Keenan Evans is ready to help Olympiacos get to the next level
American guard Keenan Evans talks about his career and more.
Keenan Evans signed a three-year deal with Olympiacos in early July. The American guard had a career year with Zalgiris, but his season was cut short due to injury.
Evans ruptured the patellar ligament in his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 months. This is the second significant injury for Evans in as many seasons, but the American is attacking rehab and is ready to contribute to the Greek club.
The former Texas Tech standout has had quite the journey since going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft. Evans signed a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons, was waived, but spent time with two G League teams during the 2018-2019 season.
After a year in the G League, Evans played for Igokea in Bosnia from 2019 to 2020. He averaged 11.8 points and 3.0 assists across the Adriatic League and the Bosnian domestic league, a great start for Evans in Europe.
The combo guard spent two seasons in Israel and played for Hapoel Haifa before signing with EuroLeague club Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2021-2022.
In 2022, Evans signed with Lithuanian club Žalgiris Kaunas. He played in 24 games across the EuroLeague and Lithuanian LKL, averaging 13.7 points, 4.0 assists, and shot 44.7% from three. His season was cut short due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Evans rehabbed and came back stronger for Žalgiris, making up for lost time. He averaged 17.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals in the EuroLeague. Evans was an MVP candidate with his ability to score at all three levels and create mayhem on the defensive end.
Despite an injury that will cost Evans some time this season, Olympiacos signed him to join fellow Americans Alec Peters, Thomas Walkup, Nigel Williams-Goss, Moses Wright, Tyler Dorsey, and Shaq McKissic.
Evans will look to help Olympiacos get to that next level and compete for a EuroLeague title.
You've gone from a two-way contract and NBA G League to the EuroLeague; how would you describe your journey?
Evans: Besides my first professional year with the two-way contract, I think every year has been a steady progression. Each season I've had has helped me grow my game so much more, and you can see the work paying off.
What has been your best moment overseas? Most challenging moment overseas?
Evans: The best moment overseas was my first opportunity to play in the EuroLeague. The most challenging moment overseas is dealing with long-term injuries.
The following season, you went from Hapoel Haifa to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague. Was there an adjustment to playing full-time in the EuroLeague?
Evans: Yeah, for sure. The competition brought in and asked for more from you as a player. It makes the season much longer to play in two leagues, especially when you go back to the domestic league, where most teams play just one league, and you're tired from two. So they are ready and excited to beat up on you as much as possible.
You made a big jump in production from Maccabi to Zalgiris and haven't let your foot off the pedal since. What work have you put into your game to get to the level you're at?
Evans: A lot of that goes into the role you're needed to be on that team, but also just how serious I take my craft during the summers and in season. I want to be the best version of myself for not only me but my team as well.
The last two seasons ended in injury, but you returned stronger after the first injury. How is rehab going?
Evans: Rehab is going really well so far (it is) starting to pick up. Just trying to have the same positive mentality as I did after the first injury, come back even better. I try to just keep my head down and see the light that's at the end of the tunnel. I'm praying this is my last injury of this magnitude.
What are you looking forward to the most playing in Greece this year for Olympiacos?
Evans: I'm looking forward to getting healthy and being able to contribute and help a team get over that little hump that's stopping them from winning a EuroLeague title the last couple of years. I'm really excited to be a part of such a historical derby as well. I'm ready to immerse myself in the Greek culture with living and food as well!
Is there a plan in place for your return (minutes restriction, only playing the EuroLeague), or will you be ready to give it a full go once ready?
Evans: I'm not too sure about that. I'm sure I'll be on a little restriction at the beginning until I get my feet under me and make sure my body is responding well. Also, I will get to my in-season rhythm, especially playing on such a talented team. I will have to earn the coaches and my teammate's trust to be out there with them, but I'm sure I will be playing in both Greek/EuroLeague games when I am able to.