Oklahoma State’s Jawun Evans declares for NBA Draft
By Jason Klaer
Cowboys’ guard Jawun Evans will declare for the NBA Draft as well as hire an agent, according to cbssports.com.
Evans and Oklahoma State’s season came to an end last Friday after a first-round loss to Michigan. Following the game, Evans was favoring a return for his junior season. However, his OSU coach Brad Underwood left to take a job at the University of Illinois.
Furthermore, Evans would have experienced his third coaching change in as many seasons.
According to Draft Express, Evans is a projected late first round pick in this June’s draft. He averaged 19.2 points and 6.4 assists per contest during his sophomore season. He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team.
His points and assists mark were both team highs in 2016-17. Evans is the third Big 12 prospect on the board behind Kansas’ Josh Jackson and Baylor’s Jonathan Motley. However, he is the 10th overall Big 12 prospect.
Considering his potential agent signing, Evans will not be able to return to the Cowboys. OSU has not had a player drafted in the NBA since Marcus Smart and Markel Brown in 2014.
His 6 foot 1 inch frame and 6 foot 4 inch wingspan make him a versatile defensive guard who has major scoring capabilities.
Despite missing the last nine regular season games due to injury, Evans managed to earn the Big 12 Freshman of the Year award. He also led all Big 12 freshman in six categories, including points and assists.
Evans was also a three-time winner of the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week award. The Cowboys won 31 games in Evans’ two years at OSU.
OSU increased its regular season win total by seven games between 2015-16 and 2016-17.
All in all, Evans’ ability to score off of the dribble will increase his draft stock. His can distribute the basketball while also score at will. His long wingspan could make him a solid defensive guard.