Unsigned Evans to decide between Memphis, Villanova and Texas

Tyreke Evans (white) has kept his college choice a secret despite frequent attention. Stephanie Bahnatka/1stflashphotography.com

In late January, the Jeannette (Pa.) High basketball team was searching for a gym to practice in a day before the Jayhawks, who featured star football prospect Terrelle Pryor, were scheduled to play in the Primetime Shootout at Villanova University. By way of a friend, Lamont Peterson, a trainer with nearby American Christian School (Aston, Pa.), tournament director Jeff Hewitson found a temporary practice spot at the Tri-State Sports fitness center, which serves as American Christian's home court.

What he also assisted in coordinating was a meeting between Pryor and 6-foot-6 American Christian swingman Tyreke Evans, his basketball brother in prolonged recruitment announcements.

"I remember sitting there and thinking, there's the top football and the top basketball players of their age, each practicing on one side of the court," says Peterson, who has helped Evans train throughout high school. "We'll be watching them on TV next year."

On Wednesday, Evans, the MVP of the McDonald's All-American game last month, will announce his college decision live on ESPNU at 3 p.m. Long expected to commit to Memphis over Villanova and Texas, due both to John Calipari's free-flowing, guard-oriented offense and the Tigers' need to replace star freshman Derrick Rose, Peterson is not certain which way Evans will go. "He's been known to go the other direction from what his four brothers think," says Peterson, who along with Evans' four brothers makes up Team Tyreke. "The coach that is getting him does not even know right now."

Others, including high school talent evaluator Tom Konchalski, are convinced the decision has been made in advance. "The whole premise of Team Tyreke has been to get Tyreke into the NBA the fastest route as possible," Konchalski says. "You go to Memphis for the basketball experience. He would probably stay around longer and not go to the NBA as quick if he went to Villanova."

If Evans picks Memphis the ripple-effect could spread across the pool of top unsigned recruits, including Devin Ebanks, who will join Evans in Saturday night's Jordan Brand All-American game at Madison Square Garden. Additionally, Wesley Witherspoon (6-8, 185), another Memphis recruit playing in the Jordan is expected to wait and see if Evans pulls out a Tiger blue hat on national television. "That family has kept it sealed," said one recruiter courting Evans. "Let us know if you hear anything before we do."

While at work Tuesday afternoon, James Evans was informed by a co-worker that Rose would be leaving Memphis for the NBA. "Not a shock at all to me," Evans said. "We've known that family from the summer. We're very similar with the story of multiple brothers and Tyreke is the baby just like Derrick is with them."

For Villanova, gaining a commitment from Evans would bolster an already strong backcourt and add to Jay Wright's four-guard offense. It would also allow Evans, who is close with his family, especially since losing his father, John Holmes, to a heart attack last year. "Jay has been a class act throughout the whole process," says James Evans. "He laid it out how he would help Tyreke get to the next level with the workouts at 'Nova."

Whether it is Villanova, Texas or Memphis, James Evans says the announcement is coming today during the pre-arranged television time, unlike Pryor, who postponed his decision before choosing Ohio State. "The hats are set," says Peterson. "Now it is time to choose."