Lewis began his college career at Penn State, but transferred to CSU after the coaches who recruited him left for different jobs.
There is only speculation as to where Lewis will wind up as of now, but several major programs are said to be in the mix, including Louisville. Cardinal guard Terry Rozier, a Shaker Heights product, has declared for the NBA Draft, potentially opening up a backcourt spot for Lewis to fill.
The Vikings played at Louisville this season, so Cardinal skipper Rick Pitino has certainly had an up-close look at Lewis. Cleveland State only scored 33 points in their loss at the KFC Yum! Center, but Lewis scored 24 of those.
Garfield Heights coach Sonny Johnson said via Twitter that several schools have inquired about Lewis.
https://twitter.com/sonnyjohnson32/status/582628950154846209
Lewis’ departure means the Vikings will have to replace three starters: Lewis, point guard Charlie Lee, and forward Marlin Mason; the latter two are graduating. Forward Anton Grady is currently slated to return, in which case he will be the Vikings’ go-to scorer.
With Lewis and Lee leaving, there will be plenty of minutes to be had in the CSU backcourt. At least one Viking guard, rising junior Andre Yates, seems to have taken notice.
This summer is gonna be really important.
— Andre Yates (@DreYates11) March 30, 2015
The announcement of Lewis’ transfer adds to a big news day for Cleveland State’s athletic department, as the school also announced that it was cutting its wrestling team while adding a lacrosse program.