Surprise, surprise.
Tyreke Evans, the 6-5 guard from American Christian who is the top unsigned senior in the nation, announced Wednesday that he will attend Memphis.
“It was a tough decision. I wanted to stay close to home with my mom, my brothers and my family,” Evans said on ESPNU, “but the school I chose is the University of Memphis.”
Evans selected Memphis over Villanova and Texas.
“I just decided that Memphis is a better offense for me and I would like play with Coach (John) Calipari,” said Evans, referring to the Memphis coach who recently received a contract extension. “That was big knowing that he’s going to be there for a couple more years. The talent that he brings in, and helps his kids. I think that he does a good job, so I’m just glad for him. And hopefully he’s glad for me to be there.”
Rose will likely fill in at the point for the departed Derrick Rose, who is likely to be one of the top two picks in the upcoming NBA Draft.
“Hopefully I can be the best basketball player I can be, go in there and work hard,” Evans said. “Hopefully Coach Cal can get me ready to get to the next level and be successful in the NBA.”
Villanova coach Jay Wright had high hopes of keeping Evans close to home, but Evans’ involvement in a drive-by shooting may have helped push him to get out of the Philadelphia area.
“This is recruiting, guys,” Wright told ESPN by phone. “You win some , you lose some…but I can say congrats to John and Memphis.”
Evans will be in New York later this week for Saturday night’s Jordan Brand Classic at Madison Square Garden.
There, we expect him to work on Devin Ebanks to join him in Memphis. The 6-9 Ebanks is considering Memphis, West Virginia, Rutgers and Texas after de-committing from Indiana.
