Louisville basketball lands a massive piece — literally — in class of 2023 center Dennis Evans. What the 5-star center brings to the 2023-24 roster.
It’s finally happening. Louisville basketball has landed its first big-time, five-star recruit in 2023 center Dennis Evans.
Evans committed and signed with Minnesota in October of 2022, but has since asked out of his letter of intent, going on to announce his pledge to the Cards.
If Evans was drafted today, he’d have the fourth-longest wingspan in the NBA. He stands 7’1, has a 7’7″ wingspan, and a 9’7″ standing reach.
Surmise it to say that this is a talent that Louisville hasn’t had in a long, long time- If ever.
keep reading below.
What Evans brings to Louisville
Evans, first and foremost, is a gifted defender. Just due to size alone, he has a ridiculous ability to protect the rim and cause deflections anywhere in the paint.
Considering his athletic ability, Evans figures to be one of the best defenders and rebounders in college basketball from day 1 in Louisville.
Evans is also a shockingly good ball-handler and shooter. This year, he’s hit 33 percent of his three-point shots and knocked down 74 percent of his free throw attempts.
Most importantly, Evans serves as a major step up from the 2022-23 seasons as a gifted defender around the rim.
Evans finished his career at Hillcrest high school in Riverside, California as the all-time leading shot blocker with 563, most triple-doubles (7), and is the second all-time leading scorer (1,083) and rebounder (794).
This season, Evans had a single game where he recorded 16 blocked shots.
Here is a breakdown of Evans’ game from NBADraftroom.net:
“Evans is a freaky long shot-blocking center who brings a lot of value on the defense end. Has a massive 7-6 wingspan and is very effective patrolling the paint and turning away shots.
Does a good job of staying down, being patient and not biting on pump fakes. Jumps second and has pretty good timing as a shot blocker.
His offensive game is a little bit behind his defense. He got a late start with the game and is still putting things together, especially on the offensive end.
Shows decent footwork at this stage and the makings of a post game. Doesn’t have great touch but is developing and improving at a good pace and will only get better over time.
Moves pretty well for a player his size.”
The Cards officially have a player that Payne and staff can build around heading into 2023-24.
The first major momentum-shifting moment of the Kenny Payne era.
More on Evans and 2023 recruiting here:
The return of winning seasons are upon us. Give Kenny Payne time and he will return Louisville basketball back to it’s glory days of final fours and another champion ship