Tyreke Evans, the super-talented American Christian Academy guard and MVP of the McDonald's All- American Game, said last night that he was leaning heavily toward picking Villanova after making an official visit with the basketball coaching staff Tuesday night.
"After eating with Jay and talking to Jay, he kept it real with me," Evans said of the meeting with Villanova coach Jay Wright. "He told me the things I wanted to hear and some things I didn't want to hear but will make me a better player."
Evans, the nation's top unsigned basketball recruit, and several relatives and a family friend attended a two-hour meeting with Wildcats staff at Wright's Main Line residence.
"He showed me the respect he has for the players and how much of a family they are," Evans said.
Villanova's strong pitch made a strong impression. "They pretty much wanted 'Reke's undivided attention," said Reggie Evans, Tyreke Evans' older brother and legal guardian.
"It was a very thorough, detailed visit," said Lamont Peterson, an assistant coach at American Christian. "They went over how they planned to use him, how they could help him" in his quest to reach the NBA.
In addition to Evans, his older brothers - Reggie, Doc and Pooh - cousin Meek Evans, and Peterson visited with Wright and his staff.
Evans has said his list of college choices is narrowed to Villanova, Memphis, Texas and Connecticut. The 6-foot-6 Evans said he would announce his decision on April 16, the first day of the spring signing period.
ESPNU and ESPN News both plan to carry the press conference live.
Evans also made an official visit to Memphis and unofficial stops at Texas, Connecticut, Seton Hall and Louisville. Evans will not make any more visits.
"For me, it's about who can take 'Reke, break him down and build him back up," Reggie Evans said of the decision. "There are good and bad perks about staying close to home and playing. . . . People say I will have [a major influence on the decision], but this is 'Reke's decision."
Evans, a Parade All-American, will compete in the 11th annual Nike Hoop Summit on April 12 in Portland, Ore. While there, he and his brothers will go over his options, Reggie Evans said. He said they hope to come close to having a decision before they head back home.
"We are going to sit down and say, 'This [current college player] is leaving' " for the NBA, Reggie Evans said. 'This is who is staying.' "
At least one person close to Tyreke is pulling for the Wildcats. Peterson, who wore a Villanova T-shirt on Evans' visit to Memphis, would love for him to stay home.
"Jay is a great coach," Peterson said, referring to Wright. He pointed out that Wright's former guards - Kyle Lowry and Randy Foye - are both in the NBA. Another former 'Nova guard, Allan Ray, is playing professionally in Italy after a season with the Boston Celtics.
"He's proven to be a great guard coach," Peterson said of Wright. "If Tyreke stayed home, it would be great for the community."
Evans averaged 29 points, eight rebounds, six assists and 4.3 steals per game this season. After the Nike Hoop Summit, the 18-year-old will play in the Jordan Brand All-American Game on April 19 at Madison Square Garden.
Original Story:
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/coll....
"After eating with Jay and talking to Jay, he kept it real with me," Evans said of the meeting with Villanova coach Jay Wright. "He told me the things I wanted to hear and some things I didn't want to hear but will make me a better player."
Evans, the nation's top unsigned basketball recruit, and several relatives and a family friend attended a two-hour meeting with Wildcats staff at Wright's Main Line residence.
"He showed me the respect he has for the players and how much of a family they are," Evans said.
Villanova's strong pitch made a strong impression. "They pretty much wanted 'Reke's undivided attention," said Reggie Evans, Tyreke Evans' older brother and legal guardian.
"It was a very thorough, detailed visit," said Lamont Peterson, an assistant coach at American Christian. "They went over how they planned to use him, how they could help him" in his quest to reach the NBA.
In addition to Evans, his older brothers - Reggie, Doc and Pooh - cousin Meek Evans, and Peterson visited with Wright and his staff.
Evans has said his list of college choices is narrowed to Villanova, Memphis, Texas and Connecticut. The 6-foot-6 Evans said he would announce his decision on April 16, the first day of the spring signing period.
ESPNU and ESPN News both plan to carry the press conference live.
Evans also made an official visit to Memphis and unofficial stops at Texas, Connecticut, Seton Hall and Louisville. Evans will not make any more visits.
"For me, it's about who can take 'Reke, break him down and build him back up," Reggie Evans said of the decision. "There are good and bad perks about staying close to home and playing. . . . People say I will have [a major influence on the decision], but this is 'Reke's decision."
Evans, a Parade All-American, will compete in the 11th annual Nike Hoop Summit on April 12 in Portland, Ore. While there, he and his brothers will go over his options, Reggie Evans said. He said they hope to come close to having a decision before they head back home.
"We are going to sit down and say, 'This [current college player] is leaving' " for the NBA, Reggie Evans said. 'This is who is staying.' "
At least one person close to Tyreke is pulling for the Wildcats. Peterson, who wore a Villanova T-shirt on Evans' visit to Memphis, would love for him to stay home.
"Jay is a great coach," Peterson said, referring to Wright. He pointed out that Wright's former guards - Kyle Lowry and Randy Foye - are both in the NBA. Another former 'Nova guard, Allan Ray, is playing professionally in Italy after a season with the Boston Celtics.
"He's proven to be a great guard coach," Peterson said of Wright. "If Tyreke stayed home, it would be great for the community."
Evans averaged 29 points, eight rebounds, six assists and 4.3 steals per game this season. After the Nike Hoop Summit, the 18-year-old will play in the Jordan Brand All-American Game on April 19 at Madison Square Garden.
Original Story:
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/coll....
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