Here's How D1 Madison Helped NBA Player Kira Lewis Jr. Level Up Again | D1 Daily

Pro basketball player Kira Lewis Jr.'s career is back on track, thanks in part to work he did at D1 Training Madison.

At the University of Alabama, Lewis impressed scouts with his blazing speed and scoring ability on the court as a premier point guard. 

In the 2020 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Lewis No. 13, hoping to make him part of their future.

However, injuries soon began to affect him. 

Looking to improve on the court this summer, he turned to D1 Madison, which is about 26 minutes away from his hometown of Meridianville, Ala. 

Lewis saw how D1 Madison head coach Matt Wheeler was helping athletes improve and wanted to train with him. 

The goals? Get stronger, more explosive, and add size.

“We were in constant communication about what he felt like was carrying over to the court and what wasn't,” Wheeler said.

Wheeler said the one thing that's helped Lewis the most is his improved mobility.

“He had more hip and shoulder control as the weeks went by,” he said. “He said it felt like it was easier to get in and out of positions on the court.”

Now, Lewis is playing for the Wisconsin Herd in the NBA G-League, averaging 11.4 points. 

For Wheeler, seeing Lewis' success is amazing.

“He's a great guy, and I want him to be successful wherever he is.”