Meet the Warriors: Larry Lewis Jr.
There are 10 newcomers on the Hawai’i basketball team, but not all of them are new to NCAA Division I basketball.
Larry Lewis Jr., a 6-foot-2 junior combo guard, is one of the newcomers who is bringing a bit of experience with him to the Warriors. He attended Texas-San Antonio, a NCAA D-I program, for two years – redshirting the 2013-14 season, then averaging 4.5 points per game as a part-time starter as a freshman in the 2014-15 season.
He played his sophomore season at Odessa Community College in Texas last season, averaging 11.1 points per game and shooting 41 percent (48 for 118) from 3-point range. He signed with Hawai’i in May.
“The transition from different systems, I would say would be the toughest thing for me right now,” he said. “But I would say I’m doing a pretty good job right now.”
Lewis is in the mix for playing time at the shooting guard position, and his physical game – and experience – should earn him minutes, one way or another.
“I see myself being an aggressive guard, playing the 2 or 3,” he said. “Just being aggressive, knocking down open shots, getting into the paint, facilitating for my other teammates, making good plays.”
Lewis added that he likes that all five positions are up for grabs, and that every player is being given a fair shot to compete.
“You’re going to come to practice every day willing to work and going 110 percent just because you know the next guy is coming for your position if you don’t bring it yourself each day at practice,” he said.
His previous years at Texas-San Antonio has also allowed him to understand the academic necessities of being a Division I student-athlete. “My first two years, I got a good feel for what a Diviision I university education is like. Here at Hawai’i, we have a great system with providing you with tutors and the help that you need to get ready for tests and quizzes.”
Lewis has been in Hawai’i since the summer, so it has allowed him some time to visit various beaches and hikes.
“Good scenery, good food and stuff like that,” he said. “Hawai’i is a nice place and I’m loving it so far.”
Credit to our wonderful Coaching Staff, doing such a good job of prepared a new team for this season.
Liked everything Jr. said about how good the team is and, what the team will do season long.
Confidence gets the job done; optimistic encouraged for successes.
Hawaii is proud of you!
So stoked for UH basketball! Can’t wait to see the new team in action.
Warrior Insider, thank you for the coverage! I’m really enjoying this ‘Meet the Warriors’ series. Would be interesting to see what the coaches have to say about the new team.