Top-Ranked 2027 Center Lewis Uvwo Commits to Providence

Lewis Uvwo, the No. 1 center in the class of 2027, announced his commitment to Providence on Wednesday, choosing the Friars over Baylor, Kentucky, and California.

Lewis Uvwo, the top-ranked center in the class of 2027, committed to Providence on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. According to ESPN, the 6-foot-11 Nigeria native is the program's highest-ranked recruit in at least 20 years and its first five-star pledge since the ESPN recruiting database launched in 2007. Uvwo, who attends Prolific Prep in California, selected the Friars following visits to his other finalists: Baylor, Kentucky, and California.

During 22 games on the Nike EYBL circuit with the Nightrydas, Uvwo averaged 10.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and a circuit-leading 5.1 blocks per game. He shot 64% from the field, ranking fourth among players with at least 10 games played, and finished fifth in rebounding. At the Peach Jam in July, he averaged 6.0 blocks over a seven-game span, highlighted by a 10-block game against Team Herro and a nine-block performance against Drive Nation.

The 17U EYBL Defensive Player of the Year possesses a 7-foot-7 wingspan and a 9-foot-3 standing reach. Uvwo, who began playing basketball at age 15, is the first commitment for head coach Bryan Hodgson in the 2027 class. His commitment follows the August addition of Javon Bardwell, a top-40 recruit who reclassified from 2027 to the 2026 class. Uvwo’s ranking surpasses previous high-profile Providence commitments Ricky Ledo and Kris Dunn, who both joined the program as top-25 recruits in 2012.