Wait is finally over for UNLV freshman James Evans

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Friday, May 31, 2024 | 2 a.m.

When James Evans committed to UNLV nearly a year ago, way back before his senior year at West Ranch High School (Stevenson Ranch, Calif.), he basically pledged to an unknown situation.

College basketball rosters turn over so relentlessly, predicting a Mountain West team’s fortunes 17 months in advance is almost impossible. Evans didn’t even have an incoming 2024 class to use as a reference point, as the Scarlet and Gray had no other commits at that time.

Evans was confident in head coach Kevin Kruger’s plan, however. And Evans got the impression he was going to be a big part of that plan.

“It was like, I’m the first guy,” Evans said. “They really believed in me. They think I can really come help the program as a freshman.”

So Evans said yes to UNLV, and since committing last June, he has stacked up a strong summer on the grassroots circuit and a very productive senior campaign that saw him averaged 19.6 points and hit 35.7% of his 3-point attempts while leading West Ranch to the CIF playoffs.

Evans is set to arrive in town next week, and he will finally get to hit the court for UNLV on June 10, when the team holds its first summer practice. Six other recruits eventually joined him in committing to UNLV, with four college transfers, a juco player and one other true freshman comprising the incoming class.

It has the early makings of a squad that can compete with the upper tier of the Mountain West, and Evans wants to contribute right away. He has been working on his defense for the past year while continuing to hone his outside shot, as those essential skills provide the likeliest path to playing time as a freshman.

“Those two things have been my major keys in trying to get better,” he said. “Being a good defender. Playing my role and being a great shooter. I’m probably going to be on the wing my freshman year, so it’s going to be a lot of 3 and D, defending, getting high-percentage shots. That’s what they want me to do.”

Evans is rated as a 3-star prospect by 247 Sports, slotted in as the No. 140 overall player in the Class of 2024. He had offers from Utah State and Washington, but decided early that UNLV was the best situation for him. And watching UNLV’s freshmen make an impact last season only strengthened his conviction.

True freshmen have become something of a rarity at UNLV. Kruger brought in three freshmen last year, and only two were active (forward Jacob Bannarbie took a redshirt year). In 2022-23, there was only one freshman on the roster in forward Keyshawn Hall. The year before, Keshon Gilbert was the lone frosh.

Though Kruger has loaded the 2024-25 roster with veterans, there will be an opportunity for a young player like Evans to seize a role. D.J. Thomas was obviously a special case last year, starting all 31 games while leading the team in scoring and assists, but freshman guard Brooklyn Hicks was also able to carve out a role as the season went on, becoming a valued reserve throughout conference play.

Evans believes he can follow a similar blueprint to earn playing time. He’s already got a head start on most freshman when it comes to physical profile, as he checks in at a chiseled 6-foot-6, 205 pounds. Those measurements put him closer to last year’s starting wings, seniors Luis Rodriguez (6-foot-6, 220 pounds) and Keylan Boone (6-foot-8, 200 pounds) than Hicks (6-foot-3, 185 pounds).

Evans said the UNLV staff was first intrigued by his size and agility, and that they have communicated a development plan with the goal of turning Evans into a premier defensive weapon against guards, wings and forwards.

“They were intrigued by how big I was and how fast I was moving,” Evans said. “They want me to get in the weight room. They want me to guard like a 1 through 4, maybe a 1 through 5 because of my height. And I’m strong. So they want me to get my body right for that kind of stuff.”

That kind of role is probably years in the future. For now, Evans is focusing on making a positive impression in practice and helping out any way he can.

Evans described himself as a “chill, laid-back guy” off the court and someone who is excited to meet his new teammates next week — almost a full year after initially committing.

“I’ve been waiting for this,” Evans said. “I’m ready to get out there.”

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.