(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS men’s basketball team is adding 6’6” combo guard-forward Vegas Evans to their recruiting class of 2022.
“Vegas has the potential to be an outstanding U SPORTS player,” said REDS head coach Joe Salerno. “He’s a great addition to our program.”
The 18-year-old, from Brampton, Ontario, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2022-2023 Atlantic University Sport season.
He recently completed a post-high school graduation year with two highly touted prep programs. Evans was at Bull City Prep, in Charlotte, North Carolina, from September to January, and Scarborough Prep, in Toronto, from January to March.
“Coach Salerno and Coach Morrison have great resumes and connections, and they come from professional backgrounds and know what I need to work on to achieve my goal of playing professionally,” said Evans.
Evans is a former member of the Vaughan Panthers, of the Ontario Basketball Association, and is currently playing with Toronto’s Grassroots Elite Canada program.
“Coach Salerno made sure I knew he wanted me to come to UNB and said I’d have a chance to play right away, even compete for a starting job,” said Evans. “That was a big factor for me.”
“I can score from anywhere on the floor and I’m versatile, which helps me play multiple positions. I can create my own shot or a shot for a teammate. I play well defensively by anticipating passes and staying active. I’m a high IQ player who will make the best decision for my team.”
“He’s competed at some very high levels, including playing for Grassroots Elite Canada right now,” said Coach Salerno. “His skill set and ability to shoot the ball, combined with his size is a rare find, so you can imagine how excited we were to receive his commitment. Vegas is someone we’re anticipating can have a big impact on our program right away.”
Evans says, short-term, he wants to play as big a role with the team as he can and help the REDS win. Longer-term, he wants to help bring AUS and national championships to UNB before graduating to professional basketball.
Evans will study Finance and Entrepreneurship while attending UNB.
PHOTOS: UNB Athletics