5) Ken Evans, Jr., Jackson State
Ahead of the 2023-24 season, Evans exemplified true grit. Nursing an ankle injury that limited his training, Evans turned to film study to sharpen his game, a strategy that proved immensely rewarding. His dedication to understanding the nuances of basketball facilitated a robust recovery and propelled him to SWAC Player of the Year—a testament to his dominance throughout the season.
Evans's prowess wasn't confined to conference play; he also shone brightly against top-tier non-conference opponents. The Mississippi native consistently lit up the scoreboard, dropping 20-plus points in clashes against Power Conference caliber foes like Missouri, Georgetown, Gonzaga, and Northwestern.
While schools like Syracuse, Mississippi State, West Virginia, Minnesota, and St. John's have drifted from the picture, FAU has made a late surge as a serious contender for Evans’s talents. After a tough offseason that left them scouting heavily for new blood, FAU seems poised to make a significant move to secure this resilient guard, hoping he can be a transformative presence for their program.
2023-24 Stats: 18.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.9 APG
