|
|
Post by heathwaldrop on Mar 14, 2006 7:58:15 GMT -6
Jeremy Evans still has not made a commitment yet, but since the Eagles' season ended he has picked up yet another scholarshp offer, this one from Western Kentucky. Western Kentucky is a highly-regarded mid-major basketball program that for some years was a perennial NCAA Tournament team, although this year the Hilltoppers are playing in the NIT.
Evans already has offers from Baylor, Rice, UALR, Arkansas State, ULM, Louisiana Tech, UCA, Murray State and possibly a few others that I either am not aware of or have forgotten about.
An assistant coach from ULM was in to pay a visit yesterday afternoon. I believe that Evans is ULM's top recruiting target.
The late signing period lasts from early April until roughly graduation.
|
|
|
|
Post by heathwaldrop on Mar 20, 2006 16:00:56 GMT -6
Just learned that Evans was named All-State this year. Waiting to see if he was named the Southeast's Outstanding Player or if he's going to the All-Star Game.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eddie Goodson on Mar 20, 2006 19:36:12 GMT -6
Unless a major D-1 school offers, I'm pulling for La Tech.
|
|
|
|
Post by heathwaldrop on Mar 21, 2006 9:46:55 GMT -6
I'm hoping to have a feature on Evans for next week's issue.
|
|
|
|
Post by hilltopperrob on Apr 5, 2006 15:34:49 GMT -6
We would love to have Jeremy play in hilltopper country (wku).
|
|
|
|
Post by Eddie Goodson on Apr 5, 2006 15:55:46 GMT -6
We would love to have Jeremy play in hilltopper country (wku). I'd say there's a 75% chance that will happen. |
|
|
|
Post by heathwaldrop on Apr 7, 2006 19:16:19 GMT -6
Better rethink the percentage. Just talked to Evans today and now he seems to be leaning toward UALR. Kind of surprises me because UALR was supposed to be third on his interest list and really hasn't been in the game for months. Really I figured it was a two-horse race between Western Kentucky and ULM.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eddie Goodson on Apr 7, 2006 22:13:20 GMT -6
Better rethink the percentage. Just talked to Evans today and now he seems to be leaning toward UALR. Kind of surprises me because UALR was supposed to be third on his interest list and really hasn't been in the game for months. Really I figured it was a two-horse race between Western Kentucky and ULM. He would have instant impact at UALR, but he'd get a ton more exposure at WKU. I realize UALR has produced NBA players, but WKU plays nationaly televised games every year and usually is a lock to either make the NIT or the NCAA tourney. |
|
|
|
Post by heathwaldrop on Apr 8, 2006 6:43:22 GMT -6
Checking Hilltopper Haven, WKU made the big tournament for about 10 or 12 straight years. Went NIT this year. Not sure what happened last year.
WKU definitely is the most prestigious program to have come after Evans. Doesn't necessarily mean that it's the best fit for him.
Evans probably will not get a lot of PT as a freshman regardless of where he goes at the D-I level. I think he'd probably be more comfortable being phased in in his first couple of years. More of a project type.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eddie Goodson on Apr 8, 2006 6:49:09 GMT -6
Checking Hilltopper Haven, WKU made the big tournament for about 10 or 12 straight years. Went NIT this year. Not sure what happened last year. WKU definitely is the most prestigious program to have come after Evans. Doesn't necessarily mean that it's the best fit for him. Evans probably will not get a lot of PT as a freshman regardless of where he goes at the D-I level. I think he'd probably be more comfortable being phased in in his first couple of years. More of a project type. Ron Crawford thinks he will have immediate impact. We didn't get to see him in AAU ball, so we don't have a total picture. |
|
|
|
Post by heathwaldrop on Apr 8, 2006 8:07:21 GMT -6
My feeling about Evans' impact has to do more with his demeanor than his talent. He is by nature a really shy and unassuming kid, and even though he was by far the most-talented player in the program ever since he was in eighth grade, he kind of hung back and let others take the lead roles until last year.
In junior high, for instance, he only was an occasional starter. Rod Brown, who was much more aggressive, started since he was a seventh grader. Even in Evans' freshman year he didn't see the kind of playing time that you would expect.
You're right, I never saw him in AAU ball where he would have been surrounded by better players whom he didn't know at first, in a different environment...something akin to what he will be getting in college. He obviously was impressive enough though to earn a starting nod over a bunch of other Division I prospects. So maybe he could come right in somewhere and be a major contributor as a freshman. I just think that his "edge" needs sharpening to do that.
A kid like Solomon Bozeman, for instance, is so strongly-competitive and so self-assured that I think he probably can go right in somewhere and be a part-time starter. Evans is the type of player who builds confidence and comfort over time.
We'll see what happens with him...I'm still really curious about where he's going to end up going.
Also, I figure the ADG "All-Arkansas" (notice the quote marks) will be out in tomorrow's edition. Care to make any wages on whether Evans will chart anywhere on it?
Here are my predictions:
--Brooks Taylor (BIC) will be the Player of the Year (if not him then Bozeman)
--Neither Evans nor Bryan Sherrer will make any of the THREE All-Arkansas teams
--Nobody from the Southeast other than players from Mills will make any of the teams
|
|
|
|
Post by formerd1 on Apr 13, 2006 18:45:52 GMT -6
Guys, UALR has the new Stephens Center (the best arena of any non-BCS school). There is a strong, good coach in place, Steve Shields (he will coach at a bcs school one day).
UALR has won the Eastern division of the Sunbelt the 1st two years of Steve being here (he has been the coach for 3 years). That division has WKU in it and we have beat them to win it.
UALR had a down year this year because of losing their 2 shooting guards. We return a team that should win the Sunbelt this year. With at least preseason 1st team players in: Zack Wright (pg) and JJ (center and 3rd leading rebounder in all of d1 BB, yes Millsap from La Tech has won the rebound crown 3 years in a row).
I personally believe UALR has a brighter future than WKU or La Tech. I played sports for La Tech back in the 80's and the WAC was a great move at the time but with the state being in a money crunch and La Tech being in the far flung WAC I see the school and the state having hard times. Last year Tech played about 10 home games and 20 road games (now they won about 20 games, too).
UALR is in a better position to get home games, coaching, a strong AD, and a more stable college. UALR will probably get an NCAA bid with all the starters but one returning from last years team.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eddie Goodson on Apr 13, 2006 18:52:08 GMT -6
You've convinced me. Now if we can someone who matters convinced as well.
BTW Welcome to the board.
|
|
|
|
Post by heathwaldrop on Apr 17, 2006 16:19:45 GMT -6
The verdict is in, and Evans has committed to Western Kentucky.
Head coach Robert Williams just phoned to tell me about 15 minutes ago.
The paperwork has not been signed yet, but that could happen as soon as tonight.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eddie Goodson on Apr 17, 2006 16:33:17 GMT -6
Excellent news for Jeremy and famliy. He will make a great Hilltopper.
|
|
