Amari Evans, a four-star small forward prospect from Overtime Elite in Atlanta, Georgia, has committed to the University of Tennessee for the class of 2025. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound wing announced his decision on Friday, signaling a major win for Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers basketball program. Evans chose the Vols over other prominent programs, including Pittsburgh and Xavier.
Evans is considered one of the top prospects in the nation. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he is ranked No. 74 overall in the 2025 class. More impressively, Evans stands as the No. 14 small forward and No. 11 prospect in the state of Georgia. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism has drawn significant attention from college programs across the country, and his commitment to Tennessee is a significant step for the Vols as they continue to build their recruiting class.
Tennessee’s recruitment of Evans began in earnest last summer when the Vols extended a scholarship offer on August 14. Evans had already shown considerable promise at Overtime Elite, a program that has gained recognition for developing top-tier talent in a competitive environment. Evans officially visited Tennessee on August 30, where he likely experienced the culture and coaching staff that have made the Vols one of the most competitive programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in recent years.
In Evans, Tennessee is adding a versatile player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. His athleticism, combined with his size, allows him to be an effective scorer, rebounder, and defender. His scoring ability is highlighted by his impressive outside shooting, but Evans is also adept at driving to the basket and finishing through contact. His length and agility make him a dynamic defender, capable of guarding multiple positions and contributing to Tennessee’s reputation as a tough, physical team on that side of the ball.
Evans’ commitment is especially important for Tennessee as the Vols continue to build for the future. He is the second commitment in Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class, joining center DeWayne Brown, who committed earlier this year on April 20. Brown, a highly-rated big man, and Evans will provide the Vols with a strong foundation for their 2025 recruiting efforts, giving the program a potent mix of inside and outside talent. Both players fit into Barnes’ system, which emphasizes a balanced, team-oriented style of play, with strong defensive principles and a focus on unselfish ball movement on offense.
With Evans’ commitment, Tennessee’s recruiting momentum seems poised to continue. The Vols have become a rising power in college basketball, consistently competing for top talent and positioning themselves for deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Evans’ addition to the 2025 class gives Tennessee another piece in their quest to stay competitive in the SEC and nationally. As Evans continues to develop his game over the next year, he could prove to be a major contributor for the Vols once he arrives on campus, further solidifying Tennessee’s status as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
Overall, Amari Evans’ commitment to Tennessee is a significant milestone in the Vols’ ongoing recruitment efforts, and fans are already excited to see how the dynamic small forward will contribute to the program in the years to come.
