The American used to just shoot hoops for fun around the inner city of Los Angeles. Speaking to The Courier, he said he only started to think about basketball as a job in his final few years of high school.

"It was probably around 10th or 11th grade in high-school was when I figured out this was something I could do for a long time," he said.

Following his time at Leuzinger High School, Evans chose to attend the University of Nevada in Reno, about a nine hour drive from his home. The transition wasn't an easy one for Evans as he struggled academically and with injuries.

Following four years of up-and-down results with the Wolfpack, Evans found himself unsure on what was next for him, not knowing a life beyond basketball.

"Coming to the end of college it was just a roller coaster because I just didn't know what my destiny was going to be... I didn't know what was next."

What was next was his first professional opportunity, playing in Poland. Evans said the move took its toll on him.

"To be going to a different country by myself I just didn't know what to expect. The language barrier was a problem... the only thing I was eating was pizza because that was the only place that spoke English."

Evans returned briefly to the US before heading abroad again, this time to much more success in Cyprus and Greece before sustaining a season ending knee injury. He struggled mentally sitting on the sideline as his money dried up on expensive physical therapy.

"I hit a dark place, I was basically broke... I'd never had a regular job, basketball was it for me."

It took a chance online encounter with a fiend on social media that ultimately resulted in Evans receiving an opportunity to play in Australia with the Sandringham Sabres. This led to a connection with the soon-to-be Ballarat coach Brendan Joyce and a spot with the Miners.

Looking back, Evans is grateful for everything he went through because it led him to this point.

"I think coming to Australia was probably the best move for my career, I am so appreciative of the opportunities I have gotten over here."

The only thing left for Evans is a 2019 NBL1 championship.

"Winning is an amazing feeling and to close Ballarat's time at the Minerdome with a championship would be historic... I want to come back here one day and people say "I remember watching you, I remember the championship you guys won."