Jai Lewis
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| Jai Lewis | |
|---|---|
| College | George Mason University |
| Sport | Basketball |
| Position | Forward |
| Jersey # | 55 |
| Class | 2006 |
| Career | 2002 – 2006 |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 275 lb (125 kg) |
| Nationality | USA |
| Born | February 13, 1983 Aberdeen, Maryland |
| High school | Aberdeen High School, Aberdeen, Maryland |
| Former school(s) | Maine Central Institute |
Jai Lamar Lewis (born February 13, 1983) is an American athlete who currently plays basketball in Israel for Hapoel Galil Elyon.[1]
He grew up in Aberdeen, Maryland and was best known for his career in college basketball at George Mason University. A power forward, Lewis was the primary inside force for the Patriots during their "Cinderella" run to the 2006 Final Four. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants of the National Football League following the 2006 NFL Draft wanting to pursue a career similar to Antonio Gates and Marcus Pollard.
He ended his pursuit of an NFL career as an offensive tackle to pursue his basketball options.[1] Although he was listed at Mason as 6'7", 275 lb (2.01 m, 125 kg), the Giants listed him at 6'5", 292 lb (1.96 m, 133 kg). Lewis' ability to run the floor made him particularly attractive to NFL scouts.[citation needed]
Weeks after leaving the Giants, Lewis signed with KK Bosna for $8,000 a month.[1] Lewis was expected to play a significant role for the defending champions. However, Lewis was released from his contract in just six weeks. The team felt he was too small to play power forward in the Adriatic League.[1]
Shortly after leaving Bosna, Lewis signed to play in Israel for Ironi Ramat Gan. The contract was for "more than $5,000 a month. In twenty-seven games, he averaged 15.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals.[1]
Following his rookie season in Israel, Jai Lewis signed with Strasbourg, a French team. Just four games into the season, with Lewis averaging only 3 points on 27% shooting, Strasbourg released Lewis.[1]
After playing for Strasbourg, Jai Lewis signed with Hapoel Galil Elyon, another Israeli team, to finish the 2008 season. Currently, Lewis is averaging 12.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in league play.[1]
