Miners sign guard with NCAA, NBL experience

THE final piece of the Hotondo Homes Ballarat Miners 2019 import puzzle has been laid down with the announcement that Jerry Evans Jr. will be joining the team.

Originally from L.A., Evens Jr. has an impressive resume with NCAA Div. 1 experience with the Nevada Wolf Pack, professional stints in Poland, Greece and New Zealand, and time in Australia with SEBAL’s Sandringham Sabres, and NBL teams Melbourne United and Cairns Taipans.

The 203cm guard was averaging just over 21 points a game last time he played in the local elite comp in 2017 and when on tryout for United went a double-double against the visiting Texas Longhorns.

“I am looking forward to returning the Australian and joining Ballarat, I have heard great things and I can’t wait to get out there and compete with my team mates,” Evans Jr said.

“I will bring excitement and a level of intensity, I am looking forward to playing in front of the Ballarat crowd and becoming a fan favourite.”

Miners Head Coach Brendan Joyce said Evens Jr. could play all over the court and was impressed by his ability, having seen him in action first hand.

“I have watched him play SEABL and put up strong numbers, he also played in the NBL with Cairns in 2016-17 as replacement player. I know he is [a} quality person and the community will embrace his friendly demeanour,” Joyce said.

“Jerry is a wonderful player with the versatility to play multiple positions from two, three and four.

“He can shoot the three and a good driver and is an athletic rebounder, I also love the fact that he also wants to defend.”

Evens Jr. will join the Miners in mid-March once he’s finished professional commitments in Cyprus.