Make wishtv.com your home page

Lyles hopes to be a champion again

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Almost exactly a year ago, Indianapolis native Trey Lyles was leading Arsenal Tech to its first ever state basketball championship. Fast forward to the present, and the now Kentucky freshman is looking to make history again.

“So crazy. You couldn’t have written it better,” said Trey’s dad, Tom. “He goes to Decatur Middle School, wins a championship there, goes to Tech and things start off rough, but wins a state championship there. Now here you are back in Indianapolis fighting for a championship, it’s incredible.”

After an incredibly successful high school career that included Mr. Basketball and McDonald’s All-American Honors, Trey has been a critical piece in this Kentucky crew’s rise to 38-0. He started 20 games, averaging almost 9 points and 5 rebounds a game.

His dad says life has really changed this past year for Trey.

“More people are calling that’s for sure,” said Tom. “He’s more recognized now outside of Indiana, but he’s stayed to what we’ve always preached, stay true to who you are.”

While it’s not popular to bleed blue in these parts, Tom thinks fans should see things a little different this weekend.

“It’s not about the schools,” added Tom. “It’s not about the player representing himself, it’s about him representing the state of Indiana, and it’s amazing.”