Lewis made the All-Metropolitan team in the DC area while only playing half the season for Groveton High. As a freshman at WVU, he averaged 12.9 points and 9.4 rebounds on the freshman team. Entering his sophomore year, he was the youngest player on the 1966 varsity team. His freshman year, he had showed excellent potential but needed to steady himself, mature and be brought along slowly. Lewis was, however, red-shirted in 1966 due to operations on both his knees. Returning his junior year, he was considered a flashy type who could play either a wing or back-line position. It was believed if he was healthy he could potentially add board strength with his great leaping ability. His speed and shooting talents would have fit well into the fast-break attack.