Top recruit Evans chooses Memphis

An athletic swingman, Tyreke Evans should fit nicely in Memphis' Dribble Drive offense. Richard Clement/Icon SMI

Goodbye, Derrick Rose. Hello, Tyreke Evans.

Evans, an athletic shooting guard at American Christian outside Philadelphia who earned MVP honors at last month's McDonald's All-American game, announced Wednesday that he will sign with Memphis a day after one-and-done star Rose declared for the NBA draft.

"It was hard to decide against staying home at Villanova, but I just think the Memphis program fits what I want to do," said Evans, who chose the Tigers over Villanova and Texas.

Though some suggest that Evans could jump to the NBA after one year, some scouts believe those comparisons to Rose should be tempered.

"He's a tremendous talent," says recruiting analyst Tom Konchalski. "but he still needs to work on not fading on his jump shot and the ballhandling needs to be improved."

Last summer, Louisville was thought to be the leader for Evans, but the Cardinals lost interest as the recruiting process dragged through the winter and into spring. Memphis then moved into the lead and was able to hold off Villanova and the attraction to stay home. Evans informed his brothers via phone while he was at school just after noon Wednesday.

"I talked with Derrick when I was down there for a visit," said Evans, "and what he said about the system was what I wanted to hear."

A three-time state player of the year, the 6-foot-5 Evans averaged 29 points per game as a senior and capped it off with a 21-point, 10-rebound performance in the McDonald's game, the top event for high school seniors.