Amari Evans, a four-star shooting guard from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has committed to play for the Tennessee Volunteers under the guidance of legendary head coach Rick Barnes. The decision to join the Vols' 2025 recruiting class was driven by Evans' admiration for Barnes' coaching prowess and the program's winning culture.

A Coveted Recruit Drawn to a Hall of Fame Coach

Recognizing the Value of a Proven Winner

Amari Evans, a highly-touted prospect ranked as the No. 83 overall recruit in the 2025 class, was drawn to Tennessee's storied basketball program and the leadership of Coach Rick Barnes. As Evans explained, "Coach Rick Barnes is a hard-nosed coach. He's one of the few Hall-of-Fame coaches left. There's not very many of them. That stood out. He's just a winning guy with a great personality." The opportunity to play for a coach with such an impressive track record and a proven ability to develop talent was a significant factor in Evans' decision.

Embracing a Demanding Coaching Style

Evans' admiration for Coach Barnes' coaching style was further solidified during his visits to the Tennessee campus. He recounted an incident where he witnessed Barnes holding one of the team's best players, Dalton Knecht, to a high standard, saying, "I went to a game last year, and he was hard on Dalton Knecht. I watched him take him right out of the game, no hesitation. So I feel like if you're going to hold your best player to that standard, that's a testament to what you do for the rest of your team." This display of accountability and high expectations resonated with Evans, who believes it reflects the level of commitment and discipline required to succeed in the Vols' program.

Joining a Promising 2025 Recruiting Class

Evans' commitment to Tennessee marks the second addition to the Vols' 2025 recruiting class, following the earlier pledge of four-star center Dewayne Brown. The 6-foot-9, 235-pound prospect from Hoover, Alabama, is ranked as the No. 101 overall recruit and the No. 8 center in the country. With the addition of Evans, Tennessee's 2025 class is shaping up to be a formidable one, as the program continues to attract top-tier talent.

Embracing the Vols' Winning Culture

In describing what the Vols are getting in their latest commitment, Evans emphasized his dedication to the team and his desire to win. He stated, "A hard player, amazing defender, love my teammates, and will do anything to win." This commitment to team success and a willingness to embrace a demanding coaching style aligns perfectly with the winning culture that Coach Barnes has cultivated at Tennessee.

A Versatile and Promising Prospect

Amari Evans is a 6-foot-5, 204-pound shooting guard with a well-rounded skill set. According to the On3 Scouting Report, Evans "has a good basketball frame with nice length and broad shoulders" and is "a capable shooter with range beyond the arc." Additionally, he is "a solid secondary ball handler, able to restart possessions and get the ball where it needs to go," and can "defend at the point of attack or off the ball, being aggressive in the passing lanes." As Evans continues to develop and refine his game, he is poised to be a valuable asset to the Vols' roster.

Joining a Storied Basketball Program

Tennessee's basketball program has a rich history of success, with Coach Rick Barnes leading the charge. The Vols have consistently been a contender in the Southeastern Conference and have made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances under Barnes' guidance. By committing to Tennessee, Amari Evans will have the opportunity to be a part of this storied tradition and contribute to the program's continued success.

A Promising Future for the Vols

With the addition of Amari Evans and Dewayne Brown to the 2025 recruiting class, the Tennessee Volunteers are poised to maintain their status as a top-tier basketball program. The combination of Coach Barnes' proven leadership, the program's winning culture, and the influx of talented recruits like Evans and Brown suggests a bright future for the Vols on the hardwood.