Amari Evans is one of those rare prospects who really means it when he says the only thing he cares about is winning.
“Most guys want to get their numbers; Me too, but I’m the type of guy who will do whatever it takes to win,” Evans said. “There are so many ways to influence this game, so if my shot misses, I know I can protect anyone. That’s what I can focus on if it’s not my day. As long as we win, I’m fine.
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Naturally, college coaches were lining up to recruit the talented winger with the “team first” mentality, but in the end, Evans narrowed his list down to: Xavier, Pitt And Tennessee.
“It was difficult, but I focused on enjoying the process,” Evans said. “Most guys don’t get to that point.”
This summer, Evans averaged 14 points, six rebounds and two assists per game for the NH Lightning. He flourished as a multi-faceted scorer, as capable of filling the field from the perimeter as he was of scoring with and through contact on the drive.
Evans has developed a reputation nationally for bringing top-notch energy to both ends of the court.
“I want to be at a school that values what I do,” Evans said. “It’s important. I want to be somewhere with intense coaching and at a school that values winning and playing fast. I think this would be the perfect system for me.
Unfortunately, according to Evans, that won’t make the decision any easier since all three picks check those boxes in his eyes.
Pitt: “It’s my hometown and I have good relations with Jason Capel and coach Jeff Capel and staff. I feel like they’re building a winning program, and the energy is just awesome. Who doesn’t want to play in front of their hometown.”
Xavier: “Sean Miller is from Pittsburgh, so that connection was automatic. Then, I like that it’s strictly basketball, so you have to improve. If you don’t improve there, it’s your fault.
Tennessee: “I have a great relationship with the coach Rod Clark. I like that they take pride in their defense, which is one of the strongest aspects of my game.”
Evans has already made official visits to all three finalists and has begun to engage in intense conversations with his family and friends about which school will be best for him.
“Right now, I’m having a lot of conversations about different aspects of each school,” Evans said. “We talk about the staff, the different opportunities I’ll have as a rookie, relationships and things like that. I haven’t made up my mind, but I wanted to set the date because I want to sign early.
