Jacob Evans III

[jacobkdoyle]

Coach Cronin mentioned that Kenyon thought Evans was probably our best player when he was at practices earlier in the season. He has adjusted well to the D1 game, and seems to really be breaking through that freshman wall. He also seems to understand that we genuinely need him to shoot. He has passed some shots up this season that I hope he never passes up again from here on out. He's extremely talented.

 

[Bearcat513]

Every year when I see the recruits that UC gets I'm always excited to see how they do in high school and then when they get to Clifton. I remember seeing the ridiculous stats that Clark was putting up in HS, with triple doubles and the like. Same with Quadri. I was STOKED that we got Jermaine Lawrence.

But none of them were close to how excited I was when we landed Evans. I thought he was genuinely an McDonald's AA. He didn't have many other premiere offers, LSU was already getting Simmons so I bet that influenced Evans decision a bit. I am not saying I am some unbelievable talent evaluator or anything, but when we signed Evans I thought he was going to be an immediately scoring threat and will be a conference POY eventually. I am glad for the program we signed him and that he is performing well. Other borderline "top tier" recruits may see how hyped Evans was and him performing well at UC and decide they want to do the same.

 

[Bearcat Rob]

Shaqs injury may be the best thing that's happened for evans. Sometimes knowing your the man for that position and there's really nobody there to take those minutes you play loser and confident. He played all 40 minutes yesterday and it's no coincidence he had his best game. This last game and UConn seem to have been huge for his confidence. Waiting patiently for the eruption when him clark and troy on on the same day each getting 15+ points (and they all back next year)

 

[BearcatSpaniard513]

He is what most of us thought Shaq Thomas would be. He just has a much smoother stroke than Shaq and plays with more control. I think we actually take a step forward next year with Evans starting at the 3 and adding Cumberland and Washington. We'll miss Cobb but KJ should improve and Evans and Cumberland should get plenty of minutes.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

Lots of chatter about the idea of him leaving early. I haven't seen him on any 2018 Mock Draft boards. Obviously those could be missing good players at this point. But he'd have to go from not being on the radar, to a sure 1st round pick in 2 years (or else why would he leave early?). Is this realistic? Was the St. Joe's game him turning a huge corner, and he's just that player from here on out? Bc without that, not sure we'd be discussing this as a possibility. I'd like to see him get recognized in the AAC awards first, before talking about sending him off to the NBA early. I don't want to sound negative bc I do believe in his game, but nothing in Cronin's decade makes me believe he'll have Evans ready for that in 2 years.

 

[CPAW29]

That's a good thing for UC so they can be recognized with some talented basketball players. Evans is smart and can possibly create his own shot with confidence. If the NBA is looking don't be discouraged because maybe some higher tier recruites look at UC.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

That's a good thing for UC so they can be recognized with some talented basketball players. Evans is smart and can possibly create his own shot with confidence. If the NBA is looking don't be discouraged because maybe some higher tier recruites look at UC.

Definitely not discouraged...I'm asking if it's realistic.

 

[GarradJ21]

Definitely not discouraged...I'm asking if it's realistic.

Size, age, and athleticism are there. I think it's too early to tell. Yes, if he plays most of his games like he did against St. Joes then yes he's gone. We will have to see. Good news if he goes then yeah, we will get attention and we can offer a big time recruit the thought of starting for us in the Big 12

We saw signs of Evans NBA potential in that Butler game too. Two big time games he stepped up. Needs a few more and will have the chance to shine all year with playing teams like Duke, Xavier and ISU. We better be top in the AAC so there's more publicity for him.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Lots of chatter about the idea of him leaving early. I haven't seen him on any 2018 Mock Draft boards. Obviously those could be missing good players at this point. But he'd have to go from not being on the radar, to a sure 1st round pick in 2 years (or else why would he leave early?). Is this realistic? Was the St. Joe's game him turning a huge corner, and he's just that player from here on out? Bc without that, not sure we'd be discussing this as a possibility. I'd like to see him get recognized in the AAC awards first, before talking about sending him off to the NBA early. I don't want to sound negative bc I do believe in his game, but nothing in Cronin's decade makes me believe he'll have Evans ready for that in 2 years.

First the player also bears responsibility for getting to that level. Second I am expecting a big jump in production. This is based on what he provided as a Freshman and doing it while not 100% healthy which I have heard hindered his explosiveness. His all around game stood out to me as well. He played defense better then most freshman, rebounded and made very good decisions with the basketball. His handle was decent and certainly should improve. He shoots FT's well and his outside shot looked good. He has a all around game that many do not have. If he puts in the work I would be surprised if he isn't a first round pick. Could it happen in 3 threes? I could see that happening.

 

[Red_N_Black_Attack]

Lots of chatter about the idea of him leaving early. I haven't seen him on any 2018 Mock Draft boards. Obviously those could be missing good players at this point. But he'd have to go from not being on the radar, to a sure 1st round pick in 2 years (or else why would he leave early?). Is this realistic? Was the St. Joe's game him turning a huge corner, and he's just that player from here on out? Bc without that, not sure we'd be discussing this as a possibility. I'd like to see him get recognized in the AAC awards first, before talking about sending him off to the NBA early. I don't want to sound negative bc I do believe in his game, but nothing in Cronin's decade makes me believe he'll have Evans ready for that in 2 years.

I personally wish him the best of luck if he plays at a level that draws first round NBA draft status. I'd even be happy if he received that kind of attention for the 2017 draft, leaving after his sophomore campaign. If he is hearing whispers of early second, late first round, I hope he stays for another year, but if he is hearing mid-first round or sooner then he should go for two reasons. 1. it could be the highest his stock gets and he shouldn't risk injury for marginal gains - the NBA players are playing for that second contract and the pay difference between 40th pick and 15th would be worth going after sophomore year. 2. If he's playing that well, then the Bearcats are playing well as a team.

If JD3 leaves as mid or early first round pick in 2018 (after junior year) that'd be a great UC career for him too. Do I want four year players - yes. However, I don't want a kid to stay four years if it adds no value to him - I'm okay with players leaving early on occasion, but don't want him to make same mistake as Satterfield. DJ and Dantonio could've been helped by at least one more year, but both had high ceilings and lot's of potential. Kenny listened to the wrong people. I think JD3 will listen to the right people and has a high ceiling at the next level.

One thing I look for in an early draftee is that he makes the players around him better. JD3 can open things up for Gary to shine too.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

I personally wish him the best of luck if he plays at a level that draws first round NBA draft status. I'd even be happy if he received that kind of attention for the 2017 draft, leaving after his sophomore campaign. If he is hearing whispers of early second, late first round, I hope he stays for another year, but if he is hearing mid-first round or sooner then he should go for two reasons. 1. it could be the highest his stock gets and he shouldn't risk injury for marginal gains - the NBA players are playing for that second contract and the pay difference between 40th pick and 15th would be worth going after sophomore year. 2. If he's playing that well, then the Bearcats are playing well as a team.

If JD3 leaves as mid or early first round pick in 2018 (after junior year) that'd be a great UC career for him too. Do I want four year players - yes. However, I don't want a kid to stay four years if it adds no value to him - I'm okay with players leaving early on occasion, but don't want him to make same mistake as Satterfield. DJ and Dantonio could've been helped by at least one more year, but both had high ceilings and lot's of potential. Kenny listened to the wrong people. I think JD3 will listen to the right people and has a high ceiling at the next level.

One thing I look for in an early draftee is that he makes the players around him better. JD3 can open things up for Gary to shine too.

Do you mean JEIII?

 

[Red_N_Black_Attack]

Do you mean JEIII?

Yes - fat thumbs and short bus is for me.. thanks

 

[UCalum08]

Evans will play at least 3 years at UC. The only decision will be to come back and play his Senior year. IMO

 

[justinhub2003]

Evans will play at least 3 years at UC. The only decision will be to come back and play his Senior year. IMO

Agree.

This is the year Jacob Evans makes a name for himself. He will then be hyped going into his JR year and that would be the year he would leave if he chose to.

But I feel that Gary Clark could really make a huge name for himself this year. I went and watched his highlight tapes from last year. He has so much skill: He can drive, he can shoot, he can rebound, He play great D and he can pass. Literally is a player who can do everything well. If he asserts himself this year, gets mean and demands the ball, we will be hard to beat and Gary will be well into the national spotlight.

Those are 2 biggest pro potential players IMO: Gary and Jacob

Cumberland has the size to be a 2 guard in the league as well but we need to see how he does at this level.

I also feel TC gets a bunch of good press this season

 

[L-T]

First the player also bears responsibility for getting to that level. Second I am expecting a big jump in production. This is based on what he provided as a Freshman and doing it while not 100% healthy which I have heard hindered his explosiveness. His all around game stood out to me as well. He played defense better then most freshman, rebounded and made very good decisions with the basketball. His handle was decent and certainly should improve. He shoots FT's well and his outside shot looked good. He has a all around game that many do not have. If he puts in the work I would be surprised if he isn't a first round pick. Could it happen in 3 threes? I could see that happening.

The coach also bears responsibility to find players who have that kind of drive and to be able to run a program that attracts them to sign here.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

The coach also bears responsibility to find players who have that kind of drive and to be able to run a program that attracts them to sign here.

I agree but putting in the time and effort is on the player. It is not a one sided arrangement.

 

[CrakkerBarrellsX]

Reminds me of jimmy butler. He's defense is actually ahead of his offense right now and thats scary. Best wing we've had in a very long time

 

[DSquare]

He should spend some time with SK. He has the road map.

 

[L-T]

He should spend some time with SK. He has the road map.

Not sure I agree that SK's roadmap is the one to use. He was in college 5 years, then another couple in the D League, before he finally made it. SK's roadmap would be the one to use for the mediocre players who work their tail off and never give up, and eventually persevere.

 

[Madman81]

yeah, guys with more talent shouldn't work as hard - right.