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Basketball

Tennessee Secures Prized Recruit Amari Evans, Bolstering Promising 2025 Class

2024-11-01

The University of Tennessee has secured a major commitment for its 2025 basketball recruiting class, landing four-star guard Amari Evans. The 6-foot-5, 180-pound prospect from Pittsburgh is regarded as the No. 74 player in the nation and will join an already impressive group of recruits set to don the orange and white in the coming years.

Securing a Coveted Talent for the Vols' Future

A Versatile and Skilled Guard

Amari Evans is a dynamic guard who possesses a well-rounded skill set. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 180 pounds, he has the size and length to create mismatches against opposing defenders. Evans is known for his ability to score from all three levels, showcasing a smooth jump shot, the ability to attack the rim, and a keen passing vision that allows him to facilitate for his teammates.Hailing from Pittsburgh, Evans has honed his skills playing in the prestigious Overtime Elite prep league, which has produced a number of high-profile prospects in recent years. His decision to commit to Tennessee over other notable programs like Pitt and Xavier speaks to the Volunteers' growing reputation as a destination for top-tier talent.

Joining a Talented 2025 Class

Amari Evans' commitment marks the second addition to Tennessee's 2025 recruiting class, joining power forward DeWayne Brown. The 6-foot-9, 250-pound Brown is ranked as the No. 82 prospect in the nation and is also a four-star recruit.Together, Evans and Brown form a formidable duo that will provide the Volunteers with a potent combination of size, skill, and versatility. Their arrival in Knoxville will undoubtedly bolster the team's future prospects and continue the program's tradition of developing elite talent.

Recruiting Momentum for the Volunteers

Tennessee's success in landing Amari Evans is a testament to the program's growing reputation on the national recruiting scene. The Volunteers have hosted several of the top-ranked prospects in the 2025 class, including forward Nate Ament (No. 4), forward Caleb Wilson (No. 5), and guard Isaiah Denis (No. 62).The program's ability to attract and secure commitments from these highly sought-after recruits underscores the appeal of playing for head coach Rick Barnes and his staff. The Volunteers' consistent success on the court, coupled with their ability to develop players and prepare them for the next level, has made Tennessee an increasingly attractive destination for the nation's top high school talent.

Continued Pursuit of Elite Talent

As the Volunteers continue to build their 2025 recruiting class, the focus now shifts to securing the commitment of Brayden Burries, the No. 12 prospect in the nation. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound guard from California has already taken an official visit to Knoxville and is considering the Volunteers among his top options.The addition of Burries, along with the already-committed Evans and Brown, would solidify Tennessee's status as a powerhouse in the 2025 recruiting cycle. The Volunteers' ability to attract and retain such a talented group of players will undoubtedly position the program for continued success in the years to come.

The Pitt Panthers have suffered a significant setback in their recruiting efforts for the Class of 2025, as they have lost one of their top targets, Amari Evans, to the Tennessee Volunteers. Evans, a highly-touted four-star wing, chose to commit to the Volunteers over the Panthers and the Xavier Musketeers, announcing his decision on the OTE YouTube channel.

Securing Top Talent: A Crucial Challenge for Pitt Panthers

A Promising Prospect's Journey

Amari Evans, a native of Pittsburgh, began his high school career at Bishop Canevin before transferring to Our Savior Lutheran in the Bronx, New York. He is now part of the Overtime Elite program, competing in Atlanta, Georgia. Despite his geographic moves, Evans maintained a strong connection with the Pitt coaching staff, visiting the campus both officially and unofficially.

The Recruiting Battle: Pitt Panthers vs. Tennessee Volunteers

Evans' recruitment was closely followed by various media outlets, including 247Sports, Rivals, and On3. Analysts from these publications unanimously predicted that Evans would ultimately choose the Tennessee Volunteers, making his decision unsurprising. The Volunteers were able to secure his commitment after he took official visits to their campus and to Xavier University.

Pitt Panthers' Recruiting Woes: A Concerning Trend

The loss of Amari Evans is not the only setback the Pitt Panthers have faced in their 2025 recruiting efforts. In recent months, the team has missed out on several other highly-touted prospects, including four-star guard Derek Dixon, four-star wing Davion Hannah, and four-star forward Niko Bundalo. The departure of these talented players is a concerning trend for the Panthers, who are struggling to maintain their competitive edge in the recruiting landscape.

Pitt Panthers' Remaining Targets: A Glimmer of Hope

Despite these recruiting challenges, the Pitt Panthers still have a few promising prospects in their sights for the Class of 2025. Four-star guard Isaiah Denis is set to announce his commitment decision on November 2nd, with the Panthers among his final six schools. Additionally, five-star guard Meleek Thomas, a teammate of Amari Evans on the New Heights Lightning NYC and City Reapers teams, also has the Panthers in his final seven schools, though he has not yet set a commitment date.

The Importance of Securing Top Talent

The ability to attract and retain top-tier talent is crucial for the Pitt Panthers' long-term success. As they continue to build their program, securing commitments from highly-ranked recruits like Amari Evans will be essential in elevating the team's competitiveness and positioning them for future success. The loss of Evans to the Tennessee Volunteers is a significant setback, but the Panthers must remain resilient and continue to aggressively pursue the remaining top prospects in the Class of 2025.

In a decisive exhibition matchup, the Indiana Hoosiers showcased their formidable size and skill, cruising to a 106-64 victory over the Marian Knights at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers' impressive performance sets the stage for an exciting 2024-25 season opener against SIU Edwardsville.

Hoosiers Flex Their Muscle in the Paint

The Hoosiers' size and physicality proved to be a significant advantage against the undersized Marian Knights. Indiana's dominance in the paint was on full display, as they converted an astounding 40 of their 45 two-point attempts, good for an 88.9% shooting percentage. The Hoosiers outscored Marian 70-24 in the paint and held a commanding 48-28 rebounding edge, showcasing their ability to control the interior.Malik Reneau led the charge for the Hoosiers, contributing 18 points and a team-high 8 rebounds. Bryson Tucker also made a strong impression, pouring in 19 points, while Oumar Ballo added 16 points to the Hoosiers' offensive onslaught. The Hoosiers' size and athleticism proved to be too much for the Knights to handle, as they struggled to match up with Indiana's frontcourt.

Shooting Woes Persist for the Hoosiers

Despite their dominance in the paint, the Hoosiers' three-point shooting remained a concern. For the second consecutive exhibition game, Indiana struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 6 of their 25 attempts (24%). Over the two exhibition contests, the Hoosiers have shot a mere 22.7% (10-44) from three-point range.Mackenzie Mgbako provided a glimmer of hope, knocking down 2 of his 5 three-point attempts, but the rest of the Hoosiers' perimeter players struggled to find their range. Luke Goode, in particular, had a difficult time, missing his first 10 three-point attempts before finally connecting on two in the second half.The Hoosiers' inability to consistently knock down outside shots could be an area of concern as they prepare for the regular season. Head coach Mike Woodson will undoubtedly work to address this issue in the coming weeks, as the Hoosiers look to find a more balanced offensive attack.

Newcomers Make Their Debuts

The exhibition matchup against Marian also provided an opportunity for several new faces to make their Indiana debuts. Freshman Bryson Tucker and redshirt freshman Jakai Newton both saw their first action in an IU jersey, with Tucker making a strong impression with his array of mid-range shots and high-flying finishes at the rim.Newton, who sat out last season following knee surgery, also saw his first game action as a Hoosier. His return to the court was a welcome sight for Indiana fans, as the team looks to bolster its depth and versatility.Additionally, Trey Galloway returned to the lineup after missing the Tennessee exhibition due to offseason knee surgery. His presence on the court was a positive sign for the Hoosiers, as they aim to have a fully healthy roster heading into the regular season.However, not all the news was positive, as Anthony Leal and Kanaan Carlyle were held out of the game. Leal, who fell awkwardly in the Tennessee exhibition, and Carlyle, who is dealing with bruised ribs, will need to be monitored closely as the Hoosiers prepare for their season opener.Despite the minor setbacks, the Hoosiers' exhibition victory over Marian provided a glimpse of the team's potential. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, Indiana appears poised to make a strong push in the 2024-25 season.