International prospect Malique Lewis will withdraw from the draft and return to play for South East Melbourne as part of Australia’s NBL Next Stars program, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony tweets.
Lewis was considered a second-round prospect. He was ranked No. 67 overall on ESPN’s Best Available list.
A native of Trinidad & Tobago, Lewis is a 6’8” wing with a 7’1” wingspan. He’ll try to improve his draft stock once again in the Next Stars program.
The 20-year-old Lewis moved to Spain as a 16-year-old to play for Fuenlabrada in the Liga ACB for two seasons. He joined the Mexico City Capitanes of the NBA G League for the 2023/24 season, where he played in 50 games and averaged 8.3 points and 5.8 rebounds.
Lewis signed with the South East Melbourne last summer and averaged 6.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game last season.