The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team, under head coach Rick Barnes, announced the signings of two promising high school players: DeWayne Brown II and Amari Evans. Both are four-star recruits and are expected to make significant contributions to the team.
DeWayne Brown II, a 6-foot-9, 255-pound forward from Hoover, Alabama, is recognized as one of the state’s top players, with high rankings from 247Sports, On3, and ESPN. Nationally, he ranks within the top 115 prospects across these platforms, with ESPN placing him at No. 66 overall in the class of 2025. Brown has excelled at Hoover High School, helping his team win back-to-back 7A state titles and securing MVP honors as a junior. In his junior title game, Brown recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his scoring and rebounding prowess. As a sophomore, he scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, solidifying his reputation with All-Tournament honors.
Brown’s performance in the 2024 Nike EYBL circuit with the Florida Rebels saw him average 11.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He chose Tennessee over other programs, including Mississippi State, Alabama, Cincinnati, and Virginia Tech. Coach Barnes expressed excitement about adding Brown to the program, noting his skill, work ethic, and ability to impact the game both in the paint and on the perimeter.
Amari Evans, a 6-foot-5, 211-pound guard from Pittsburgh who currently plays at Overtime Elite (OTE) in Atlanta, is ranked as a top-80 prospect by ESPN, 247Sports, and Rivals. Evans is also regarded as a top-11 player in Georgia and a top-18 small forward nationally. Known for his toughness, high basketball IQ, and defensive prowess, Evans was named OTE Defensive Player of the Year last season, helping his team, the City Reapers, secure the league championship. He posted regular-season averages of 10.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, raising his scoring to 11.8 points in the playoffs. This season, Evans has further improved, averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.
Evans chose Tennessee over Pittsburgh and Xavier, with additional interest from schools such as Georgia, Marquette, Texas A&M, and Villanova. Coach Barnes highlighted Evans’ defensive skills, shooting ability, and his winning mentality, calling him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s program.
With Brown and Evans on board, Tennessee’s future roster gains depth and talent, strengthening the team’s outlook for the coming seasons.
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