In a significant pickup from the transfer portal, the North Carolina Tar Heels have landed former Colorado State guard Kyan Evans. The rising sophomore announced his commitment to UNC on Sunday, giving head coach Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels a dynamic and fast-rising backcourt piece ahead of the 2025 season.
Evans, a 6-foot, 175-pound guard from Kansas City, Missouri, made an immediate impact during his freshman campaign at Colorado State. Averaging 9.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game while shooting 45% from the field and 36% from three, Evans quickly established himself as one of the Mountain West’s most promising young guards.
His breakout season and quick development caught the attention of several high-major programs, but it was North Carolina’s tradition, opportunity, and style of play that won him over.
“UNC just felt right,” Evans said. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt the love from Coach Davis and the staff. The culture, the expectations, and the chance to grow my game at the highest level – it was everything I was looking for.”
The addition of Evans is a timely one for North Carolina, which has seen turnover in the backcourt due to graduation and NBA Draft departures. Evans brings speed, poise, and the ability to create off the dribble – all qualities that will fit well in Davis’ up-tempo offensive scheme.
More than just a scorer, Evans showed maturity beyond his years at Colorado State. He often took on the role of floor general, pushing the pace and making timely plays, both as a scorer and a distributor. His basketball IQ and defensive intensity also caught the eye of scouts and coaches alike.
“He’s a gamer,” one ACC assistant coach said anonymously. “Kyan may not have had the biggest name out of high school, but he proved quickly that he belongs on the big stage. He’s fearless, he plays hard, and he’s got that chip on his shoulder.”
Originally a three-star recruit coming out of high school, Evans was overlooked by some Power Five programs but developed rapidly under Colorado State head coach Niko Medved. Now, with a year of college experience under his belt, Evans looks poised to make an even bigger leap in Chapel Hill.
For North Carolina, his commitment adds critical depth to the backcourt, especially after the departure of veterans like RJ Davis. Evans is expected to compete immediately for playing time, and given his explosiveness and ability to get to the rim, he could carve out a major role quickly.
Hubert Davis has been aggressive in the transfer portal this offseason, looking to reshape the roster after a solid 2024 campaign that fell just short of the Final Four. Evans is one of several targets brought in to keep UNC competitive at the national level while continuing to blend talented newcomers with veteran experience.
With Evans now in the fold, UNC’s backcourt rotation becomes more flexible. His presence opens up opportunities for different lineups – whether he’s running the offense, playing off the ball, or matching up defensively with quick guards. His combination of toughness, quickness, and developing shooting touch adds another weapon to UNC’s arsenal.
As for Evans, the move represents both a step up and a challenge – one he says he’s more than ready for.
“I’ve always believed in myself,” Evans said. “Now I get to do it on one of the biggest stages in college basketball. I’m ready to work.”
North Carolina fans now have another reason to be excited about the 2025 season. With Kyan Evans joining the fold, the Tar Heels gain not only a talented guard, but a competitor with something to prove — and that could be a game-changer in Chapel Hill.
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