Next Star Lewis locks in before NBA leap

Withdrawing from the NBA Draft wasn’t an easy decision, but Malique Lewis believes another year in the Hungry Jack’s NBL will help him become a more complete player and give him the best shot at achieving his dream.

Returning for a second season with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, the 20-year-old Next Star has been working closely with coach Josh King on some ambitious goals for NBL26.

“He (King) wants me in the Defensive Player of the Year conversations. That fuels me,” Lewis said on NBL Now.

“When I lock in defensively, it gives me confidence in every other part of my game. He tells me to be myself and just do what I know I can do.”

Lewis averaged 7 points and 4.1 rebounds a game last season and is determined to elevate his impact in the upcoming campaign.

Withdrawing from the draft gave him the chance to reset, reflect, and zero in on the areas he wants to improve.

“Mentally, I knew I had a lot to work on and I'm still working on it, piece by piece, step by step,” Lewis said.

“Physically, I'm getting there, trying to get my body right. There were a lot of things lingering from last season that I’ve had to be disciplined with, working on becoming more professional.

“I think last year I was holding myself back. Josh wasn’t putting any restrictions on me; it was more me not being as confident. Nothing’s really changed. It’s just about going out there, being myself, playing hard, and letting everything translate.

“I’m being more aggressive, not waiting for things to come to me. Hunting shots, hunting guys on defence, and letting everything flow naturally.”

Lewis said defence would remain the foundation of his growth and development.

“I take pride in defence. I don’t like getting scored on too much,” he continued.

“I can score points, but if someone scores on me too easily, I get pissed after the game. Since I was young, playing with grown men, I was always told to defend hard. It stuck with me. I want to guard whoever’s in front of me to the best of my ability. It’s not about arrogance, I just believe certain guys shouldn’t score on me in certain ways. That drives me.”

If he executes his plan, that NBA dream could soon become a reality, just as it did for so many of his mates last year.

“You see it, and they text you, telling you how training camp feels, what it’s like, and it makes you want to experience it yourself. I want to walk up on that stage, shake hands, put the hat on, all of it. Seeing that makes me believe in it more and motivates me to keep working,” Lewis added.

“I just focus here. If I get my body right, eat right, sleep right, and do everything properly, it’ll translate to the court. Playing better will help me get drafted and stay in the NBA.

“I don’t regret any decision I’ve made. I think being here helps me a lot, competing against professionals. Coming back another year will only make me better and more prepared for what’s next.”