As we continue making our way through the new Longhorns around Moody Center, it’s time for Amari Evans. The former Tennessee Volunteer comes into Austin as a true defensive specialist that can guard any position. Offensively, he has quite a ways to go but the Longhorns are unlikely to need Evans to carry a major load on that side of the ball. He’s slated to be a true defensive first wing that can consistently draw the other teams top offensive option.
2025 Stats: 4.1 PPG, 3.2 REB, 1 STL, 41.9% FG percentage.
Evans had an up and down campaign last season but did have major flashes. He notched 24 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals against Vanderbilt while shooting 50% from the field. He also topped 14 points twice, including a perfect shooting performance against Arkansas. Outside of that, he was not overly productive offensively throughout the year but with multiple years of eligibility, major strides can be taken.
Similar to Elyjah Freeman, Evans will be a part of the replacement options for Dailyn Swain. His length and versatility defensively take the pressure off the guards on the defensive side of the ball. That’s invaluable, especially when Texas figures to lean on multiple freshmen in the back court.
It’s rather unlikely Evans is an offensive leader for the Longhorns this season. That being said, if he can improve his three-point shooting from under 25% to slightly over 30%, that will be productive enough. Especially considering the load Johnson, Punch and Vokietaitis will carry offensively, Texas needs the lockdown defenders and that’s exactly what Evans is.
This transfer portal class for Texas has been very well constructed. They added a true offensive engine(Isaiah Johnson), an elite running mate for Vokietaitis(David Punch) and two remarkable wing defenders(Evans and Elyjah Freeman). Tomorrow, it’s about the veteran depth guard that gives the second line a true leader, Mikey Lewis. The former Saint Mary’s star comes in with great length and confidence Texas needs behind Johnson and Goosby.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Fresh Faces On The Forty: Transfer wing Amari Evans
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
