Evans had nine points and a game-high 12 rebounds for seventh-seeded Eberlein Drive, but top-seeded Overseas Elite pulled out a 70-58 victory for its fourth straight TBT title in Baltimore. The game was broadcast on ESPN.
The Basketball Tournament is a winner-take-all event with a $2 million prize. This is the fifth year of the open-application, single-elimination tourney.
.@JeremyEvans40 has got some SERIOUS hops! @EberleinDrive #TBT2018 pic.twitter.com/xmKDrbPplW
— TBT (@thetournament) August 4, 2018
Last season, Evans competed in the tournament on the Kentucky Kings with a team that also included fellow ex-Hilltoppers A.J. Slaughter, Steffphon Pettigrew, Tyrone Brazelton and Kahlil McDonald.
Evans joined Eberlein Drive this year before the Sweet 16 and immediately made an impact in the starting lineup with five points and eight rebounds.
He followed that up with eight points and seven rebounds in the quarterfinals, then had consecutive key baskets late in Eberlein's victory over Team Fredette in Thursday night's semifinals. Evans also had the assist on the game-winning basket in the semis.
Evans' TBT run follows up a successful pro season in 2017-18 that saw him split time between a 10-day contract with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and the G League playoffs with the Erie BayHawks.
The 6-foot-9 forward from Crossett, Ark., averaged 15.3 points, 10 rebounds and 1.3 blocks last season for Erie as the team reached the G League Eastern Conference final. Between playoff outings, Evans spent time with Atlanta on the NBA roster.
The veteran has been a pro staple since he was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the second round in 2010, making him WKU's most recent draft pick among its 35 all-time NBA Draft selections.
Evans finished his Hilltopper career in 2009-10 as the school's all-time leader in blocked shots (224), scored 1,065 career points and averaged 10 points and 6.9 rebounds as a senior.
Playing with a chip on their shoulder, @JeremyEvans40 gives the keys to an @EberleinDrive victory tonight. #TBT2018 pic.twitter.com/IWvfQhcmtN
— TBT (@thetournament) August 4, 2018
