July 17, 2006

Former George Mason standout Jai Lewis has decided not to continue to pursue a career in professional football but has instead turned his attention toward professional basketball, the sport in which he made a name for himself both locally and nationally.

Lewis, a senior on the men's basketball team this past season, signed a free-agent contract with the New York Giants on April 30, the day the NFL Draft concluded. He attended mini-camp with the Giants and worked as an offensive tackle and long snapper.

Lewis' agent, Jeff Jankovich, told the Washington Post "He doesn't seem to be wrestling with the decision, he doesn't seem to have any second thoughts. He just said his heart wasn't really in the game of football, and that he really wanted to play basketball."

Lewis will likely begin his professional basketball career in Europe, following in the footsteps of teammate Tony Skinn, who recently signed to play in France's A League.

Lewis concluded his collegiate career as one of Mason's all-time greats. This past season, he was first-team All-District, All-State and All-CAA. He was among the all-time top 10 in school history in points, rebounds, field-goal percentage, steals and blocks. He is one of two players in school history, along with George Evans, to score 1,500 points, grab 850 rebounds, hand-out 150 assists and tally 100 steals.