Passing the Torch: Kyan Evans Set to Lead the Tar Heels Into a New Era
As the North Carolina Tar Heels turn the page from one season to the next, a new name is emerging as the potential leader of a retooled backcourt: Kyan Evans. The former Colorado State point guard announced his decision to transfer to Chapel Hill, stepping into a role recently vacated by All-American RJ Davis. In Evans, UNC isn’t just acquiring a guard with impressive numbers—they’re getting a floor general with poise, vision, and a knack for rising to the occasion.
For head coach Hubert Davis and his staff, this commitment fills a crucial gap. Davis was the heart and soul of North Carolina’s offense last season, a veteran who dictated tempo, made clutch shots, and served as the team’s emotional leader. Replacing a player of that caliber is no small task, but Evans brings a unique combination of maturity and upside that could make him the perfect successor.
From the Heartland to the National Stage
Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound Evans emerged as one of the more underrated point guards in college basketball during the 2024–25 season. At Colorado State, he proved himself as both a reliable scorer and an efficient playmaker. In just his sophomore year, Evans started all 36 games for the Rams, averaging 10.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per contest. Beyond the raw numbers, what stood out was his efficiency: he shot 47.1% from the field and a scorching 44.6% from three-point range—an elite mark by any standard.
Those shooting splits placed him among the most accurate perimeter shooters in the nation, and they weren’t the result of a low volume or easy looks. Evans was often tasked with creating his own shot, navigating tight defensive coverage, and making plays late in the shot clock. He played with a patience and control beyond his years, often making the right read rather than forcing highlight-reel plays.
Evans’ ability to run an offense was especially evident when Colorado State faced high-pressure situations. He rarely turned the ball over, delivered crisp passes in transition, and showed an understanding of when to speed up the tempo or slow it down. All these traits will be essential in his new role at North Carolina, where expectations are always sky-high.
Shining Bright on College Basketball’s Biggest Stage we
While Evans had a solid regular season, his true breakout came during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. In a first-round matchup against fifth-seeded Memphis, Colorado State entered as a clear underdog. But Evans flipped the script with a performance that caught the attention of fans and coaches across the country. He poured in a career-high 23 points, drilling six three-pointers and guiding the Rams to a thrilling upset win.
That game didn’t just showcase his scoring ability—it revealed his calm under pressure and his leadership when the stakes were at their highest. Evans played with confidence and composure, never rushing his decisions and consistently making the right reads against a fast, aggressive Memphis defense. He looked like a veteran orchestrating a playoff-caliber offense, and he carried that energy throughout the tournament.
It was the kind of performance that doesn’t just build a résumé—it builds belief. Belief that he could lead a Power Five program. Belief that he belonged on a bigger stage. Belief that he could be the primary point guard for a blueblood like North Carolina.
A Perfect Fit for Chapel Hill
Evans’ decision to transfer to UNC comes at a critical juncture for the program. With Davis now pursuing professional opportunities and several other changes reshaping the Tar Heels’ roster, the team is looking for a new voice to lead the offense. And with Evans, they’re getting a player who checks all the boxes.
UNC’s offense thrives when run by a smart, fast-thinking guard who can distribute the ball and knock down open shots. Evans fits that mold perfectly. His ability to shoot off the catch or off the dribble will stretch opposing defenses and open driving lanes for wings and bigs. His court vision allows him to find teammates in stride, whether in transition or in half-court sets.
But beyond the X’s and O’s, Evans brings something less tangible yet equally valuable: maturity. He’s already played two full seasons of college basketball and has experience being the primary ball-handler. He knows how to handle adversity, how to manage the rhythm of a game, and how to be a vocal presence on the floor. Those are the traits Hubert Davis will lean on as he integrates a younger supporting cast around his new point guard.
Evans will also be asked to defend at a high level, something he’s shown flashes of. While not known as a lockdown defender, he has good lateral quickness and understands team defensive concepts. At UNC, where defense is often the catalyst for offense, Evans’ ability to apply pressure at the point of attack and disrupt passing lanes will be important.
Embracing the Pressure and the Platform
Transitioning to a program with the history and expectations of North Carolina isn’t always easy. The lights are brighter. The fanbase is louder. The scrutiny is constant. But Evans seems ready for the moment. He’s already shown that he can thrive in pressure-packed environments, and now he’ll have the opportunity to do it night in and night out in the ACC.
And while he’s new to the Tar Heel system, Evans won’t be alone. He’ll have the benefit of working with experienced coaches, training in top-tier facilities, and competing alongside high-level talent. With a well-rounded roster and a coaching staff that believes in player development, Evans is in a prime position to elevate his game even further.
Expectations will be high. UNC fans will look to him to set the tone, make big plays, and keep the offense humming. But those are exactly the responsibilities Evans seems to crave. He wants the ball in his hands with the game on the line. He wants to be the one making decisions. And now, in Carolina blue, he’ll get that chance.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter Begins
As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Tar Heels adjust to their new-look backcourt. While there are still questions to answer—how the team’s younger players will develop, what the rotation will look like, how the chemistry will evolve—one thing seems clear: Kyan Evans will be at the center of it all.
If his past performances are any indication, he won’t just blend in—he’ll lead. With a balanced game, a competitive edge, and a calm demeanor, Evans is poised to become the next great point guard in UNC’s storied lineage. His journey from Colorado State to Chapel Hill represents more than a change of scenery—it’s the start of a new era, one that he has every intention of defining.
And in doing so, he may just become the heartbeat of the next Tar Heel contender.
Leave a Reply