2022 Barry Evans’ stock continues to surge

2022 Team Melo wing Barry Evans Barry Evans 6'7" | SF Poly | 2021 State MD witnessed quite the uptick in his recruitment throughout the spring and summer. It all started with his decision to reclass to 2022 and attend Putnam Science Academy for a post-grad prep year. Due to COVID-19 shutting down the Baltimore City Public School season, Evans time on the floor was limited this winter, but his development was evident as the AAU season began and he carried it over into a productive showing at Peach Jam.

"I think my summer went well," Evans told Prep Hoops. "Playing with Team Melo on the EYBL Circuit, it’s the best competition and playing at a high level is just a blessing."

I’ve had the fortune to speak with a number of prospects about their experience on the EYBL Circuit. All of them raved about how challenging it is and credits the competition to improving their overall game.

"It helped my game a lot because there are no slouches. There’s never a night where you play a bum team. Everyone on the floor can play and every game is a dog fight."

Throughout his time at Peach Jam, Evans posted balanced stat lines that gave an accurate depiction of his versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.

"My game has improved a lot since the spring. My ball handling especially when I have a guy pressuring me is getting better. I still need to work on my shooting, but I gained a lot of confidence through playing against those guys. My role as a defender was I had to guard 1-5 basically. There would be times I’d be guarding guards, but mainly we really didn’t have a true center. So, I had to play around the rim too and I just had a next man up mentality."

Evans has picked up eight offers since the month of June. All of which are from mid-to-low major programs. He told Prep Hoops the programs reaching out most consistently are Towson, UMass and Quinnipiac.

"They really like how I can bring the ball up or when I get the rebound I can just push it myself. I can guard 1-4 and how long I am on defense. Just my overall versatility," Evans said when asked what college programs are telling him about his game.

All in all, Evans’ stock soared when he made the move to the 2022 class. He’s a prospect that should greatly benefit from the extra year of polishing his skill set and adding size to his 6-foot-7 frame. He has plus athleticism, plus length and his southpaw approach makes it difficult for defenders to adjust to his tendencies. The biggest attraction with Evans is his ability to play and guard multiple positions at the next level. Suring up his jumper will be a must, but that extra year with reps should result in becoming a capable shooter that the defense has to respect by the time he takes the floor as a college freshman. 

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