Louisville '23 Commit Dennis Evans Signs Letter of Intent
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville men's basketball program has received a signed National Letter of Intent from Class of 2023 commit Dennis Evans, the program announced Thursday.
The center is the third player to officially sign with Louisville this week. Illinois transfer guard Skyy Clark and 2023 guard/forward Trentyn Flowers both signed with the Cardinals on Wednesday, which was the first day of the regular signing period.
"We're blessed to add one of the most unique high school players in the country in Dennis Evans," head coach Kenny Payne said in a release. "He's an elite defensive player with unbelievable skill. It's going to be a joy to watch him grow and become one of the best players in college basketball. There's no limit on the potential of how good he can be. He's a tremendous human being that has the character and the discipline that we sorely need in this program."
Evans had previously been committed to Minnesota, signing with them during last November's early signing period, but later requested to be released from his National Letter of Intent on this past February. Payne and Louisville immediately inserted themselves into the mix, and Evans went on an official visit to campus the weekend after the Cardinals' season ended in March. He then committed to Louisville just a few days after his visit.
The 7-foot-1, 210-pound big man is a massive addition, both literally and figuratively, to next season's roster. Evans ranks as high as the No. 11 prospect in the nation according to Rivals, and is the No. 39 player in the 2023 cycle according to the 247Sports Composite.
Also sporting a 7-foot-7 wingspan and 9-foot-8 standing reach, Evans is the epitome of a rim protector. During his senior season for Hillcrest, he averaged 14.7 points, 10.6 rebounds and 5.9 blocks per game. He nearly averaged a double-double over his four years at Hillcrest, putting up 10.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 blocks in 105 career games.
Louisville went just 4-28 this past season in their first year under Payne, and roster management has been in full swing since the end of their season. Louisville has seen seven players enter the transfer portal, including leading scorer El Ellis. Only Mike James, J.J. Traynor, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Emmanuel Okorafor are returning.
Conversely, Payne and his staff have been hard at work attempting to bring in fresh talent for next season. Louisville landed Flowers, Clark, and Evans all within the span of a week following the end of their season. They are also set to welcome top-70 wings Kaleb Glenn and Curtis Williams Jr., plus JUCO guard Koron Davis as part of their 2023 signing class. Only Davis has yet to officially sign.
(Photo of Dennis Evans via University of Louisville Athletics)
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