Ernie Lewis (basketball)

Ernie "Pop" Lewis

Personal information
Born	c. 1966 Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	January 10, 2018(2018-01-10) (aged 52) Pennsylvania, U.S.
Listed height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight	195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school	Germantown Academy (Fort Washington, Pennsylvania)
College	Providence (1983–1987)
NBA draft	1987: undrafted
Position	Guard / Forward

Ernie "Pop" Lewis (c. 1966 – January 10, 2018) was an American college basketball player who played as a 6 ft 4 in guard/forward for the Providence Friars from 1983 to 1987. A reliable perimeter shooter and team co-captain, Lewis was a key contributor during Providence's run to the Final Four under head coach Rick Pitino.

Early life and high school

Lewis was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where he quickly developed a passion for basketball. He attended Germantown Academy, a private school near Philadelphia known for producing top-tier athletic talent. At Germantown, Lewis emerged as a standout guard, earning a reputation for his poise, shooting ability, and natural leadership both on and off the court. Coaches and teammates affectionately gave him the nickname “Pop” due to his maturity, calm demeanor, and veteran-like presence on the court—traits rarely seen in a high school player. Lewis became widely regarded as one of the premier guards in the Philadelphia area during his time, consistently recognized for his steady play and unflappable nature. His performances drew significant interest from several NCAA Division I programs, ultimately leading him to commit to Providence College. There, he would go on to become a key contributor to the Friars’ program, playing an instrumental role in one of the most memorable tournament runs in school history.

College career

Lewis joined the Providence Friars in 1983 and played four seasons under head coaches Joe Mullaney and later Rick Pitino. Appearing in 102 games over his college career, Lewis earned a reputation as a steady, hard-working player whose reliability made him an essential part of the Friars’ rotation.

By his senior season in 1986–87, Lewis had developed into one of the team's co-captains and top contributors. That year marked the NCAA’s introduction of the three-point line, and Lewis thrived in the new era of perimeter shooting. He averaged 11.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while converting 95 of 220 attempts from beyond the arc—an impressive 43.2 percent. His sharpshooting helped propel the Friars to a 25–9 record and a Cinderella run to the Final Four.

Under the guidance of coach Rick Pitino and alongside teammates such as future NBA head coach Billy Donovan and guard Delray Brooks, Lewis helped Providence defeat heavily favored teams en route to a national semifinal appearance. The Friars' magical run eventually ended with a loss to conference rival Syracuse, but Lewis’s performance throughout the season left a lasting mark on the program.

Over his four-year career, Lewis averaged 7.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, steadily improving each season and peaking in his senior year. He remains remembered at Providence not only for his statistical contributions, but also for his leadership and clutch performances during one of the most historic seasons in school history.

Career statistics

Legend

GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high

Season	Team	G	MP	FG	FGA	FG%	3P	3PA	3P%	FT	FTA	FT%	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	TOV	PTS
1983–84	Providence	17	158	18	43	.419	–	–	–	9	13	.692	18	18	2	3	17	45
1984–85	Providence	20	190	35	82	.427	–	–	–	15	19	.789	34	13	7	7	2	85
1985–86	Providence	31	709	100	225	.444	–	–	–	32	38	.842	100	81	39	8	38	232
1986–87	Providence	34	999	137	335	.409	95	220	.432	32	40	.800	143	90	52	11	123	401
Career		102	2056	290	685	.423	95	220	.432	88	110	.800	295	202	100	29	180	763

Lewis’s collegiate statistics are available via Sports-Reference.com.

Memorable moment

On January 28, 1987, Lewis hit a corner three-pointer with under three seconds remaining to secure an 82–79 win over #11 Georgetown in a critical Big East clash. This buzzer-beater remains one of the most iconic shots in Friars history.

Harold Starks, a former teammate, described Lewis as gentle and widely admired, saying he carried himself quietly both on and off the court—but was always reliable from beyond the arc.

The Morning Hangover.

Playing style

Lewis was recognized for his consistent shooting mechanics and composure during games. He was effective in catch-and-shoot situations and adapted well to the introduction of the three-point line in the 1986–87 season, finishing with a 43.2 percent success rate from beyond the arc. Coaches and teammates noted his tendency to make sound decisions and contribute within the team’s offensive structure, rather than focusing on individual scoring. Lewis was known for his smooth, compact shooting form and ability to remain composed under pressure. A natural spot-up shooter, he excelled in catch-and-shoot situations and was particularly effective from long range, especially during the 1986–87 season when the NCAA introduced the three-point line. His high shooting percentage—43.2 percent from beyond the arc that season—reflected both his strong mechanics and shot selection. Teammates and coaches described him as a player who rarely forced shots and focused on making the right play rather than accumulating individual statistics.

Professional prospects

Lewis was eligible for the 1987 NBA draft but was not selected. He briefly participated in regional pro–am leagues and summer circuits but did not sign with an NBA franchise.

Awards and honors

Year	Honor	Organization	Ref.
1987	Final Four – Co-captain	Providence College
1987	Providence 3‑point percentage leader (.432)	Big East Conference
1987	Ranked 3rd all-time in single-season 3‑point field goals made for Providence (95)	Providence men’s basketball records

Media coverage

• The Washington Post noted that Lewis was part of a Final Four team “built around the three-point shooting of Billy Donovan, Delray Brooks and Pop Lewis.”

• The New York Times observed that Providence’s 1987 Final Four finish “puts pressure on a new coach,” highlighting Lewis as a key component of a roster built around strong perimeter shooting.

• ESPN highlighted his 42% shooting on 220 three-point attempts as co-captain of the 1986–87 Final Four team.

• The Los Angeles Times reported on Providence’s upset of Georgetown in the Southeast Regional, noting that Lewis “scored only seven points,” was in foul trouble, and relied on the Friars’ interior play to complement their perimeter shooting.

• Providence Journal reported on Lewis’s death, highlighting his role as co-captain of the Friars' 1987 Final Four team and his contributions as a three-point shooter.

• Sports Illustrated featured Ernie "Pop" Lewis in its coverage of Providence’s 1987 Final Four run, noting how the Friars “made believers of ’Bama and Georgetown” during their underdog performance in the Southeast Regional.

• The Oklahoman revisited the impact of the 1987 Providence coaching staff and players, quoting Billy Donovan on how Lewis and his perimeter scoring, alongside others, helped spark a point‑shooting revolution under Rick Pitino.

Legacy

Lewis is remembered by Friar fans for his clutch shooting and leadership during the program’s historic 1986–87 season. His three-pointer against Georgetown remains a defining moment in Providence basketball history. Teammates and coaches recalled his humility and competitive spirit as essential to the team’s success.

"They worked so incredibly hard… It was wonderful to see them rewarded for their incredible efforts." — Jim Sendek, Friars assistant coach, Providence College.

Lewis died on January 10, 2018, in Pennsylvania, at age 52. Following his death, colleagues cited his professionalism and contributions to the Friar community.

Personal life

Lewis was engaged to his longtime companion, Denise Logan, at the time of his passing. He is survived by his son, Khalil; two stepchildren, Hannah and Ezekiel; his brother, Burnell “Snapp” Lewis; and his sister, Bennita Small.