Men's Basketball | March 15, 2024

If you are considering trying something new in life, Devin Evans is proof that you should never turn it down. Evans originally started playing baseball when he was only three years old. He played organized baseball until he was in the 11^th grade. When he began his 10^th-grade year, he started considering taking basketball seriously because of his height advantage on other players. 
 
Evans grew up in Decatur, Georgia. He moved to Conyers, Georgia during his middle school years. The biggest takeaway Evans had from his time in Conyers is how diverse it is. He enjoyed meeting new people from so many different backgrounds and cultures. Evans transferred schools his senior year of high school to play basketball.
 
The six-foot nine senior began his collegiate playing career at Southwest Mississippi Community College. After one year of playing for the Bears, he transferred to Division I Omaha where he would play for two seasons. Evans still did not feel at home, and he eventually came across the University of South Carolina Aiken. After a call with teammate Jameel Rideout's father, Evans was ready to give the Pacers a chance. He has now spent the last two seasons as a Pacer.
 
His favorite memory with the team was a team building weekend experience at head coach Mark Vanderslice's lake house. In this moment, all worries disappeared for Evans. He got to experience some quality bonding with his teammates and earn memories that he would remember for the rest of his life. 
 
Evans lives with what many people would think of as a disadvantage. Ever since he was born, he has lived with one kidney. People who live with one kidney are encouraged to be extra careful by maintaining a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and drinking more water than others to keep it healthy. Evans does not consider this an extra challenge because he already has to stay healthy and conditioned to stay on the court for basketball. 
 
"I consider this an advantage actually," said Evans. "As an athlete, it is really important to stay hydrated and healthy. This serves as a second reminder to always be hydrated."
 
He looks up to his teammate, Tehree Horn, the most. Horn's work ethic and dedication that he puts into basketball inspires Evans to work harder every day. 
 
Evans has no trouble motivating himself, even on days where it may not be easy. He uses music as his motivation when he needs that extra push.
 
"No matter what someone thinks you can or cannot do, it is up to you to put in the time," said Evans. "You have to want it yourself."
 
His favorite player growing up was Kevin Durant. "He was tall and skinny, and he could do pretty much everything on the court," said Evans. Now, he really enjoys watching Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 
 
A typical offseason for Evans consists of spending time with his friends and his girlfriend. He also trains throughout the week to continue enhancing his game. When he is not playing basketball, he enjoys playing video games. NBA 2K, FIFA, Call of Duty, and Fortnite are his favorite games to play.
 
After Evans graduates, he would like to play basketball professionally overseas. He is very interested in the EuroLeague because he thinks some of the best players in basketball compete there.