Dukes Sign Transfers Paul Lewis and Gabe Newhof

HARRISONBURG, Va. – The James Madison men's basketball program signed Paul Lewis and Gabe Newhof to aid agreements on Friday, Head Coach Preston Spradlin announced.

Newhof spent the first three seasons of his career at Spring Arbor University in Michigan, culminating in a Third Team NAIA All-American selection following the 2024-25 season. He will have a year left to play at JMU.

Lewis, the brother of former JMU guard Matt Lewis (2017-21), spent 2024-25 at UTSA after beginning his career with two seasons at Vanderbilt. He will have two years of eligibility after being granted a medical redshirt last season.

Gabe Newhof | 6-9 | 225 | Senior | Hudsonville, Mich. | Unity Christian High (Spring Arbor)
Spring Arbor (2022-25):

NAIA Third Team All-American at Spring Arbor University (Mich.) in 2024-25, averaging 21.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game
Played in and started 88 games across his three seasons
Led Spring Arbor to the NAIA national tournament for the first time in five years in 2024-25, while also leading the Cougars to their first 20-win season since 2019-20
Has averaged 21.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists throughout his career, along with blocking 80 shots and shooting 61.1 percent from the field
Scored in double figures in all 31 games this past season, including 23 games with 20-plus and four 30-point games
Season-high 36 points against Grace Christian (Nov. 5)
Has amassed 1,911 points through three seasons – the ninth-most in SAU history
Accrued 703 rebounds (8.0 per game) and 164 assists (1.9 per game) across his three years
Averaged 24.3 points per game in 2023-24 and 19.3 per contest in 2022-23

Spradlin on Newhof: "Gabe comes to us after being one of the nation's top players at the NAIA level. Making the jump to Division I is a challenge that he is looking forward to embracing, along with our staff and the experience we have enjoyed with other top NAIA forwards. His size, skill, and athleticism will translate to this level, but his work ethic and IQ will allow him to make an immediate impact."

Paul Lewis | 6-2 | 175 | Redshirt Junior | Guard | Woodbridge, Va. | Bishop O'Connell (UTSA, Vanderbilt)
UTSA (2024-25):

Spent the 2024-25 season at UTSA, playing in two games before injury and gaining medical redshirt

Vanderbilt (2022-24):

Played in 56 games for Vanderbilt (2022-24), making eight starts
Scored a career-high 18 points against Georgia on Feb. 21, 2024
Shot 39.5 percent (15-of-38) from behind the arc as a freshman in 2022-23
Six career double-figure scoring outputs

High School:

2022 McDonald's All-American Game Nominee at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, Va.

Spradlin on Lewis: "We are thrilled to welcome Paul and his family back to JMU. The history between JMU and the Lewis family has been full of success, and we are excited for the pride that Paul brings to JMU! He brings valuable experience from the SEC, along with his ability as a scoring and playmaking guard."