Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) scores on a dunk against Clemson in the first half of their Sweet Sixteen game in the NCAA Tournament, Los Angeles, Calif., March 28, 2024.

 Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Arizona guard KJ Lewis won't play in the G League Elite Camp, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, a sign he could be headed back to the Wildcats next season as expected.

Lewis has not posted anything publicly about his future since announcing on April 23 that he was declaring for the NBA Draft while keeping open the option to return to college.

Last spring, UA wing Pelle Larsson entered the NBA Draft and was invited to the G League Elite Camp but turned down the invitation and soon withdrew from the draft and returned to UA.

The G League Elite Camp is a second-tier predraft camp expected to have about  44 players, while 78 top prospects were invited to the more prestigious NBA Combine. The NBA said a “select number of standout players” during the May 10-11 G League camp also would be invited to stay for the NBA Combine from May 12-19.

Larsson and former UA teammate Keshad Johnson were invited to the NBA Combine while Lewis and fellow UA guard Caleb Love were invited to the G League camp.

Love, Lewis, UA guard Jaden Bradley and incoming transfer forward Trey Townsend have all declared for the draft while keeping open the option to return to college basketball.

Since the NBA Draft has only 60 spots, those not invited to the NBA Combine nor the G League Elite Camp face long odds of getting drafted or securing a two-way NBA/G League contract. Players have until May 29 to withdraw under NCAA rules if they want to return to college basketball.

Because of his defense, athleticism and offensive potential, Lewis' name surfaced on NBA mock draft boards early last season. Lewis averaged 6.1 points and 3.1 rebounds off the bench for Arizona last season and is expected to start on the wing if he returns for his sophomore season. 

While Lewis has been spotted in and around McKale Center in recent weeks, Love is spending some time in Chicago before the G League camp.

Oumar Ballo said goodbye to Arizona fans. UA coach Tommy Lloyd has said his decision to leave for Indiana was mutual.

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